Sometimes you just don't feel the same everyday, it doesn't matter what you do, but when you have people looking forward to seeing you perform for them, that puts you in the mood, and that's natural in Boston. That's why it's such a special place to play.

I swing hard all the time. That's what I've done my whole life-hit.

My parents always told me to stay away from trouble. When I moved away from them at a young age, I was fine because they taught me how to do everything right.

I guess the rules aren't for everyone.

Everybody has something to prove each year. Everybody has a responsibility in this game. Even the batboy.

The DOCF all started when I made a trip to a local hospital in the Dominican Republic. I was visiting children who had received life-saving heart care operations. I couldn't help but think that in another life, one of these kids could be my own son. If it wasn't for baseball, I may have remained in the Dominican Republic and who knows where life would have taken me. It was then that I knew that I had to use the gift that I received, to play baseball, to do whatever I could to give back.

Everybody goes through some tough times in their life, no matter what you do. Man, I've had my tough times.