We don't want to even think about that. We haven't even got into that far yet.

I think the thing that strikes me is that were there perilous situations for all of [the favorites]. Panama was close to knocking off Cuba. Venezuela had a couple of close games. Nobody has been routed. That's what's interesting is that none of the big powerhouses have really broken out yet, except for the first Venezuela-Dominican game.

I don't think there's any feeling it's unfair. I think the umpires are always challenged to call the game. The game is not an easy game to call to begin with, and I don't think you can allow outside influences to influence how you work a game. I mean, they're professional umpires. I think they do their best to get everything right.

I think Barry Bonds was in a unique situation given his injuries from a year ago, the fact that he played in just 14 games. Even though I spoke to Barry in December and he was enthusiastic and excited about the possibility, I think the closer he got to the reality of spring training, and as he got himself in shape for the regular season and the San Francisco Giants, he felt like it may be too much of a challenge to try to push his body at this point in his career.

He showed a lot of composure for a guy that hasn't pitched above 'A' ball.

In a three- or four-game series, I'll take my team against anybody. One game, in a playoff atmosphere, with six or seven pitchers going, you never know what's going to happen.