I wanted to get it done before the season started so I could focus on the season and get rid of any trade rumors that would come. We've been working on it all spring, and I'm glad it got done before the season started. It was fair for both parties. |
I was mad because I had a lot of friends in New York. But I had to just step through that, go through it, and when I got here I wanted to thank the organization for just giving me the confidence. |
I was ready from the get-go. In the first inning against Cleveland, I didn't think that I was prepared. But [Wednesday], from the bullpen, I was ready. That was the difference. |
I was ready to pitch my game once we started. The rain was the last thing on my mind. I had a good fastball, kept the ball down in the zone, and my slider was effective early in the game. |
I'm being aggressive and throwing strikes, ... Finally, it's coming together. |
I'm going to attack them the same way I have in the past and the same way I did last time. I think that's the key against every major-league team, throw strikes and attack them. I don't think my game plan is going to change, anything at all. |
I'm throwing the ball well, my defense is outstanding. I'm throwing the ball the way I want to. |
I've got a lot of respect for the Yankees, but I think it's just coincidence I pitched well against them. Both games were big games and we needed that. Hopefully I can bring this game against every team I face. |
If a fan wants to say something to me, they don't know what to say because I can't understand them, ... So they can't get to know me. Even though I can talk to fans about the game, I cannot get into a deep conversation and talk about the things I want to talk about. |
If Cuba wins, it is expected. If they lose, there will be a lot of explaining because baseball is the top sport and if you don't win, it's a problem. The pressure is going to be double for Cuba. You have the government watching and you are playing against the best players in the world. This will be the best competition Cuba has ever played against. |
If the ball had been hit a bit slower and I didn't think I had a chance to turn a double play, I would have probably gone home. But we've turned double plays all season long and can't change anything you've done this season. If we turned that double play we might be talking about something different. |
In amateur baseball, for sure I pitched better [for longer]. But not in the big leagues. |
It was a little bit of a motivation, but I never let it get to me, ... I knew if I work hard, good things will happen. |
It's a big difference, ... You have that extra support when you look into the stands and see your wife and kids. |
It's a lot easier pitching with a [big] lead. |