It's always special to see that. It doesn't happen very often. I've been in the middle before but not on successive pitches. |
It's been a slow start, but it's only 17 games. |
Last year, I came back too early. This year, I'm following orders and taking it one day at a time. I want to be ready on April 3. |
Like I've always said, it's all about timing. I'm ready now. I feel comfortable. It's close. It was good to see a little more movement on the ball. |
My mechanics felt strong, the ball was jumping off the bat. That was encouraging. ... I didn't feel any pain. |
Once I go on the field, things will be in place. |
One of deciding factors in coming here was that I've always liked playing here. When you've had success someplace, it's nice to make it your home park. I think it will be a quick timetable to get home-field advantage here. |
People expected that. But I never expected that at all. I always thought it would be the best thing, because he knows me. He knows how to motivate me and keep me going. I never thought anything negative about [the hiring]. Everybody else did. |
Rich was lights-out until he hurt himself. We're all hoping he's OK. |
Swish is a real good kid and he likes to have fun. He has a pleasant attitude and he's just a refreshing piece of energy. I tell him, 'Don't think, just react, and let your talent take over. |
That would be a tremendous career achievement. If batter does that, he enters one of the elite groups of baseball. |
That's Willie; he likes to talk. |
The passion on this team is like I've never seen before in my 15 years here, |
There are great young pitchers, guys who can go the distance. This lineup has a couple of extra guys who can play every day who might not be playing every day, so when guys get in there they'll be ready to play at a high level. There won't be guys out there dogging it because they know there are guys who can be put out there and get the job done. |
There are no hard feelings with my teammates over there. They're friends and family forever. That won't change. |