It felt great. It feels like new socks.

I went from a morning of fear and panic to mind-boggling confusion, to an overwhelming sense of guilt, to stuffing a pair of socks down my pants.

It feels real good to be one step away. But it isn't easy. We're in the same predicament as last year (with Seattle). We had some injuries but, at the end of the day, we find ways to win.

I've always started off bad. I struggled really bad early last year, and then toward the end I had eight home runs in a month. I asked myself why can't I do that every time I play, and that's what I've tried to do, find that kind of consistency.

I feel like I've had so many health issues. But I'm working through it. I can't afford to miss games and take time off.

I experience the same level of intense concentration watching a thrilling tennis match as I do hunched over a heaping pile of warm socks diligently searching for exact matches.