“I read a lot of Socrates in the off-season. Don't print that, or it’ll ruin my rep.”

“If you work hard, good things will happen. I will never be in a situation where if I fail I can look back and say, ‘If I’d only worked harder.’”

“I just want to take a good approach at the plate every at-bat, be consistent, and drive in runs.”

“North Dakota is a great state. Everybody is real supportive up there. I couldn't ask for a better place to call home.”

“It’s so much easier when you’ve got guys on base and the whole offense is clicking.”

“If I’m gong up here worried about getting hit again, I might as well not go up there, because I’m not going to be worth a thing.”

“I’m not one for a lot of media attention.”

“This is a humbling game and you never fail to realize how hard it is, which makes you work twice as hard.”

“When you get to the big leagues, you need to take potential and turn it into performance. You want to be the guy who got the most out of his ability, not the guy who never fulfilled his potential.”

“I’m remaining calm and staying within my game.”

“I knew I wasn’t going to hit 50 homers like Thome did. I was trying to go out there and establish myself as a big league player and do the things I was capable of.”

“Jim Thome was always ne of my favorite players, so this is kind of a neat situation. But I’ve got to play my game, not be be a guy who tries to hit 55 home runs.”

“I’m not really satisfied. I’ve done all right, but there’s room for improvement.”

“This is the place I want to play for a very long time. I pretty much love everything about the organization.”

“If I’m asked to play first, I should be ready. It’s nice to be in the lineup, regardless of where you’re at.”

“It’s nice when you put in a lot of hard work and you’re recognized and a few people appreciate what you’ve done.”

“I hated farm work. I always got stuck with the jobs my father and brother didn’t want to do.”

“I’ve been streaky throughout my career, but I’ve been trying to become a more consistent hitter.”