"Sometimes I wish I had stayed with my family and friends, but I'm glad I [came to the U.S.]. It's helped me so much. I think I'm way ahead of where I would be if I hadn't done it."
"I didn't want to try and copy anybody, but I wanted to understand why
these pitchers had been so successful. I think it helped so much. Baseball
is all about making adjustments."
-- On watching the A-Braves starters
in spring training
"I've got to get my degree. Baseball is not forever. When I'm 40 years old I'll be very glad I have it."
"I signed with the Braves, and that's who I want to make it to the majors
with. Once you get traded, it seems like you get traded a lot. No one
wants that."
-- August 1998
"Hitters are more mature here, but your defense is better too. It evens out,
I think."
-- On playing AAA ball
"I'm not a hard thrower. At every level, I have to learn."
"I never expected to play in the major leagues."
-- On growing up & playing
baseball in Panama
On his massive strikeout totals:
"They... they just-- happen!"
