That ball was smashed. The way the wind was blowing, that shows how strong the guy really is. |
That first inning, I kind of struggled with my mechanics, then I got the feeling back and then I was able to work out of some jams in the second and fourth innings. |
That's not the reason I do it. It's almost embarrassing to get recognition for things off the field. I feel like I'm supposed to do these things. I have an opportunity to give back to a lot of people who deserve help, who deserve a chance. |
That's the plan. It's worked before between Pedro and Schilling and myself. You'd have to ask hitters if it really makes a difference, but I think if you get in a three-game series with Schilling, myself and (Josh) Beckett, that kind of contrast, I think chances are pretty good if we all have our 'A' games that day. |
The first inning, I had big trouble in my location. Everything I tried, every adjustment I made did something different. I tried to stop the bleeding as much as I could, then I gave up the three-run homer. |
To hold onto Manny's bat in the lineup, I'm glad he decided to stay. |
Until you get to spring training and see what kind of product you have on the field, then you can make some assessments. Every winter you add some new names and things like that. It's always fun to guess and see what's going to happen. |
We came in today knowing we needed to win. We didn't want to back into the playoffs by having Cleveland lose and we lose. We came out and played hard. |
We didn't back in. How do you back in when you tie the New York Yankees for first place in the American League East? |
We would have liked to win the division, ... but we're in. That's all that matters. |
We've been in this situation before. Now that we're back at home playing in front of our home crowd, there's still a chance. |
We've been on the other side of this. . . . You really have to sweep a series to gain any ground. Leaving here five up would have been nice, but we're up three and we've got other games to play. |
With Damon and Millar, all of us had such a good time even when we were stretching. Now it's a little quieter, but we don't even know our teammates yet. |
You always want to get back out there. I had good stuff in Texas -- too good. Today, I felt more confident throwing balls in the strike zone, even though I hit a couple of batters. My misses were better. |
You always want to get back out there. I had pretty good stuff in Texas, almost too good. I couldn't control it and I couldn't throw it for strikes. When that happens, you start walking guys and it leads to really big innings. Today I felt more comfortable. |