When you go to home plate with a lot of confidence, you feel that you can hit any pitch.

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

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 have to get better, but I can't change the way I play.

I'm confident, but not so confident that I'm cocky.

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.