By finishing out strong, we know that we have a good chance next season. We had to try to prove it the last month. If we get one or two guys, we're not looking that far ahead.

You hit first or second, you know they're going to come at you because they don't want anybody on base when he comes up. If he comes up with runners on base, they want to pitch around him and go after Holliday or myself. Having him in there changes the whole dynamic of the team.

My confidence (defensively) definitely grew as the season went on, and the last month and a half, two months did wonders for my confidence. Being out there every day after the All-Star break was important, especially when I knew I had to prove everybody wrong, which I've been having to do since college.

It is encouraging to see a kid come up and do what he doing. He's got five home runs. That's more than the starting eight combined. You watch him in batting practice, and you know he is a special kind of hitter.

I've played with a lot of these guys. They know I've had my struggles over there. They say if you keep pushing forward, working hard, plays like that are the reward.

As much grief as I take the rest of the year, plays like that, you've got to savor them and enjoy them. I've helped the team win with the bat before, but it's nice to do it with the glove.