[I] tried not to think about it too much, not to let it creep into my head. I went out there and I felt good and everything worked out. |
A lot of people counted us out before spring training even started. We already were written off in a lot of people's books. |
A lot of people out there will be disappointed (whenever the Sox don't win), because I guarantee we won't be picked to come in fourth in our division this year. There are different expectations this year, and there should be, but I don't think people realize how tough it is to win a World Series. |
A.J. came out and calmed me down (after the homer), ... I was upset with the pitch I threw and mad with myself. He was able to calm me down, remind me that two were out, and there we go. |
Even before last year, every time I go out there on the mound and pitch and do a good job for my team, I build confidence. Regardless of just one season. |
From Day 1, everybody got along. If we can start off spring training the way we did last season, we're gonna have a good shot. |
Going out and giving me some quick early runs took the pressure off me a little bit. |
He hit great pitches. I don't think any other guy hits those two pitches out. |
He wanted me to get out of there with a good start and in a good frame of mind. |
He's one of those guys who when you play against him, you absolutely can't stand the guy. He drives you nuts. But on your team, you love it. He fits in here. |
He's shown the confidence in us and let us go the distance pretty much all year if it's our game, ... That's good to see out of a manager. Without that short leash, he's always giving you a chance to win a ballgame. |
Hopefully it doesn't make me too strong, ... I've just been really anxious to get on the mound. |
I definitely know that I can do it again. I don't think it was a fluke by any means. I'm sure there are a lot of people that do, but those people have their opinions. |
I didn't prove anything to myself because I knew I could do it. I knew I had the ability. It was a matter of putting it together. |
I didn't try to do too much. The offense took the pressure off me with a three-spot in the first inning, and things happened to roll from there. |