Hawkins having strong season after limited 2010

The Milwaukee Brewers signed LaTroy Hawkins before the 2010 season, but for all intents and purposes the veteran relief pitcher's first true season as a Brewer has come in 2011. After a limited 2010 that was cut short by a shoulder injury, Hawkins has become a key piece in the Brewers' bullpen and is finally doing what he came to Milwaukee to do. Hawkins has appeared in more than twice as many (37) games this season as he did in 2010 and totaled more than twice as many (35.1) innings. And though Hawkins did miss the first three weeks of this season while he finished rehabbing from his August 2010 surgery, his 1.78 ERA is lower than any he's ever posted in a season of at least 30 innings. While Hawkins is pitching well now, it was no easy journey to get back where he is for his 17th major league season. "Last year was just a bizarre year," Hawkins said. "It was the first time I've ever been away from any team that I've been on for that length of time. It was definitely uncharted waters." After trying to pitch through shoulder pain in 2010, Hawkins had exploratory surgery that revealed his labrum and rotator cuff needed to be repaired. Hawkins says he hated to shut down his season but was encouraged almost immediately after the surgery. Dr. Lewis Yocum performed the surgery and told Hawkins shortly afterward that he'd be able to pitch in the major leagues again no problem. "When you wake up and that's the first thing you hear, you've got to have some kind of confidence," Hawkins said. "I knew I was going to pitch at the big league level again and he told me 'You'll get guys out,' so that was the key." Hawkins immediately began a rehab program with the Brewers training staff and credits head athletic trainer Roger Caplinger with creating an effective routine. Hawkins initially anticipated being ready for Opening Day 2011, but entered spring training with lingering weakness in the shoulder. Pitching in minor league games during spring training, Hawkins gradually got his arm back to full strength. The biggest challenge, he said, was adjusting to major league hitters again after being reinstated from the disabled list April 21. "You can be in the minor leagues facing hitters all day long, getting guys out and making mistakes where guys don't make you pay," Hawkins said. "But once you get to the major leagues you don't get away with some of those mistakes." Hawkins said he's been pleased with what he's been able to do this season, but not satisfied. "You can never be satisfied in this game," Hawkins said. "There's always room for improvement." Post-surgery, Hawkins says he is not much different as a pitcher. He's still a fastball pitcher and relies on his command. He'll concede that his velocity is down a bit, but says he can "reach back and get it" when he needs a little extra on a pitch. Now primarily splitting seventh inning duties with Kameron Loe and Takashi Saito, Hawkins has just seven earned runs this season. He also has 17 holds, most of any Brewers reliever this year despite his early absence. Though he's getting good results and putting up impressive statistics this year, Hawkins is most happy just to be contributing; back in the bullpen waiting for the phone to ring. "It was tough watching last year when we weren't doing that well," Hawkins said. "Watching the games in situations where I would've been pitching, that was tough. "But that's all in the past now. I'm looking ahead and taking it one day at time."