We started out below sea level but we've got our head above water now. We've made a lot of steady progress. ... Some players who were struggling early are coming around and figuring things out.

We're just forgetting about (last season) and moving on. The kids have something to prove. They have a little bit of a chip on their shoulder.

He catches everything. Every ball hit (to center field), he catches.

We're going to keep our show at home.

We have a solid team and we have high expectations. I can't tell you how hard the kids have worked, especially in the weight room. (Strength and conditioning coach) Rich Miller did an excellent job with their strength training and conditioning.

We're armed and ready. We definitely have the pitchers. This is probably the best pitching staff I've had since I've been here. We'll go as far as our pitching takes us.

He has very good practice skills, good habits. He never does anything less than 100 percent, and that includes practice.