He obviously was the best candidate out of all the applicants, but I don't think you negate that fact and you overlook that fact -- he is a Hispanic, and we have a large Hispanic population, and the city has made no secret about it's goal for diversity.

His spirits are OK. He's OK. Obviously, he's not great. I think that's the best you can say.

Obviously, he's a good coach. That's why I brought him in. The fact that he's my brother makes it that much more special. He's already doing a hell of a job.

I think the fact that there was going to be lot of new things for me - new teammates, a new situation, everything. I wanted to get to know our hitting coach so I can establish my routine. Ultimately, six months of the season are a lot more important than three weeks.

I don't think it was that. I think it was just the fact that he was back playing, period. I'm sure 10 snaps would have been better than 50. You had to see where he was.

I am the best of the best. I'm that rare individual, that rare athlete, who is able to negate offenses.