I don't play for records.

I hate the word 'potential'-potential means you haven't gotten it done.

Playing the game was the easy part. The real work was in the preparation.

I want to be the best, and the best work. You have to earn what you get, and you have to work to keep it.

I'm a terrible singer. I feel lucky to play baseball. You can't be gifted in everything.

Fear of failure is what fuels me, keeps me on edge and sharp. I'm not as good when I'm comfortable.

Always follow your dreams, don't let anyone tell you that you can't be something.

I believe a champion wins in his mind first, then plays the game, not the other way around.

Every year it gets tougher and tougher. Mentally and physically. That's why you need to train and prepare.

I never take things for granted. I always look to help out me teammates, to win and be better.

I learned to play (baseball) on the streets in the Dominican Republic when I was 8 yrs old.

I don't know why people say I'm not supposed to be doing what I'm doing. I'm just trying to do my job. I'm blessed, and I'm glad that I'm blessed.

A lot of people said I could be a good player. I just wanted the opportunity to show it. I just let it happen.

I know I'm good when I'm hitting the ball the other way - that's Albert Pujols.

I hope by the time that I'm done in this game, I can have half the numbers Stan Musial had in his career.

I consider myself a line drive hitter with power. I just try to put my best swing on the ball every time.

I have five young children, and I take being a role model very seriously.

I trust that I can hit a fastball, that I can hit any pitch they throw to me.

I don't want to be too stiff, because then my hands won't be as quick.