I think I just learned that God has a plan for all of us, and I work hard and do all the things I can, but at the same time, His will is perfect; and me trying to control it, it's not going to work.

I try to work hard. I try to set a good example. I don't look at it as though I've got to be a leader. I just try to behave the way I think I should behave. If that results in a leadership role, great.

Of course I work hard. Why shouldn't I? Who am I to think I should get things the easy way?

I think that's what helped us: confidence, respect, the desire to work hard.

Every player hopes to get as much playing time as they can. Hopefully, my hard work will continue to pay off.

I think a fair amount of my votes were 'not-for-Ortiz,' votes and I'm going to have to work hard to earn the 'for Blake' votes.