I had some tough times. Now that I look back on it, I'm very grateful for those times. I know now that I needed them. But at the time you think, 'Man, I wish I could just get to the major leagues!'

We had a lot of adversity, but we found a way.

I just go out every day and try to work hard.

I'm excited about where I am right now.

You get into pro ball and you realize all the guys were the best players on their teams. You have to keep moving forward.

I'm just enjoying playing baseball in the major leagues.

I never really worried about stats in the minor leagues. I was more concerned with getting better and bringing a positive attitude every day.

You have to look past the cool things and play the game. That's why you're here, to play the game.

A lot of people wanted me to play college football, but I wanted to get started playing pro baseball.

I'm not that big of a partier. I wasn't concerned about missing out on things in college.

I feel like I've been blessed with some athletic ability and I'd like to take advantage of it.

When you remove all of the barriers and open the window of your heart, love will eagerly enter through it with all its beauty.

In the dark time, a light is shine by a divine force.

The simple act of putting your truth on paper, only you and your thoughts, is one of the most powerful exercises you can do.

I can be patient, but I am not God! Don't take me for granted, or you will spend your life gathering my scattered self!

You know, women are burdened with all this other crap all the time, like looking good. You need to be really superhuman to be successful as a woman.

The greatest problem America faces is the decline of middle class incomes.

I am selective. If I do splash out, it's an investment, and I wear things for years.

Some of my influences are black gospel artists so I definitely want to do a soul-gospel type thing.

Barack Obama, foreign policy wizard. I just have to laugh.

You take everything I've made the last 16 years. I'll take my freedom.