Finally got a chance to run into Brian Bannister today after he pitched his best outing of the spring (6 innings, 2 runs and 6 strikeouts). He answered a few questions from the press and talked about what he's trying to accomplish out on the mound this spring (he really does seem to be very analytical about what he's doing, even without prodding from stat geeks). I found it interesting to hear him talk about working on strikeout pitches.

After the press got done, I introduced myself and he seemed genuinely surprised to see me there. It's truly uncharted water for me. Previously the only big league player who I knew had heard of me was this classic response from Derek Lowe when a local Boston reporter asked him about DIPS. Nobody ever did point me out to Derek, and if he still wants to talk, he can e-mail me anytime.

Things changed this spring when I found out Royals pitcher Brian Bannister was actually familiar with DIPS type theories and knew of my existence. To make things even more improbable, he actually approved of them.

So I really wasn't sure what exactly it is I'm supposed to say. He's the one with all the talent, I'm just a guy who divided number A by number B once and managed to wrangle a few cool baseball jobs out of it. So I just introduced myself and got an odd response: "Are you serious?" I pointed to the name on my press badge, and then we had a nice conversation. I really didn't want to do an interview, so we just talked baseball a little. He talked about how he thinks he might give up more hits on balls in play this year but he's also hoping to reduce his walks and strikeouts. I talked a little bit about my experiences in Boston. He has been surprised a bit by the attention his internet interviews have gotten him and mentioned something about doing some posts this year on the Royals website. He seems genuinely relieved that he's not in a position where he has to fight for a job this year, and can concentrate on going about his business.

He also mentioned that he thinks that maybe trying to think as much as he does about pitching might not work for some guys. He guessed that guys with a ton of talent might actually be hurt by it. I tend to agree. He also said he was a big fan of my work, which, if Mark Twain is correct, means I won't have to eat for a few months. I could probably use the diet. I tried to cut things short as he had just got done pitching and probably had stuff to do, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and I'm extremely grateful to Brian for taking time out to chat with a one hit wonder stat geek like myself. I'll be pulling for him this year.

NOTES: Billy Butler continues to pound the ever lovin' bejeezus out of the ball. He keeps hitting these home runs to dead center field, and today's was a majestic no doubter that landed well up on the berm in center. He also one-hopped a double off the wall and even got a bloop single. I'm not much of a scout or anything, but his numbers say he can hit, and he sure looks like he can hit to me. If he and Gordon develop like I think they can, they are going to be a godsend to Royals' fans.