Hearing from possible Game 2 starters Bud Norris and Wei-Yin Chen

Two possible choices for the Orioles' Game 2 starter in the American League Championship Series meant two players and one interpreter in the interview room a little earlier here at Camden Yards.

Both Bud Norris and Wei-Yin Chen were interviewed and Louis Chao was there to translate for Chen.

Norris was the Game 3 winner against Detroit when he went 6 1/3 scoreless innings on two hits, while Chen got a no-decision in Game 2 when he gave up five runs over 3 2/3 innings against the Tigers.

Both hurlers were asked about the uncertainty of the postseason and not knowing yet for certain when their next start will be.

"It's a little different, but that goes with the times," Norris said. "You have to understand what all this means to everybody and your organization. Understand you're still a soldier and you work for a team. Whoever goes out there tomorrow will be ready and we're both excited to go out there and pitch again."

chen pitching white sidebar.jpgChen said he's ready for anything.

"I don't think too much about it. I just get ready and whichever game the manager tells me to go out and pitch I'll go out and pitch," he said.

Norris was asked how a weather delay or change in the game schedule due to rain would impact his preparations.

"Playing in Baltimore, the weather is part of it. It is something you cannot control. This year I had a start against the Reds where I had to throw a couple of innings in the cage to stay loose. Just put your headphones on and try to stay calm. The weather is Mother Nature and you can't control her," he said.

"It (starting in Detroit) definitely helped. Just getting your feet wet out there. I was lucky enough to watch the first two games at home and kind of cherish it for what it was. To have the start I had was great, but just getting your feet wet and you remind yourself that it's just a baseball game. Let your defense play. It's an exciting time for all of us."

Chen said he tries to make a playoff game be like just another game.

"For me, when I get on the mound I just try to consider it as a regular season game," he said. "I don't want to put too much pressure on myself and just try to do what I did during the regular season."

Norris is looking forward to pitching in front of the home fans - if he gets that chance.

"I think it will probably set in after the fact," he said. "When I go home this offseason and see how this ride ends, (I) will have the opportunity to cherish it more. Just pitching a at home in the regular season in front of this fan base has been outstanding. I've pitched pretty well this year at home and that's a testament to our fans. These guys have been here all year cheering us on and I know they'll be excited tomorrow, too."




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