It takes some steam off; it's a diversion ? a way to have a little fun.

People don't realize the dangers of getting into a steam like that. There's not that much water, but it's slippery,

Johnny takes it all in stride and we're having a lot of fun with it.

He can be a horse. He's so big and so strong. When he gets a head of steam, he's hard to defend. He's using all the tools he has.

The only players that are having fun are those having a good year, feasting on pitching or blowing down hitters and garnering all the adulation that goes with it. But, if you're not hitting or not throwing well, or are injured, you better look for fun someplace else.

It's good for me, ... You get in a rut playing with the same guys. It's fun to get out there with guys who appreciate it. After 40 years, practice rounds can be a bore. I get out with these guys, and they're cracking jokes.