Kevin Gausman on his 2013 experience and offseason plan

Remember when Kevin Gausman made starts in May and June and gave up seven runs each in outings against the Nationals and Rays? Gausman does and he says he's better for the experience. "I had some struggles as a starter here and I'm thankful for that," he said yesterday. "That definitely kind of humbled me and I wanted to get back out and work on things to become consistent. Right now, I feel my delivery is as clean as its been all year and I have some great sink on my fastball. My stuff is probably the best it's been all year right now." Gausman pitched 141 2/3 innings last season between LSU and O's affiliates. He is a little short of that right now. "I feel good about it. I'm at like 135 innings (actually 128 1/3). Would have liked to get a few more so that way, next year I can build on that," he said. "But I feel good and I'll try to get after it this offseason." Gausman is 2-5 with a 5.83 ERA over 19 Orioles games. He went 0-3 with a 7.66 ERA and .333 average against in five starts. He is 2-2 with a 3.74 ERA and .215 average against in 19 games out of the bullpen with 27 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings. Gausman said one area he improved on this year is in scouting the opposition in the video room. "You look at players' tendencies and see how your stuff plays against certain guys," he said. "That is one thing that has been big for me to talk to the older guys and figure that out." An offseason goal for Gausman is to add some weight to his slender frame. He has an ambitious goal of trying to add 20 pounds of weight and bulk. "That is a lot," he said. "Probably not going to get there. But I'm trying to set the goal high and hopefully my girlfriend's mom can cook some Louisiana food for me. "I'm kind of frail right now. I'm skinny and lean and throwing that many innings takes a toll on your body." Gausman said he will take just a short time off after the season ends, around two weeks, and then begin winter workouts at LSU. He admits he went to spring training last year thinking he could win a rotation spot, but realizes that was a longshot. It may be less of one come next February.