After you have the injuries and that stuff, it's just good to get out there playing. I'm just trying to see the ball and drive it. I'm getting good concentration and have been able to drive the ball. |
All I've done is go up there the same as I have been. Every time I step up to the plate I'm doing whatever I can to get on base and help the team. That's really my focus each and every time. |
As we went along, it was my call along with the trainer. I felt great, so I said let's keep going. |
At third, that's still a work in progress. That's what's great, every day I get to work at third, work at hitting, I've got to do everything. |
Back then, my idol was Bugs Bunny, because I saw a cartoon of him playing ball - you know, the one where he plays every position himself with nobody else on the field but him? Now that I think of it, Bugs is still my idol. You have to love a ballplayer like that. |
Different things come up all the time, ... That's one thing you have to deal with when you're playing on the fly. [On Saturday] I had a bunt, bare-handed the ball and threw the guy out at first. You have to work on it as the game comes. |
Different things come up and you can't simulate a game, ... I've been practicing, taking ground balls, [but] different things come up in the game that you take home and learn from. You still have to adjust. |
Every position is important and has its differences. It takes time to reach the same instinct level at first base that I had shortstop. It is a work in progress, but I'm getting there. |
God, Ted, I knew I liked you! |
Hard Hat Day for the rest of the year. |
He knows how to pitch. He's a guy whose slider looks like he can throw it four times in the dirt and walk you, or he'll throw it three times and hit the outside corner and strike you out. |
Health is always a factor. Everyone needs to stay healthy and do their job. These guys believe in each other. |
I believe it's only going to be a two-week thing. Let's get this right so we can put this behind us. |
I didn't know if I was going to be back this year with the injury. I'm happy to be back and doing anything I can. |
I don't know if there's more pressure this time of the season. We put pressure on ourselves to perform. |