It gives the starting rotation a sense of relaxation, because we know if we can just get through five or six, we have the guys every night to finish the game up for us. In the past, it hasn't necessarily been that way.

Relaxation is the perfect word for it. I think the biggest thing for me was knowing it was my last one.

Pitching can be hard at times, but when you think about it, it's very simple. I've thrown a million pitches in my life, so I shouldn't be out there making sure my leg kick goes here, my arm comes here. I should just be out there nice and slow and relaxed and letting my arm go to work.

I woke up (Sunday) at 5 a.m. with a fever and nausea. Fortunately, it was only a 12- or 24-hour bug, and it got out of my system just in time. I woke up (Monday) still feeling a little weak but not nauseous, so I was pretty happy.

It was bad timing on my part. I was on a good roll and looking to finish the season strong. Things happen for a reason. Maybe it got me a little more rest, and hopefully I will be stronger going into this year.

It is a pitch I have to throw. It is a feel pitch. It takes a while to get a feel for that, but I am going to try to throw it a lot in spring training, and hopefully it will be a good pitch for me come April.