We just let too many opportunities get by early. That always comes back to haunt you. We preach to put the ball in play. Nothing good happens with a strikeout.

It's a little bit (strange), if you let it be. If you look at it as pitching infrequently, it messes you up. You keep yourself ready.

When you get those opportunities early and you don't take advantage of it, they usually come back to haunt you.

Billy is like the pitching coach of the bullpen. He's a great compliment to (pitching coach) Mike Maddux and he has played a big part in the success we've had out there. When those guys come in the game, he's got them ready to go.

But that's just a start, it's not where we ultimately want to be. I'm tired of being labeled a loser for 12 years. If you lose one more game than you win, then that's what you are. It doesn't matter where you finish (in the division). I don't want anybody to call us a loser again.

Boy, the infield is like concrete out there. Ground balls get by you in a hurry. We can use the good weather to get our work in but you'd like to see a little rain at night to soften up the fields a bit.