I remember quotes in the paper, 'Here comes the man that New York loves to hate.' Man? None of you have probably ever eaten steak with me or rice and beans with me to understand what the man is about. You might say the player, the competitor, but the man? You guys have abused my name. You guys have said so many things, have written so many things.

I believe I have a responsibility that goes along with the money I make. I can help a lot of people.

Because I want to have my arm in good shape, I need to have my legs in good shape. Without a leg, there is no arm.

When I go to the plate, I think about putting the ball in play. It's important to get on base and get some walks, but I don't go to the plate thinking of walking.

Actually the adrenaline of the game will probably help me out a little bit to regain command and concentration about the things that I have to do.

None of the teams that actually probably were offering me a job from the getgo, actually in spring training, are in the playoffs right now.

All I can say is, I will put my heart and soul into helping the Red Sox win.