"Gut reactions can be telling. Here's a sampling when National League pitchers were asked about Adrian Gonzalez yesterday:

"Have fun," the Giants' Matt Cain said to his AL counterparts. "He's yours now."

"He's so tough," Pirates starter Kevin Correia said.

"Blecch," Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels said. "I've still got a bruise."

The NL's best were on hand for All-Star media day, and it was fascinating to listen to such accomplished hurlers describe the struggle it is to face him.

"Whenever people ask who's the best hitter I've ever faced, I say Adrian Gonzalez," said Hamels, whom Gonzalez drilled with a line drive last month."