How different is St. Louis from New England?
It is definitely hotter. And St. Louis is just real laid-back. People are nice here. You go to the grocery store or just anywhere, things seem to move at a slower pace. People aren’t driving 100 mph all over the place, the way they do on the East Coast. What’s it like to pitch in St. Louis in August? It’s hot—and, if you’re playing well, the games get turned up a notch in terms of the pressure, because you’re closer to October and possibly the playoffs. The fans are obviously into it, too. Games get more fun as the season goes on. And did I say it was hot? What’s your routine between starts? You’re not just sitting around the dugout eating sunflower seeds and talking to the guys about American Idol, are you? [Laughs.] I’ve got my workout routine. I’ve got my throwing routine. You pay attention to the games, try to watch hitters and talk about them with the other starters and get your game plan ready. You’re playing with arguably the greatest player of your generation, Albert Pujols. If
