I feel like I have a target on my back, and I think the whole team does. It's almost better to be the underdog and come through, because everyone expects you to do good, and it's like setting yourself up for a great fall. But I don't think we will, because I have very great hopes for this team.

During the games when we'd play, you'd see the women coming off the sidelines, holding babies and putting them down to bat. And then, hearing all of those different languages was neat.

I saw some of the best hitters I ever pitched against when I pitched against players from the German Olympic team, and it was really cool to see them, because they're perfect. They don't swing at bad pitches, so it helps. I also had to pitch from 43 feet, which will help in college to see what it's like throwing from a different distance.

The NCAA tournament is the ultimate prize, and that's the way we want it. But there is an unquenchable thirst out there for college basketball -- and hey, there is always somebody out there willing to marry the ugly stepsister.

The objective of the NIT is to restore its heritage as a meaningful postseason tournament.

Low-wage jobs have gone offshore. We need to innovate to stay competitive.