“There may be people who have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do – and I believe that.”

When you put a lot of hard work into one goal and you achieve it, that’s a really good feeling.

It doesn’t feel different being here (at the All-Star Game) I feel like I’m on an All-Star team everyday.

I attribute much of my success in New York to my ability to understand and avoid unnecessary distractions.

My parents always felt if I worked hard enough I could make any dream come true.

Yankee Stadium is my favorite stadium; I’m not going to lie to you. There’s a certain feel you get in Yankee Stadium.

The big difference for me is that, as I get older, I find it’s a lot easier to stay in shape than it is to get back in shape.

I think when things linger, that’s when they become a distraction. I don’t want any distractions.

Surround yourself with good people. People who are going to be honest with you and look out for your best interests.

Defense usually doesn’t make many headlines, but it goes a long way towards winning baseball games. There are a number of ways to make an impact during the course of a game, and playing solid, sound defense is one of them.

As long as I’m having fun I’m going to play.

This is why you play – to get an opportunity to play in the playoffs.

I can have fun anywhere, as long as I’m with good people. But in the offseason, I like to go somewhere warm, a nice spot in the Caribbean.

In order to lead people, you have to get to know them.

During the off-season, I go to the movies almost every day.

My best vacation is somewhere I could hide, somewhere warm and not a lot of people around.

I’m not perfect; no one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. I think you try to learn from those mistakes.