[In that situation] I have to hit my spots and not throw it over the plate, ... If I just keep it down and away, I'll have my best chance. |
Doesn't matter. He will get better. He will finish the season at .300-something. Ichiro is a genius. |
I always thought the best players in the world were in the major leagues. This tournament shows that this is not true. |
I asked him if I could use it, because San Diego was home base for me, too. We were teammates, and Trevor is such a great pitcher, so I asked him to use his song. I think it gave me his power. |
I couldn't get a grip and hooked it a little too much. |
I feel stronger than I have felt in spring. My mind. My body. I feel prepared. I have more confidence than I have ever had. |
I stopped by Rangers camp for just two days and only pitched one of those days. I have not faced any batters, but in the bullpen, my fastball and slider look good. |
I was a little nervous coming into a tie game. I knew it was my job to get three outs, keep the game tied, and give us a chance to win. I had a good slider, and I was able to do that. These are very important games. I'm glad I could help. |
I was pretty excited [to be out there for the final inning]. But my experience in America helped me remain calm on the mound. |
I was throwing fastballs, fastballs, fastballs. It was a good feeling. |
I'd like to be in Japan and celebrate with my teammates and the fans, but I have to practice here now. These are my teammates. I have to get ready. Because of this experience, I have more confidence than I have ever had. I feel stronger. My mind. My body. |
I'm always excited, ... Pitching in the eighth inning, in games like this, it can't get any better than this. I like to show emotion; that's my natural style. |
In history, Cuba has always been a really strong team. I realize how strong the baseball system is in Cuba. Probably everybody knows about Cuba. |
It's important to establish communication with my new teammates. |
It's wonderful. That's the only thing I can say. |