I feel like I am more deserving than last year. It definitely feels good just to be on the team.

One of the reasons I appreciate being in a Pirates uniform is the greats who have worn it in the past. There was Bill Mazeroski hitting the walk-off home run to win the World Series. There was Roberto Clemente wearing the number 21. There was Pops: Willie Stargell. There was Dave Parker: Cobra.

One thing I always remember: Frustration is built by unmet expectations.

We focus on what we do right, we learn from what we did wrong, we move onto the next day that's what prepares us, that's what makes us strong?

I don't really look at myself as a power hitter. I look at myself as someone who drives the ball to the gaps, hits line drives.

Life doesn't always go the way you planned it to go. Sometimes you have detours you have to take.

We all have an expectancy of something, but who's to say it always goes that way? Nine times out of 10, life never goes that way.

In order to be better, you should expect to be better.

Honestly, I don't think I'm doing anything any different right now. You swing, and the ball finds a hole. That's it. That's the game of baseball.

The good thing about this game? There's always tomorrow.

Before I point a finger at anyone, I have to point it at myself first.

I'll do everything I've got to do to get on base, and I've been doing that. I'm happy with it.

We won't let history define our future. Our actions will do the talking. Our determination will turn doubters into believers.