That’s probably the best perspective in the park. My favorite one was the strike three pitch he threw Giambi that kind of went straight, cut in and then ran back on the plate for a strike.

It’s good to have a little cushion. But it’s not going to be easy.

It was an amazing performance because it’s not easy to sit through a long rain delay and have the same intensity. It’s not easy to start and stop, and that’s what Matt did successfully. When you start and stop, it’s easy to bow out of the situation, but he didn’t do it. And he was rewarded for it.

It’s embarrassing to be out there and not be able to finish it, … So, I would’ve liked to be able to at least run around the bases. But they told me that wasn’t the right thing to do.

This game seems to happen so fast, it happens so quickly. I was glad to get back in the clubhouse and know that we had a win. That was the most important thing.

We have a mission,we have a goal. And it’s not complete.

I fell asleep on the situation. I pride myself on being professional and not showing anyone up. It was a poor error in judgment.

I think it’s always an issue. Billy definitely is one of those guys who plays hurt consistently and plays well.

When he swings the bat well, he?s fun to watch. There?s no better right-handed hitting batter in the league. You could make that case.

Making that prediction, I just don’t know where to begin.

In every organization, environment affects performance, and baseball clubhouses are no different, that’s why in addition to assisting the rest of the coaching staff on the field, Mark and Alyssa Nakken will focus on fostering a clubhouse culture that promotes high performance through, among other attributes, a deep sense of collaboration and team.

He’s on the roster today, and that’s a good start.

It’s very much a day-to-day situation.

He’s a perfect guy at the top of the lineup because he grinds pitchers, he can help set the table, but also drives the ball from time to time.

We’ve still got a grind and battle ahead of us. I think we’re going up against a great team and we’re going to have our hands full. I think the rivalry is there regardless of which team is in front.

As an athlete, you have to have that feeling that you can beat the odds, come back sooner than expected. Otherwise, the guys who are like, ‘What’s going to happen’, those guys it takes three months longer. It’s better to have the reverse attitude.

This team has done something the past two days that should go down in history as an incredible accomplishment. And what David Ortiz has done is miraculous. He’s carried us on his shoulders.

Everyone is very respectful of one another and what they choose to believe in. The guys in this clubhouse live in harmony when it comes to that kind of stuff.

Right now, the offense has us on its back and it’s carrying us. There will come a time when the pitchers will put us on its back and carry us.

I wanted to make sure they all knew that I apologized, that I just fell asleep. That was me, not thinking about the situation in the game.

I really didn’t think it was it, especially because immediately I started getting feedback from people who had known people who had had the injury. I got a call from (Cleveland first baseman) Eduardo Perez relatively soon after the injury, and he said he came back and felt as good as new. I know there are some NFL quarterbacks, too. (Dan) Marino did it and came back as good, or better. I believe Walt Weiss had his career ended, but I’m 30. I think Walt was a little bit further along.

He’s our catalyst, he means everything to this team. I think there’s not a man in here that doesn’t realize that Johnny kind of makes us go. He’s very, very important to us. I know he’s a tough player and he’ll be back out on the field for us soon.

I had constant communication with the Red Sox, and they were awesome all the way through. It became clear I wasn’t going to be ready to start the season, so it didn’t make sense to hold that roster spot. I had nothing but great support from the Red Sox.

I just haven’t really had a chance to allow to sink in. I’m sure there is going to come a time when reality is going to hit me and I’m going to know that it’s going to be a while before I help my teammates, and that’s going to be hard for me.