11.   He thought the lefty relied too much on his splitter last season, and AL hitters got wise to him.

12.   Hitters are getting bigger.

13.   Hitters still could get one, but they have run out of time for the other.

14.   Hitters have never got used to him.

15.   Hitters were getting four strikes last year.

16.   Since even backup catchers travel in style now, Rose probably would have to amend that statement to say the home run hitters get the Mercedes dealerships.

17.   Tonight the hitters get credit.

18.   Wednesday, the big hitters got to stay home while a split squad was sent off to Mesa to play the Cubs.

19.   Jason Jacome and Hipolito Pichardo pitched the eighth, and Jeff Montgomery closed out the combined five-hitter by getting three outs for his seventh save.