Elarton, coming off major shoulder surgery, had a breakthrough season with a 17-7 record while most of the rest of the pitchers struggled in the small confines of their new home. Elarton will go for an encore Tuesday when he makes his first opening day start against the Milwaukee Brewers and Jimmy Haynes. Elarton is getting the start because Shane Reynolds, the Astros' opening day pitcher the last five seasons, is on the disabled list recovering from December knee surgery. It makes me want to go out and pitch a good game when I see a pitcher have a good game. Elarton started last season on the disabled list but when he finally got started, he wasn't intimidated by Enron and its short left field fences.
Spring training is different.
There is nothing on the line. It's different up here. In spring training you have to manufacture adrenaline. Elarton spent his first season in the Astros bullpen in 1999 and turned in an impeccable setup performance. He finished with a 9-5 record in 15 games, including 15 starts.