Cueto feels 'dynamite' after final spring tune-up

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Johnny Cueto says he's like a horse with blinders on heading into Opening Day.

He's looking straight ahead — not worrying about his contract situation, not dwelling on what he did last year, not thinking that this could be his last year as a Red.

"I don't think about those things," he said. "I think about doing my job, taking this team to the playoffs and finally taking this team to where we have to go. I'm like the race horse with (blinders). All I think about is the race in front of me."

Cueto, the 29-year-old right-hander, has found that to be the key to his success.

"I have to think that way," he said. "All I have to think about is to continue to do my job. I can't think about contract. I can't think about last year. Those things that (the Reds) will make decisions. You can't think two things; you have to think one thing."

Cueto went 20-9 with a 2.25 ERA and led the National League in strikeouts and innings last year. But he knows he can't simply expect the same numbers.

"You can't be comfortable and say, 'I'm going to do it again,'" he said. "It's not that easy. Pitching hard. You can't stand on the mound and start throwing and think things are going to happen like that. You have to keep working. You can never stop working."

Reds manager Bryan Price has seen that in Cueto.

"I know we're going to get every last ounce of what he has to give every single day," Price said. "I'll take whatever comes of that because I know he's going to be completely committed to helping us win and making us a better ball club. I don't think there is anything in Johnny's way from having continuous outstanding years. I just think he's evolved into that type of pitcher."

Cueto made his final tuneup start Wednesday. He went five innings and allowed three runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out seven.

"Thank God, I feel really well," Cueto said. "I feel loose. I feel ready."