We've got to get on base and score when we have the opportunity. Even in the five or six hole, I'll be taking the same approach with the hit-and-run, moving the ball around. That's how you manufacture runs.

No conspiracy. I think it's more coincidence than anything.

I had my first Major League at-bat off him in 1995. He struck me out. But I think that helped me out in seeing some pitches, and I know he's aggressive and always comes after you.

It's been a big roller-coaster ride, but that makes it that much sweeter. We've been through a lot of ups and downs. That's what perseverance and mental toughness are all about: how you respond to negative times.

I haven't noticed any idiots here. I mean that in a good way.

We didn't give that much credence, ... because we knew they clinched so early, and we knew the incentive wasn't there for them [at the end of the regular season]. We knew they'd have adrenaline, and they'd be fired up. They pitched well -- all three of them.