Just once, I would like there to be something special about being the kid stuck in the middle.

We forget how bawdy and brutal the Middle Ages were.

Too often, the vast middle is overlooked. Not every child is a math whiz kid and we shouldn't assume so.

For centuries, the Muslims were able to co-exist perfectly well with Jews and Christians in the Middle East.

He's a special pitcher. If you look at what he's accomplished from the middle of last year till now, I don't think there's a pitcher who can match what he's done.

It's just more special. Getting called up in the middle of the season, you're just filling a void at that time. But to be one of 25 guys on the roster to start a year, it feels better. You feel like you're more a part of everything from the get-go.