I figured that pitchers had a better chance of getting drafted than fielders, so I decided I should be a pitcher. But I never expected to be picked in the first round. I wasn't even sure I'd get picked at all.

My father helped me become a ballplayer and take the good with the bad.

If you can get an out on one pitch, take it. Let the strikeouts come on the outstanding pitches. Winning is the big thing. If you throw a lot of pitches, before you know it, your arm is gone.

I don't care how much money he (Frank Viola) makes. He can have my locker, I'll take him to all the best restaurants and show him New York. He can even have my wife, but he can't have my number, no way.

You got the ball in your hands and you're in command, and if you get your good pitch where you want it, nobody's gonna hit you.

Plus, when you get in tough situations, like the bases loaded and nobody out, you never give in.

I don't feel any pressure. I just try to stay calm, follow my game plan, and try not to get overthrown.