He's the most prepared guy I've ever been around. He studies game reports, advance scouting reports. He has a game plan going into every series. He has an unbelievable memory. He can remember a game in 2001, a situation, the count, who was up. He can remember a game in 2002 when a team tried to squeeze against us. He studies other managers' tendencies. He's really amazing at that. You'll never see him caught short-handed.

He's very particular. We were built on pitching and defense -- especially defense.

You're starting to be real competitive, aren't you?

I've never seen so many left-handers. There's plenty of talent, I'll tell you that.

We kind of lean on each other, actually. It's very much a give-and-take relationship. ... in a great way. We pick each other's minds all the time. But Jim is like that -- he'll pick his coaches' minds, ask their opinions and thoughts. That's what makes him such a great manager. He affords a lot of responsibility and trust to the guys he works with.

Jim doesn't yell and scream to get a point across. He doesn't belittle players. He has his ways of getting his point across, but it's in a professional manner. And this coaching staff follows his lead.

He knows what he's doing and why he's doing it. He has a reason for things.

He cares for his players. He gives them that individual touch. And he's honest. When he tells you something, you can go to the bank with it. He's an excellent human being. If you can't get along with Jim Tracy, then you've got issues.

He does a great job of setting up the bullpen. That's why he's been successful.

He has all the physical tools to be a really good catcher at this level -- a big body and a strong arm. He needs to be more disciplined. Sometimes, he's a little bit too aggressive. But he definitely has a chance to hit for power from both sides of the plate.