That's why I'm very proud not only of the way the team has responded, but Beltran, also.

We have to look at the big picture, and we have to be wise in how we handle not only him but any player. The big picture is we want Pedro pitching for us the next couple of years.

I think that shows that they're not resting on their laurels. And they've made some very good moves, too.

He's a special kid. David is someone you build around not only as a player but also as a person.

It's probably something we're going to have to monitor all year. He's going to have discomfort. But there isn't a veteran pitcher who isn't going to have some discomfort.

We were born with baseball in our blood. It's more than just a sport. It's a passion. It's an opera. It's just a way of being. It's almost like breathing.