Always follow your dreams, don't let anyone tell you that you can't be something.

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.

It's tougher when you're established. Before, I'd see 13, 14, 15 pitches that I could drive in a game. Now, I see one, two or three, so I have to be better.

I've learned in my career, it is much better to be recognized for all the great things you do on the field.

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.

I want to be known as a good major-leaguer, and good major-leaguers work to become good.

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.