Bull pen routine

In detail what routines do you have while in the bullpen before you pitch?

 

You'll hear different things from different coaches and players. But over the course of my career, I have never been one to have a set routine as far as pitch order and count is concerned. Typically, Ill start out from a full stride position and have the catcher move about 5 ft. in front of homeplate and work on arm action and release points on all of my pitches. Ill usually throw about 12 total pitches (about 4 fb's, 4 changes, and 4 sliders) from this position and then Ill back my catcher up to full distance and pitch from the stretch, gradually building up in intensity. I will note that I never have been a believer in throwing any pitches down the middle to "lock in" or whatever you want to call it in a bullpen session. The obvious thought process behind that is, that's not where I want to throw my pitches in the game, so why pitch to that spot in a pen? From the stretch (about 16-20 pitches), I move on to my wind up and throw about 16-20 pitches (again gradually builind up in intensity as I gain feel for the slope and my release point). By that point, I am usually ready to go. Overall, my pens are based upon feel from the standpoint as to what pitches I throw and how many I throw.
I have learned over the years that there is no correlation between the quality of my pregame bullpen and the quality of my start. I could throw the best bullpen or the worst bullpen of my life before a game, it makes no difference. It has no bearing on me getting outs in the game. I look at my pregame bullpen as just a small portion of the preparation for my start. It wont make or break my outing.