• Submitted by: Camila
• Sports
• 02 / 25 / 2015

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Roenis Elias began last season as a pitcher who had never opened a duel in a higher category A. He ended unexpectedly gaining a position as a fifth starter of Mariners and reached ten victories.

Apparently there are four posts and distributed in the rotation. So Elias will have to wage the battle for the last vacancy. "We still have to work hard and keep improving," said Elias, who had improved to 10-12 and an ERA of 3.85 in 29 starts. "Even if I say I'm ready for that position, so I will not show it otherwise."

The stars Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma would have guaranteed their place. James Paxton dawned in 2014, averaging 3.04 ERA in 13 starts. The manager Lloyd McClendon said the club made a trade to get the services of JA Happ with the intention that the left-handed opener is. This would leave only one position available.

In other circumstances, Elias would have that secured site. But Taijuan Walker, 22, has drawn attention, as well as other launchers. "You just have to go out and do what I know," said pitcher Guantánamo.

With a year of experience in the majors, Elias said that pays more attention to the details and see more videos in search of small adjustments to the angle of his arm. In addition, it relies on veteran players like Robinson Cano and Fernando Rodney, or Venezuelans Yoervis Medina and Hernandez to know how to prepare mentally.

In September, Elias got a shock when he felt stiffness in elbow, which ended his campaign. His arm has fully recovered, and the pitcher rule that has more problems. "I'm ready to pitch and help the team reach the playoffs," he said.

Although his immediate future is a matter of some doubt, Elias says he feels more comfortable. Not speak English well yet, but promised Sunday that are ready to be interviewed in that language in a couple of months. Also, expect fewer distractions this season.

He acknowledged that his mind was "a little scattered" the previous year, being separated from his family. "It's easier to concentrate on the fact that they are here and you can see them every day," he said. His wife and 2 year old son have moved from Mexico to the United States.

Elias has plans to see even more familiar after this season. He has not returned to Cuba since his escape in a boat in October 2010. After requesting a visa is eager to join his father and grandmother in December. "It's going to be great to see them," he confided. "Seeing them is my motivation to do what I do".

Source: Martí Noticias