March 04--After pitching for the Yankees for last three seasons, Adam Warren needed no schooling on learning about high expectations after joining the Cubs in the offseason.
"I'm used to those in New York," Warren said. "They expect you to win the World Series every year. This team expects to win the World Series. There may not be as much pressure from the fan base. You just learn how to handle that pressure.
"I'm excited to get to the playoffs. I didn't get a chance to pitch (in the American League wild-card game). But having learned to deal with the expectations is going to help me a lot."
It also helps that Warren, 28, adheres one of pitching coach Chris Bosio's major doctrines.
Warren allowed only 0.60 home runs per nine innings over the last two seasons -- the fourth lowest mark in the American League. During that same span, Bosio's pitching staff has ranked third in the National League in fewest homers allowed.
"I think I keep the ball away from the middle of the plate," Warren said. "But it was kind of crazy to look at my numbers, especially at Yankee Stadium, which is a small park.
"Just learning to pitch on the corners instead of in the middle is probably why I've been able to keep the ball in the park. I don't think I have a power sinker by any means."
Warren's "great fastball command" and willingness to listen to suggestions have impressed Bosio.
"He has those intangibles we're looking for, and the front office has been looking to acquire him the last couple of years," Bosio said of Warren, who was acquired for infielder Starlin Castro.
Warren, who had a 3.29 ERA in 1311/3 innings over 43 appearances (17 starts) with the Yankees last season, believes he benefited from pitching in the AL East.
"There are a lot of good hitting teams in that division and a lot of small ballparks," Warren said. "I just learned through experience and through some of the guys I played with what pitches to throw when, thinking along with the hitter.
"It was a great experience for me. And working with (former Cubs pitching coach) Larry Rothschild on pitch selection was a big learning tool."
Warren posted a 6-6 record with a 3.66 ERA in 17 starts and a 2.29 ERA in 26 relief appearances for the Yankees in 2015. He prefers starting but sees the benefits of relieving.
"There's something about coming to the park, knowing there's a chance you might pitch every day," Warren said. "It puts an importance on every game for you."
"Starting would be ideal, but I understand where we're at."
mgonzales@tribpub.com
