Raley looking forward to next opportunity

MESA, Ariz. -- Brooks Raley got the proverbial cup of coffee with the Cubs last season, making five starts. He did pick up his first win on Aug. 18 against the Reds.

But that was last year.

"It's obviously a game of adjustments," said the left-hander, who spent most of 2012 with Triple-A Iowa, making 14 starts. "I definitely had some things to think about when I went home. I'm ready to go and I feel good."

On Friday, Raley threw two innings in the Cubs' intrasquad game, giving up five hits, one walk and striking out one. It's all part of the process. He spent the offseason working on his command and looking forward to the next opportunity.

"The game hasn't changed anything being up here," Raley said. "When you make mistakes, they're bigger. You give up a three-run home run or give up a bases-clearing double, that's when you lose games. I have to make pitches in those counts. I'm trying not to get to those counts, but when you do, you have to make quality pitches."