Byrd has always been that kind of pitcher, trying to trick you, keep the ball low, in and out. He threw a lot of strikes, worked it inside and out, threw breaking balls for strikes behind in the count.

2004 has to be my year. No more excuses.

I have to get better, but I can't change the way I play.

I work hard on my defense. It's something I take pride in, but it's nothing that I want to brag about. It's part of my game.

I'm not a rookie anymore-no more excuses about being young.

I'm confident, but not so confident that I'm cocky.

I'm not perfect. Nobody's perfect. But I love baseball and I love to play hard.