So here we are, about to start the World Series. The WORLD SERIES! Are you kidding me? We now know that we'll be playing the Tampa Bay Rays, a team that everyone calls a great young team. Well forget young. They're just great.

I'd be lying if I said that we didn't expect to be here. We did, and that's why we play the game like we do. We've been the consummate team all year long, with different guys stepping up and delivering when needed. It's probably a combination of good talent and the chemistry that's developed out of us playing together for awhile now. So as long as we can have someone come in a step, we'll continue on this path that we're on.

And what a path it has been. We've got a max of 7 more games to go in the season, four wins away. That's the focus now. 4 wins. Nothing else matters... especially not the things we've accomplished this season or anything. To me, in my opinion, that's what the off-season is for. You know, if you have to stop and direct your attention to something else, that's not good for your game. Not while you're still playing.

What's also been great throughout this postseason is that my family has been here with me and will continue to go along for the ride. My parents have been to just about all of them. My twin brother has been to all of them while my older brother and sister got to a couple of games as well.

I don't know if the pressure is worse for me or for them... they just sit up there and watch, can't do anything about it, so that's probably nerve racking for them. But that's the way the game is. It's funny because no matter how hot or cold I'm swinging the bat, their advice is simple... something like "hit the ball better." I'm just glad they can experience this with me.

It all starts Wednesday in FLA... GAME ONE