This has been such a special experience. We've all returned to the level of playing the game for joy in this thing. It's been a rebirth.

I think Barry Bonds was in a unique situation given his injuries from a year ago, the fact that he played in just 14 games. Even though I spoke to Barry in December and he was enthusiastic and excited about the possibility, I think the closer he got to the reality of spring training, and as he got himself in shape for the regular season and the San Francisco Giants, he felt like it may be too much of a challenge to try to push his body at this point in his career.

There were times last year when people looked at the scoreboard and thought my batting average was the temperature.

I have no hesitations to say that ... we know what the expectations are.

I'm sure there are some disappointed people (in Tampa). . . . But at the same time, this might just be a little bit of a higher calling every four years to come and represent your country.

That's one of the things I'm most proud of is the character of the guys on this roster. They're anxious to step up and play for their country.

It's unfortunate that we can't take more than 30 because there are a bunch of guys that were committed, just like Eric Chavez.

It's a very quiet locker room right now. I think everybody is feeling like they got kicked in the stomach.

It's not that much different than what the White Sox have done, what the Angels did in 2002. It's execution, it's fundamentals. They do not make any mistakes.

This is big stuff for our team. There's no doubt about it. I have no hesitations to say that our team is really enthusiastic and that we know what the expectations are. We can't wait to get going.