My mother's the most special person in my life ... I consider her my MVP: Most Valuable Parent.

I don't care if people like me or not. Respect is more important.

I like to score and drive in runs more than pay attention to batting average.

If my life depended on it - if my daughter's life depended on it - I'd want Mariano Rivera closing. Wouldn't you?

Not one day goes by when I don't remind myself of how grateful I am for those who came before me over the last 25 years. When I see players like Mike Schmidt and Johnny Bench, I thank them.

Back then it was a different culture. It was very loose. I was young. I was stupid.

This is how I define grace: youre on the main stage, and it looks like it has been rehearsed 100 times, everything goes so smoothly. Thats where I get my confidence and success, from knowing that I have an edge because I know Im prepared.