He seems like a very quiet, confident veteran. It's hard coming to a new clubhouse. He knows exactly what he's trying to do and is setting out to do it.

We had so many veteran players and to be in that clubhouse before the hubbub, ... Instead of throwing champagne, the guys were sitting down, in case (manager Walter) Alston wanted to say something.

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.

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.

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.