21.   Most of all, Fossum wants to face big league hitters.

22.   Once you face the hitters, you get pumped up a little bit.

23.   Stan Belinda and Billy Brewer, a left-hander who faced one hitter, finished with two perfect innings.

24.   Sunday morning, Fassero faced live hitters for the first time this spring, and he appeared self-conscious as he attempted to implement the corrections Kerrigan had suggested.

25.   The right-hander faced two batters and retired neither, prompting Piniella to summon McCarthy, a left-hander, to face left-handed hitter Shawn Green.

26.   The toughest hitter he ever faced?

27.   There is a difference in just throwing off a mound and facing hitters.

28.   Usually a one-batter kind of pitcher, Matthews faced six hitters even though Mike Timlin was ready.

29.   Wilson will throw from the mound again Sunday and face live hitters Tuesday.

30.   All of that temporarily will be forgotten Friday when he faces major-league hitters for the first time as the Giants open their exhibition season against the San Diego Padres.