As a coach, you look at your team a little more critically than others do. But you do respect the fact that coaches look at you as the No. 1 seed.

Taro taught me that people respect spirit, but even cowards don't respect cowards.

This is his job. I respect the fact he wants to come back for the last two or three weeks of the season. He's worked hard to come back. Anything is possible. If he comes to the plate three or four times a game, he's going to have an impact on the game.

I understand and respect his position, and I respectfully disagree,

I don't get sick talking about him because he is such a great kid. The respect he has for older players and the game is impressive.

People earn their respect. Tony has earned my respect. He has earned every ounce of the respect he has on and off the race track.