An economics major from Winter Garden, Fla., Blake Dietrich is preparing for his junior season with the Bulldogs. Blake has been a versatile pitcher, seeing action as a starter, reliever and closer. In his career, he has made 45 appearances with eight starts. Last year, he went 3-3 with two saves in 28 games. He helped the Bulldogs advance to the final of the 2011 NCAA Corvallis (Ore.) Regional. One of his best outings last year came at the SEC Tournament when he led the Bulldogs to a win over top-ranked South Carolina. It was the Gamecocks last loss as they went on a 10-game winning streak to claim the national title.
How have the preseason preparations been for you and the squad?
"They're going really well. We've turned it up a notch since Christmas break, and I feel like the guys have responded to the scrimmages and practices. We're doing the little things right, like bunt defense. Everybody knows what's going on."
What is your most important goal for the 2012 season?
"The number one goal is to win the National Championship, but going for an SEC Championship is huge for us as well."
What did you take away from the 2011 season?
"Last season, I was able to experience going to a regional and winning. It was a great experience going to the West Coast to play and to see a different type of baseball. We all got a taste for what's out there for us."
Is there anything you would like to improve on from last year?
"Consistency is the biggest thing I'm working on. I am working on consistently keeping the ball down and just focusing on getting ahead in the count. I am doing my best to make my pitches strikes."
Who has had the greatest impact on your life?
"Definitely my father, he has always been very supportive of me. He has always told me if there is something out there that I want to do, then to just do it the best that I can."
You've had starting, relief, and closer roles in your career. What kind of adjustments, if any, do you make in those situations?
"There aren't huge adjustments. It just comes down to throwing strikes and getting outs. It's really just a having a different mindset. As a starter, you are out there long term. When you come out of the bullpen, you're coming in to shut it down right there."
What are you thinking about when you are warming up in the bullpen during a game?
"The biggest thing is to get ready as quick as you can, and make sure everything is working right. I also like to have an idea of who I'm going to see in the batting order and what the situation is going to be when I am called in."
Besides Foley Field, what is your favorite SEC environment to pitch in?
"That's a tough one. I loved pitching at LSU. I thought that was a great place to pitch, there are always a lot of people and their fans are always pretty classy. I also liked Ole Miss because they too have big crowds and really tough fans, along with an overall tough environment. I've never pitched at Arkansas before, but I've heard that is a really fun place to pitch too."
What is your favorite thing about being a pitcher?
"I love pitching because I set the tempo of the game. Everybody has to wait for me to play ball, and while the pitches are being thrown, all eyes are on me."
You have had the opportunity to pitch in some professional stadiums in your career like Turner Field, what has that been like?
"Turner Field was awesome. I got to start there my freshman year and last year. It was just amazing to think of who gets to walk through those doors, hallways, and dugouts. When we were in the media room it was cool to think that Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, and other greats have sat in that same room."
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