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

Like I say, it's almost embarrassing to talk about. I don't know if Michael Jordan or Bill Gates or Alexander the Great or anyone is worth this type of money, but that's the market we're in today. That's what Mr. Hicks decided to pay me, and now it's time to pay him back and win a couple championships.

Whether I hit .260 or .320, the bottom line here is to win.

Winners live in the present tense. People who come up short are consumed with future or past. I want to be living in the now.