I hadn't focused on mechanics since I signed professionally.

I need to have perspective. That's one of the big things former players told me, to not try to live up to anything, just live up to yourself.

I refuse to be molded into some stereotypical ballplayer that has no interests, really, no life, no depth, no intelligence.

I think I'm aware of what goes on in my mind more than some guys, and for that reason I fight more battles.

It's not like I'm some kind of veteran and there is this huge age gap. I identify with them more off the field. I need to set an example, which is great, and I look forward to doing just that.

When I'm doing well, it's like I'm in a nice little ballet. Everything is going slow all around me. It's very peaceful.

There's a part of me that wants to go streak and run outside and jump around and go swim in the ocean and do everything. The other part of me wants to bear down and repeat this kind of performance next year and in the years to come.