Ali and I are very lucky to have each other. One of the reasons we want to talk about the 'couple effect' of prostate cancer is to encourage men to work with their spouses in fighting this disease, not shut them out.

I think I was numb when I got the diagnosis. I don't know what I would have done without Ali. She sought out information, asked questions and helped to guide us through the complicated process of reaching a treatment decision.

I think last year I disconnected with him. I think it's important that George and I talk on a regular basis. And I'm the one that really has to make the call because I'm the one that travels here, travels there. He pretty much stays in one place. I plan on doing that on a regular basis.

Phillips was perfectly fine with it, but I wanted to talk to him anyway. It doesn't mean he's not going to be the first baseman when I do this with Jason, but today, it looked like we needed a little extra energy.

We have to put everything aside because the last thing we want to do is carry baggage from one game to the next. It's too late in the season for that.

I think it's just a matter of getting a good one under his belt. I'm not concerned about it.