“He didn’t use the change of position as an excuse to fail. Some guys might have said, ‘It’s going to be harder to make the All-Star team.’ He’d have been embarrassed to say that."
—Rangers manager Buck Showalter

"Mike’s a grinder. He’s always going to figure it out."
—Showalter

"He’s probably one of the best hitters I've played with."
—Teammate David Dellucci

"Every time up we think he’ll get a hit."
—Former teammate Eric Young

"Mike doesn’t lose any sleep over recognition. He’s a guy that really enjoys playing the game."
—Rangers coach Steve Smith

"He’s only going to get better."
—All-Star Alex Rodriguez

"From day one, I saw that Michael just had a great appetite for learning."
—Rodriguez

"He’s aggressive. No question about that."
—Yankees manager Joe Torre

"He is a core player for us—a guy you’re proud to have in the organization."
—Rangers GM John Hart

"I’m glad his dreams have come true."
—Anna Young