It is hard to ignore that is reality. But, at the same time, it still comes down to sound baseball decisions, farm systems and then execution on the field by the players. There are a lot of components to that (other) than just saying it is the highest salary.

Fear of failure is what fuels me, keeps me on edge and sharp. I'm not as good when I'm comfortable.

I’m fighting for my life, I have to defend myself. If I don’t defend myself, no one else will.

Leadership is a role you have to earn in order to be effective.

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

I've never felt overmatched on the baseball field. I've always been a very strong, dominant position. And I felt that if I did my work as I've done since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn't have a problem competing at any level. So, no.

Enjoy your sweat because hard work doesn't guarantee success, but without it you don't have a chance.