As a player, you want to go up against the best of the best. That's why we go out there and compete every day. To have that opportunity, I kind of sat back and relished it for a brief second and then said, `OK, that's out the door. Let's go to work.'. |
As soon as it came off my bat, I was thinking at the very least to get to third base. Then, I saw (first-base coach) Tim Raines throw his hands up. |
Coming over my first couple of months people were asking me about the change in leagues. I didn't see a significant difference. ... I don't think it's a necessarily a different brand of baseball. The DH may have a little to do with that but it's probably just coincidental that the American League has won these last few. |
Coming over my first couple of months people were asking me about the change in leagues. I didn't see a significant difference. I don't think it's a necessarily a different brand of baseball. The DH may have a little to do with that but it's probably just coincidental that the American League has won these last few. |
Each time you look at [the ring], it brings back some special memories. |
Every opening day is special, but this one is really special. |
For the most part, it's just mentally getting over the hurdle, trusting it, being able to go out and put it in the back of my mind to where I'm not worrying about it. |
Go look at the video; I don't feel good, |
I can get more accomplished staying back here, being able to hit every inning. Just get some more game-time at-bats rather than going to Atlanta. It's a more controlled environment where I don't really have to go all out, somewhat test and see where we stand. |
I can't put it into words. It's really an honor, no doubt. |
I can't say enough about what our starters have done this series. Our pitchers have set the tone for us all season long. It does something for the offense when you know those guys are out there battling. |
I definitely hope this is something that can get me going. I'm not feeling that bad up there, actually, because I feel like I am close. I'm not looking that far into it where I need to change mechanically. I think it's about getting up there and getting my mind right, getting a little more positive at the plate. I just need to go up there ready to battle each at-bat, not give anything away. |
I don't know what to tell you. I feel fortunate. |
I don't think anybody in the ballpark was thinking about me hitting the ball out of the ballpark. |
I don't think I have the words to describe what that city is going to be like if we're able to pull that off. |