I asked myself, if we opened the season with Atlanta and had 3-2 games every day, will this man be ready to do that, pitch in the ninth inning? In my mind, I say yes, he will. I could see him doing that.

I think the man is getting himself geared up for a great season. He's getting the focus he needs. The talent has always been there.

I think it's important to know them personally -- like, J.D. Drew and his young wife are getting ready to have their first baby.

Mostly, I think it's just because Sammy is easier to say than Takashi.

[This season] has taught me that when I go through a winter and go into spring training, I want to have a closer, to tell you the truth. We tried the system earlier in the season. That was not successful for us.

J.D. feels good. He's a proud papa.