SEATTLE -- Pitching coach Doug Brocail has laid down a mandate to his relievers: They need to pick up their tempo and pace on the mound.
Brocail said the slower pace is why his relievers have had trouble throwing strikes.
"Get the ball and throw it," Brocail said. "We're too slow. We get a guy buried in the count, then walk around the mound, kick the dog, pick up the rosin bag, mess with our hair. ... 45 seconds have gone by and the hitter forgets you have him buried. Everybody has been told. ... step it up a little bit.