For us younger guys, we just want to perform. The veteran guys are prepared to steer. They'll take us wherever we're going.

That's a tough question. Those guys are pitching pretty well against us.

That was a very aha moment. It was, 'I'm in the big leagues.'

I was perceived to be a first- to third-rounder. I kind of had a tough junior year and fell to the fifth round. At that time, it was motivational.

I was just sort of oblivious to what was going on. When Thome had surgery, I knew I'm the guy for the long haul and am trying to step it up. Knowing you're going to be in there every day is a big thing.

He was putting it right where he wanted to put it.