Scioscia gets down and dirty, on the ground, if that's what he needs to do to make a point. He'll make a player know immediately, without hesitation, if he observes an act he considers un-Angel-like.

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Yes, he's tough, but he also commands respect -- and draws laughter when it's time to lighten his team's mood.

Scioscia leaned back in his office chair at Tempe Diablo Stadium to discuss with MLB.com his love of the game that has been central to his life and remains a passion matched only by his family life.

MLB.com: This has been a longer Spring Training than usual because of the World Baseball Classic. Has it been more difficult, even disruptive in some ways, because of players coming and going to be with their Classic teams?

Scioscia: There are some things that are tougher, but there also have been benefits. A lot of younger guys have got a lot longer look than usual, and we've seen some of these guys have great springs. I feel great about where we are in our organization. All the drill time we've had has given me a chance to pay more attention to guys, and I've learned a lot about them. I love being on the field. I can't speak for the players, if they like it or not. I know as far as teaching the game and working with guys and seeing the improvement, that's the kick for me. That's the best part of my day.

MLB.com: Are you as optimistic now as you were coming into camp?

Scioscia: You're always going to have injuries, guys getting nicked up, elbow and shoulder issues, leg problems. It's part of the game. That's why depth is so important. Overall, I really like our depth and the kind of team we're going to put on the field. I'm excited about the way we've been going about our business. These guys love to compete. They want to win every time you step on the field. That's what I love about this team, its competitive nature. We've got a lot of talent, sure, but these guys really get after it.

MLB.com Would you say that is reflected in your Cactus League record, which has been amazing this spring? I know you don't put a lot of stock in spring statistics, but isn't it important to establish a winning habit, a winning attitude?

Scioscia: Absolutely. You always want to win. If you don't, why play? Our depth has really shown itself this spring. We've won a lot of games late, with our younger guys coming through. These guys have a lot of talent and they're showing it. I think our fans should be excited about what they're seeing with these guys.

MLB.com The 10-year contract extension, running through 2018, presented to you by owner Arte Moreno and general manager Tony Reagins during the offseason, seemed to speak volumes about how management regards you. Has that impacted you in any way?

Scioscia: This is the place I wanted to be. Arte and Tony felt very comfortable about the direction we were going, and we came up with a significant commitment from both sides. I'm excited about that. We haven't changed our philosophy, our day-to-day approach, in any way. We want to keep this thing going in the right direction. Whether you're a manager or a player with a long-term contract, it cannot affect the way you go about your business day-to-day.

MLB.com: How difficult was it for you to get over the way last season ended, with such disappointment in the American League Division Series against Boston, after leading the Majors in wins with a franchise-record 100?

Scioscia: The way it's set up, you have to play at a high level in the playoffs if you want to have a great year. You have to do that. But when it's over, you have to get over it and move on, and you can't dwell on what's happened. If you think you've given it your best effort, that's all you can do. We felt good about our team last year, and it was unfortunate the way it ended. We feel good about our team this year, and that's why we're looking forward to another shot at making good things happen. The goal never changes. You work day-to-day to get better and reach that goal. We have high expectations. We expect a lot out of our team, what we can do at Angel Stadium.

MLB.com: How do you assess the internal dynamics of your club? There have been some changes made, some big names with long histories here -- Garret Anderson, Francisco Rodriguez -- gone, replaced by other big-name players. How do you see the chemistry developing?

Scioscia: There are some real strong personalities in that room that help with leadership. There are some guys who like to have a good time, and that's a good thing. A Torii Hunter always lights up a room with his presence and charisma, and we've got other guys who have shown they can provide leadership. Bobby Abreu is a guy that other players gravitate to, because they know everything he's accomplished and they want to see what's made him so good for so long. It's a good group, and they all have one thing in common -- when it's time to go to work, they go to work.

MLB.com: This is your 33rd year in professional baseball. What is it about the game that hooks you after all this time?

Scioscia: It's the competition -- the love of just going out and playing the game. I love watching young guys develop, seeing experienced players put everything they have into it. I love the game and never get tired of that part of it.

MLB.com: Speaking about competition, do you think it's healthy having so many players competing for jobs on a team? I mean, seriously, you have enough talent around here to fill almost two Major League teams. How difficult is that aspect of it, trying to keep everybody happy?

Scioscia: I know it's a tough situation for players when they're battling for at-bats. But it's better for your team when you have that kind of talent. You know you're going to have a deep team and a strong starting lineup. I want all my players to be successful, but you have only 25 roster spots. Decisions have to be made, and it's not always easy -- especially when you have so many quality people, as we do here. It's a tribute to our entire organization, the scouts and player development people, management, the coaching staff ... everybody.