Castellini speaks

CEO Bob Castellini arrived in the camp to today and had a brief chat with the scribes:

On his feeling going into spring: "I would say I'm more cautiously optimistic -- the emphasis on the optimistic than I've been the two previous spring trainings. The reasons are we've made some good moves. The two predominant ones were Dusty Baker and with our closer Francisco Cordero. We've made some other good moves. There's nothing better than youthful enthusiasm and exuberance.

On the rotation: “We all know we’ve got to round out the rotation. We’re going to see what we have going. I think you all realize that we have good potential here. I know that over the winter I was told by Texas people how much they didn’t want to give up (Edinson) Volquez. And we’ve heard from Philadelphia how much they wanted to keep (Matt) Maloney. Homer (Bailey) and Johnny (Cueto) are our own. We know them and we know them to be outstanding. They’ve got to prove they’re ready for a rotation spot. There isn’t any lack of effort or enthusiasm or dedication on their part. Then you’ve got (Jeremy) Affeldt as well.”

If you can round out the rotation without giving up these cornerstone prospects would that be your preference? “Absolutely.”

On Adam Dunn’s contract: “You know how much I like Adam Dunn. You take those things one day at time. That’s on nobody’s mind right now, least of all Adam’s."

On Sarasota/Arizona situation: “We’re pleased that Sarasota is making the effort to keep us.”