We (Derek Jeter and I) want to kill each other. I think we both drive each other and motivate each other. But, when we're off the field, we're like family. I think the nice thing about it is we became good friends before we even mad it to the big leagues. That makes it more of a healthy relationship.

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

I do my best hitting when I'm walking. That means I'm relaxed and my pitch recognition is a lot better.

I hate the word 'potential'-potential means you haven't gotten it done.

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.

Like I say, it's almost embarrassing to talk about. I don't know if Michael Jordan or Bill Gates or Alexander the Great or anyone is worth this type of money, but that's the market we're in today. That's what Mr. Hicks decided to pay me, and now it's time to pay him back and win a couple championships.

Winners live in the present tense. People who come up short are consumed with future or past. I want to be living in the now.