News
Wells talks about offseason plans
Cubs righty shares thoughts after strong rookie campaign
By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com
11/17/09 12:16 PM EST
Randy Wells has come a long way from his days as a Minor League catcher. The Cubs right-hander won 12 games in his rookie season, posted 18 quality starts, and ranked 10th among National League qualifiers with a 3.05 ERA -- and finished sixth in the NL Rookie of the Year balloting announced Monday. Projected as the No. 4 starter in the Cubs rotation for 2010, Wells recently talked with MLB.com about his offseason plans and food cravings.MLB.com: What's the first thing you want to do this offseason?
Wells: Golf is right up there. Wake up on a Sunday and do nothing but watch football with my buddies and play cards and just relax and not have anywhere to go.
MLB.com: When you were growing up, was there a player you idolized?
Wells: It kind of went in stages. In my younger days, it was Cal Ripken Jr. when I was an infielder. When I started catching, it was Mike Matheny. When I started pitching, I modeled myself after Chris Carpenter. And now, after meeting him, I kind of want to follow the same path as Roy Halladay. He's got better stuff than I do, but why not shoot for the stars?
MLB.com: Did you collect baseball cards?
Wells: Not really. I always stole my brother's. He used to get mad at me. I'd put them in my bike tires.
MLB.com: If you could trade places with someone in baseball for a day, who would it be?
Wells: I think I'd like to be Cal Ripken, when he broke that streak. That was pretty special. I wouldn't mind being Tiger Woods for a day and be able to go out and play golf and shoot a decent round.
MLB.com: This offseason, when do you start your workouts?
Wells: I'll take some time off and do things a little differently this year. I'll start playing light catch through the offseason. Nothing extravagant or anything. I'll do my weights and keep my range of motion. I'll start thinking about it pretty early. I probably won't get cranked up until mid January. By Jan. 1, I'll start throwing.
MLB.com: If you could be Lou Piniella for a day, what would you do?
Wells: I'd want to throw a base. I'd get kicked out of a game and throw stuff all over the place.
MLB.com: Is there a comfort food you crave?
Wells: McDonald's. I never eat it during the season, but I want to every time I drive by.
Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
