St. Louis Post-Dispatch
October 13, 2001

Morris Talks While Waiting Out the Rain

By Jeff Gordon

Q AND A WITH MATT MORRIS

While waiting to see if he'll be needed to pitch in a Game 5 of his playoff series, Cardinals pitcher Matt Morris chatted with reporters. Here are some highlights of what he said:

On hoping he'll be needed for a Game 5: "Sure, I'm hoping I get a lot more than one more. But right now, the situation we're in, we have to take one game at a time. And considering the rain today, who knows what's going to happen. I could get my chance tomorrow in the fourth game, which will make me just as happy. But we got Bud Smith going today, and if he pitches the game, I think he matches up well against those guys and we take it to Arizona for the deciding game."

On whether he could pitch in Game 4 if needed: "I'm available. I don't see them using me, though, with (Dustin) Hermanson in the bullpen and guys like that. You know, I think Bud Smith is good enough for today. I think he's going to go out and pitch a good game. My day will be tomorrow."

On whether he can pitch any better than he did in Game 1: "Well, I can win the game. That would be for starters. I'm wondering if (Curt Schilling) could pitch any better. I gave up the run in the fifth, which was the deciding run in the game. And, you know, if we match up tomorrow in the deciding game, it's tough for him. He's got to go out there and throw a compete-game shutout again to match his performance. As far as I'm concerned, I'm already 0-1. I'm going to go out there and give it all I've got. If he matches his performance, you can only tip your hat to him and head on home. But I think we've got a good chance."

On whether his strong Game 1 outing will help him harness his emotions in a Game 5: "I think throwing the first game and getting in trouble in the first inning, and controlling myself a little bit with the help of (Mike) Matheny, and making some pitches and getting out of it, is only going to help my experience for the fifth game or later postseason games. I think as the season went on, I was able to understand that sometimes when I'm out there I get emotional and it's not bad, but my adrenaline kicks in and I start trying to blow the ball by guys. And I've come to realize if I make pitches, I can get out seven if I'm 90, 95 percent. I'm just looking for the opportunity now."

On the danger of trying to be too perfect while matching pitches with Schilling: "I remember before the first game talking to Darryl Kile. I'm up against Schilling and he can throw a lot of zeroes, he can go deep into games, throw a lot of pitches, strike a lot of guys out. All I can match is zeroes, keep the game close, hopefully keep us ahead. But as far as matching him pitch by pitch, it's tough to do. The guy is probably the best pitcher in the game, or one of them, with Randy (Johnnson). If I can put up zeroes, I am going against their offense, if I can stop them, it would put us in a good situation to win."

On whether he has reviewed a video of his Game 1 performance: "I haven't watched the game, but I vividly remember all the mistakes that I did make. I made a couple of selection mistakes, a change-up to (Tony) Womack, and then I had Schilling 0-2 in a bunting situation. I could have made better decisions for him not to get the bunt.

"You never know what kind of stuff you're going to bring to the table. If I can keep the ball down, no matter what pitch it is, I have a good chance."