If we start getting offense from him, we have a good player. And, again, he's hitting ninth so he doesn't have to hit .300 and drive in 100. I want him to have a chance to show what he can do. So, bailing on him wouldn't be good.

You get to the ninth inning and your stomach is clear up to here. But it's not because of your job. It is because you want to win so badly.

The prognosis is very good. I think four months is when he's allowed to start throwing, give or take. That's the basic diagnosis. I think he's very optimistic about being able to pitch again like he can pitch.

I don't want to get into a ton of hitting mechanics. But I think he's gotten a little spread out [with his stance]. Sometimes it happens on purpose. Sometimes it happens subconsciously. I think it's slowed his bat down just a tick.

I was like the last player on the roster. I was waiting to get released. I remember him treating me like I was the best player who ever existed. It made an impression on me.

He hit two lasers, and that's a good sign.