Joel Hanrahan, who was called up last year to start and ended up finishing the season in the bullpen, was the star of Tuesday night’s 2-2 game with the Atlanta Braves.  In three innings, Hanrahan faced 10 batters, gave up one hit — and collected eight strike outs.  Strike-outs included Chipper Jones, Mark Teixeira and Jeff Francoeur.  The last seven batters he faced suffered consecutive strike-outs.  Here’s Barry’s take. Here’s Zuckerman’s. 

As Hanrahan fights for a spot in a crowded bullpen, tonight does help to build his case.  Last year, Joel was inconsistent.  He finished with a 6.00 ERA and a 5-3 record.  He looks more polished this spring — more like a major leaguer. 

We caught up with Joel during our trip to Spring Training and talked to him about his expectations for this season. 

What are you focusing on this spring?
I’m working on cutting down on my walks, and trying to get ahead of the hitters.

Do you have any goals for the season?
Right now, it’s just to make the team, other than that I haven’t really thought about it.

What are your expectations for the team in general this season?
Um be realistic I think and play .500 ball. We’ve obviously got some good hitters and we are going through a growing phase.

Is there anyone you are excited to see play?
Yea Dukes and Milledge, I think they are going to provide a lot of help.

Who influenced you growing up?
I liked watching Nolan Ryan play, and I’m trying to follow after my brother also.

Who in this organization influences you?
Umm, I’ll have to say Chad Cordero, we are pretty good friends, and he has kinda shown me the ropes.

What is it like to work with Randy St. Claire?
It’s good, he helped me out a lot last season and now it’s the same here for Spring Training.

Is he a tough guy?
No no, he’s serious, but he also likes to have fun.

What did you like about playing in DC?
I didn’t really get out a whole lot in the city, but the fans were really good and I’m sure this year will be even better with the new ballpark.

Speaking of, do you have any thoughts on the new stadium?
It’d be pretty neat to see it all done, and hopefully the stands will be filled.

What do you want the fans to know about you? It can be anything…
Oh wow, I like to have fun and I guess I’m kinda sarcastic at times.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 11th, 2008 at 10:04 pm and is filed under Interviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.