IN THE MINORS
Position: LHP | Birthplace: Torrance | Years with Padres: 3
Q: I guess the natural starting point is to ask how you feel.
A: “Great. But I felt great when I reported to spring training. I never knew anything was wrong until I got the test results.”
Q: How difficult are the adjustments you've had to make?
A: “It has been easier than I expected. The first two weeks were tough. It took me two weeks just to figure out what I had to do. I wasn't eating. When I did eat, I wasn't doing it the right way. When I got with the program, it took me another couple of weeks to understand it. I don't notice it much now. I've become accustomed to what needs to be done.”
Q: What was the hardest thing to give up in your diet?
A: Sweets. Rice, which I really enjoy with sushi. And Mexican food. I really love Mexican food. In my situation, that's a no on several levels. Other than sweets and carbs, I can have almost everything I've normally eaten over the years. In moderation.”
Q: Were you surprised by the reaction of people to your illness?
A: “I didn't expect it to become as big a thing as it became, but that's your fault.”
Q: Have you talked to other diabetics about the subject?
A: “I've talked a lot with (Padres pitcher) Scott Cassidy. He's Type 1. He's insulin-dependent. He has to check his levels all the time. Scott's amazing. He just eats what he wants and makes adjustments. He just goes about his business. It doesn't ruin my life. I watch my diet and take one pill. You move on.”
Q: What has been the reaction since you first talked about your diabetes?
A: “I've gotten tons of mail. You don't really think about these things until you get something. Then you find out there are millions of people in the same situation. You do what you have to do. I guess if this reaches some younger guys who are candidates for Type 2 diabetes and they see the warnings, it's a good thing.”
Q: It doesn't seem to have changed you or what you do.
A: “Why sugar-coat it? See problem, attack problem, defeat problem. I don't dwell on it. There are ways to help yourself out. I've made some changes. Some people take this the wrong way. I'm facing it, but it's not changing me.”
Q: You said in spring training that you could still have the occasional glass of wine.
A: “I enjoy wine. Wine can be good for you. Everything in moderation. Beer is tougher. I had a beer last night. But I haven't had very much beer at all.”
Q: You said you've lost weight. How much?
A: “I've lost weight, anyone who looks at me knows that. But I haven't checked out a number.”
