It's a lot easier than the NL when they treat you like Barry Bonds when they know the pitcher is on deck, so it's better for Alex and a comfort level for me, defensively.

This year, we got the Barry Bonds- style pants that come all the way down. We try to do what's in style every year — keep our uniforms up-to-date. ... We take a lot of pride in what we're doing.

It's always easier to hit when it's a low-scoring game and your pitcher is doing the job. It all starts with pitching. Our offense got so much publicity early on, but pitching is the most important thing.

Jason or Barry Bonds, you don't want them to hit a homer. As a team, you want him to be on base, and sometimes, they'll surprise you. Barry Bonds, he doesn't want to bunt, but you never know.

I don't want to compare the guy to Barry Bonds, but the streak he's been on is very similar in that people aren't going to pitch to him if they don't have to.

As a competitor, I don't expect anything less than what I'm capable of doing. When you think you're underachieving, you feel you let others down. But trust me, I'm letting myself down more than anything else.