We played so well down the stretch, ... To end in this fashion, it's disappointing. I played great baseball this year, and I played like a dog the last five games.

I'm not concerned with what Boston does or Cleveland. We have to play our best baseball down the stretch.

I played great baseball for a year, ... I played like a dog for five games.

I played great baseball all year, ... and I played like a dog the last five days.

It is hard to ignore that is reality. But, at the same time, it still comes down to sound baseball decisions, farm systems and then execution on the field by the players. There are a lot of components to that (other) than just saying it is the highest salary.

Why do people sing Take Me Out to The Ballgame when they're already there?

I've never felt overmatched on the baseball field. I've always been in a very strong, dominant position. And I felt that if I did my work as I've done since I was, you know, a rookie back in Seattle, I didn't have a problem competing at any level. So, no.

The game of baseball has been my whole life. It's given me everything I have. I didn't think this was better for the game, the growth of the game, I wouldn't be playing. I felt that I owe this to the game. I've made the right decision. I'm very proud to be playing for the USA team. I plan to enjoy it.

It just doesn't get any better this. This is the best time of my life, the most fun time in my baseball career. I don't remember a race like this since I've been around.