I'm not a rookie anymore-no more excuses about being young.

I work hard on my defense. It's something I take pride in, but it's nothing that I want to brag about. It's part of my game.

But the Twins opened the fifth with their second and third hits, and Beltre helped Hernandez by taking his bullet throw for a force at third on a bunt try. I felt it, ... My only worry was that he didn't throw me a sinker. He threw hard, but a good fastball.

Byrd has always been that kind of pitcher, trying to trick you, keep the ball low, in and out. He threw a lot of strikes, worked it inside and out, threw breaking balls for strikes behind in the count.

I don't like to play slow or softly. I like to play hard. Always.

2004 has to be my year. No more excuses.

I love hitting-that's my favorite part of the game.