Kazmir works quickly, as adrenaline flows

PHOENIX -- Even though he had waited three weeks to make his Cactus League debut, Scott Kazmir didn't make it last very long.

That's because Oakland's new lefty made quick work of the D-backs, who only managed two hits off him in three innings Friday. He struck out two and walked none in an almost hurried performance, throwing 31 of his 40 pitches for strikes.

"I don't know if the pace was by design. It might've just been the adrenaline going," said Kazmir, laughing. "First inning, once the catcher caught it, I was ready to throw another one. I guess it's normal for the first day."

No matter, the A's were more than encouraged by Kazmir's debut. The $22 million lefty showcased tremendous fastball command and spotted a few changeups and curveballs along the way, keeping the cutter and slider in his back pocket for his next outing.

"Just throwing stuff off my fastball, that's kind of the feel I want first before throwing other pitches," he said. "I just wanted to keep my motions in check, nice and easy, and not overthrow. You don't want to try to do too much the first time out.

"All in all, I was pleased."

"He's one of those guys that has such good carry on his fastball, and I've said this before about guys, but 92 looks like 95 out of his hand," said manager Bob Melvin. "He gets good extension with it. Really impressive today. You know, that's what we saw at the end of last year."