Hopefully, the pitching will be as good as we think it will be, but we've still got to go out and prove ourselves. Most of these guys played over the summer. We worked hard last year getting to this point.

We just tell them to win one inning at a time. If the other team scores one run, we tell them they have to score two. When you win those little battles, then coming back never becomes insurmountable.

It's always tough when you move up to different venues. But we've got a good nucleus and lot of potential. The experience from last year should help.

One of our goals is to contend, and I told them it's not impossible. We've got as good a chance as anyone. We're excited. We just need to stay injury-free and have some things go our way.

Pitching has been the key. But with top competition every (game), they know they have to battle every night and can't just go through the motions. The guys we've put in have stepped to the plate and done their job.

Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle.