The first year here, he might have had as impressive of a spring training as a 19-year-old kid can have. It was unbelievable. He's back to what we saw two years ago and he's got a chance to be a really good big-league player.

I went into spring training that first year (with the Cubs) in '82 and No. 23 was hanging up in my locker, ... I thought it was kind of an odd number. I believe I asked for 14 and (former Cubs clubhouse manager Yosh Kawano) totally turned me down and said that number's been taken and retired.

I approach spring training the same way every year.

My last year in Montreal -- my last Spring [Training] -- I got released,

It reminded me of the first two weeks of Spring Training. But they'll be better.

Mel taught me a new grip on my sinker in spring training, and I've used it all year, ... It has really helped me.