I feel like I've been blessed with some athletic ability and I'd like to take advantage of it.

I try to work hard. I try to set a good example. I don't look at it as though I've got to be a leader. I just try to behave the way I think I should behave. If that results in a leadership role, great.

I had some tough times. Now that I look back on it, I'm very grateful for those times. I know now that I needed them. But at the time you think, 'Man, I wish I could just get to the major leagues!'

I'm just enjoying playing baseball in the major leagues.

I'm excited about where I am right now.

I'm taking (the training) a little more seriously than I normally would to speed up the process. I don't care if people say I was a surprise pick. I feel like it's an honor and the people who made the decision to put me on the team know what they are talking about. To play for your country is something you can hold on to the rest of your life.

You have to look past the cool things and play the game. That's why you're here, to play the game.

I'm not that big of a partier. I wasn't concerned about missing out on things in college.

We had a lot of adversity, but we found a way.