41.   Piazza said one foot-long rat recently bit into the ankle of a fellow worker while she dispensed tokens.

42.   Piazza said the honor had particular significance for him.

43.   Piazza says the twin incidents make him wonder whether the ligaments in his hands are susceptible to tearing.

44.   Piazza said this title did not belong just to the players.

45.   Piazza said Clinton, as governor, had once named him to a panel that hammered out state ethics laws.

46.   Piazza said, laughing.

47.   Piazza said the hand is still sore and slightly swollen.

48.   Piazza said he expected to be fine for opening day.

49.   Piazza said he would be available to pinch-hit Saturday, and should be back in the starting lineup Sunday.