FORT MYERS, FLA. – While J.R. Graham is working on throwing his slider for strikes and using his changeup more, the Twins have focused on the righthander's fastball.
And they are relieved that the reliever is showing signs of throwing just as hard as he's used to.
The Twins lost 4-2 on Wednesday to Philadelphia, but Graham pitched a scoreless eighth inning. He did throw his offspeed pitches like he wanted to, but he topped out at 96 miles per hour on the radar gun. That's what the Twins want to see.
"I feel a lot more relaxed," Graham said, "and the ball comes out really well."
Twins manager Paul Molitor was pleased with a few of his pitchers Wednesday, including Graham, who resembles a young Matthew Broderick these days.
Graham lost around 30 pounds during the offseason through a better diet and sleep habits. That, combined with his offseason conditioning program, led to the pounds disappearing.
Twins General Manager Terry Ryan, however, was worried about what else would Graham lose. He still remembers the time he told Boof Bonser to lose weight during the offseason.
"He lost 20 pounds — and four miles off his fastball," Ryan said.