PEORIA (AP) - Chris Young is feeling better about himself.
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``Great spring,'' Young said. ``My stuff is a lot better. I feel like I'm going in ready to compete, not worried about my mechanics, not worried about other stuff that was in my mind last year.''
Young had a high spring training ERA a year ago, then established himself in the rotation by going 11-5 with a 3.46 ERA as the Padres won their second straight NL West title. He also came within two outs of the franchise's first no-hitter, on Sept. 22 against Pittsburgh.
Young got San Diego's only victory in the playoff series against St. Louis, striking out nine and throwing 6 2-3 shutout innings.
After a good spring, he's ready for Wednesday's matchup against San Francisco's Matt Cain.
``This year it's been completely different. I felt good about every outing,'' Young said.
``I think he's ready,'' manager Bud Black said. ``I thought his fastball velocity was fine. That's what I told him on the mound when I took him out, You're ready for Wednesday.' ``
Young wasn't the only pitcher feeling prepared.
Edgar Gonzalez, the Diamondbacks' No. 4 starter, had a tough final outing but was excited about his overall effort in March.
Gonzalez said he did so by getting more comfortable with his changeup and two-seam fastball. He finished the spring with a 5-0 record and a 4.70 ERA in six starts.
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