Andrews told me I had a 20 percent chance to come back and compete at the major-league level. The only reason it was that high is that he did my elbow surgery and knew me.

I came back here for several reasons. I wanted to go to a team that can win, and this team can win. But a big reason is Luis Isaac. He knows me better than I know myself and if anybody can help me get back, it's him.

He told me he'd probably do a minor cleanup and that I'd be back pitching in 2 ½ months, so I figured I'd take my chances. It didn't exactly work out that way. Four hours later, I woke up.

In spring training of 2003, I actually felt my shoulder rip. But I didn't get the full effect of that until the next day. From that point until now, it's been a living nightmare. I wouldn't wish it on anybody.

It was a fastball up. The big thing is I threw without pain. I'll go out there again in two days and see what I can do.

It wasn't the best spring I've ever had, but it wasn't the worst. I was right in the middle. But I progressed in the right direction as the spring went on.

About 100 things were going through my mind.

Coming back from shoulder surgery you don't want to change the type of pitcher you are but I definitely don't get away with as many mistakes as I used to when I was able to throw the ball 95-96 miles an hour. I have to be more precise with my location and keep the ball down and let my fielders work.

I was pitching all of 2002 with a torn rotator cuff. In spring training of 2003, I actually felt my shoulder rip. From that day until about a month ago, it's been a living nightmare. I wouldn't wish it on anybody.

I was pitching with a torn rotator cuff and capsule. I think my velocity probably was down a little, but I had a solid year.