Antonio Perez can hit. Let's say it's the seventh inning and Frank gets on. If we need to pinch run I'm not afraid of using Antonio in that spot. In other years I've refrained from using a pinch-runner for our best hitters because the drop off was too great.

The nice thing about him is if there's a tie game in the eighth inning, I can pinch-run him and only use one guy.

Typically guys have been a little erratic with their command in their first appearances. After the first inning he got the ball down. He was free and easy, just tremendous.

Frank sought me out (Wednesday) and said he felt great. When Frank says he feels great, he plays. I don't want to fatigue him, though. We have a late arrival in Seattle, so there's a good chance Frank won't be in there (Thursday).

I looked at some of Frank Thomas' on-base percentages, they're frightening for a full season. He's one of the marquee offensive players.

We were worn out at the end of the year because we had to run so many guys out there every day. Our [lack of] depth was such that even one injury was a significant blow. With what we have now, not only in terms of numbers but versatility, we should be able to give guys the rest that they need to keep everyone sharp and fresh and feeling like they're part of the deal.