I like a challenge, and I would like to pitch against the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic.

That's a gift from God. I'm there to pitch.

I don't want to talk about my hitting. My job is to pitch a good ballgame every time out. The triple was a gift. I take pride in my hitting, but I'm not a hitter.

Although I would love to pitch in the inaugural World Baseball Classic and am proud to represent my country, I will not be ready to pitch in a competitive-game environment when play begins on March 7.

That's a gift from God, ... I'm there to pitch.

Maybe next Spring Training, I will work on that.