Right now I don't see this team a lot like it used to be early in the season,

I feel better. When I get back, I want to play every day, not the way I've been playing.

I had the chance to play with Edgar Martinez , and he reminds me of him. The one thing I can tell you is this guy can hit. He prepares well and has a good workout routine. Not all ballplayers are like that.

Why wouldn't anyone want to represent their country? It's a great honor. There is so much excitement back home about (the tournament). There's a lot of pride because everyone wants us to do well.

How many times in your life do you have a chance to represent your country?

I was trying to help my team. It's a tough situation for me, bases loaded, one out, try to put the ball in play, but I don't want to make excuses. He struck me out.