John Lannan makes the start today against the Cardinals in Jupiter, FL. Lannan rose quickly through the system last season from Potomac to Harrisburg and Columbus before being called up in July. Lannan became the first player since Aaron Boone to be ejected from his debut when Hunter Wendlestadt removed him after hitting Ryan Howard and Chase Utley consecutively. A few weeks later, Lannan had to face slugger Barry Bonds as he chased 756.  Throughout all that, Lannan kept his composure.  He compiled a 4.15 ERA in Washington and 2-2 record in 6 games.  He’s now fighting for a spot on in the starting rotation.

We caught up with John in Viera recently and he was kind enough to spend a few moments answering some of our questions.

What are you focusing on this spring and what are you working on next season?
Focusing on throwing strikes and trying to make the rotation. They gave me a shot to come down here and show that I can pitch and that’s what I am trying to do.

Do you have any specific goals for next season?
Umm just to be a starter on opening day.  On the opening day rotation I mean. 

Any expectations for the team next year?
There’s always a lot to prove.  Every year we keep getting better – we picked up a lot of guys so we’ll keep trying to get better.  It’s exciting to see what’s going to happen.

Anyone you are particularly excited about?
Lastings, Elijah, and Lo Duca when he gets healthy. Pretty much everyone. We’ve got a lot of good hitters this year.

Who did you look up to growing up and who has influenced you in this organization?
Growing up I was always a fan of baseball. I was Yankees fan; I grew up in New York. I liked Don Mattingly. I started going to games in ’96, that’s when I became a real true baseball fan.  Here everyone influences me. I get along with everyone, the whole pitching staff kinda talks about baseball and helps me out.

What’s it like to work with Randy St. Claire?
Oh he’s great, he knows a lot. The whole pitching staff is great, even the guys in the minors, I worked with everybody last year and they are all great, Randy is great too.

What do you like about playing in DC?
I got to see the new stadium when I was up for the winter caravan and its unbelievable; its huge. The scoreboard and locker rooms are great, a real nice change. 

Also the fans are coming along in DC. We are starting to build a fan base, we are still a young team so it’s great to be there at the beginning for a team that could be great, you know?

What do you want fans to know about you?
Oh I don’t know…I’m having fun. I’m not too serious; I’m really pretty laid back. I like to give back to the community. I’m a good guy.

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