Huston Street has got to be No. 1. Sorry to the other guys, but as I see it, Huston deserves it. I know how hard it is to be a closer, and it's unbelievable what he's [done] and how he handled it. |
I didn't think I was given enough of a chance, ... I didn't want to show up at the ballpark [and work as a setup man]. My only thought was, F--- Houston. |
I feel very happy with this contract. This team has a lot of tradition, and it pleases me to know that they want me to pitch for them. |
I have to respect what they say, but I think I'll be in the game before June. It depends on how I do when I stay here after the season starts. |
I wanted to come back to New York. It's exciting and I knew the Yankees would be a good team for me. Rivera is the man and I can learn a lot from him. |
I was really excited all week, because I knew I was going to throw a bullpen today. When I woke up today, I was really excited. I went through my 30 pitches and each one was perfect. I didn't feel anything to scare me. It was beautiful. |
I worked on my elbow and I learned how to play poker. That was all I did. I didn't want to watch games on television because it was too painful. I missed pitching. |
I'm so ready. I can't wait to get up there. |
It feels good. Probably soon I'll be in a game. |
It's better than I expected to be right off [surgery], but they're the ones to decide. They're the boss. I'm in no rush, either, because I know I'll be in the [important] games when it's time. |
It's O.D. time, ... It's a tough thing, for me to replace Billy. But to be honest, I've been ready for 3 1/2 years. |
It's the day I was waiting for. (I feel) nothing. I just feel really strong out there. All my pitches, each one was perfect. I don't feel anything to scare me. |
One thing Billy taught me is to know how to handle the situation. I learned how to handle the situation, ... It's hard to know how to handle it. |
Right now, I don't have my fastball, ... It's hard for me to come out here the first day and 'Boom!' Ninety-five. I'm not a Spring Training guy. |
This is huge in my country. Just huge. |