There is no doubt that because I am a switch hitter I have one of the best offensive advantages that a hitter can have.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I consider myself a line drive hitter with power. I just try to put my best swing on the ball every time.
Now the advantage is all with the hitters.
I might have a great game hitting, but if I'm not having a great game fielding, if I feel like I let a guy get an extra base that I could have stopped, that's something I've got to do better, got to get better at.
I've learned that getting what you want gives you a pretty high batting average, and leaves you plenty to struggle for.
The big thing I noticed from High-A to Double-A is that when you have an advantage count as a hitter, you're not going to get as many fastballs. Adjusting to the 2-0 changeup, that 3-1 off-speed pitch - things like that. I think my swing can stay the same; I just was getting myself out.
To be a good hitter you've got to do one thing - get a good ball to hit.
As for my batting, the best part about it is I have never changed it. I have never changed my thinking, I have never changed my batting style.
Do I want someone to get more hits than me? No. Do I want someone to hit more home runs than me? No. Do I want someone to have more RBI than me? No. I get a kick out of seeing the all-time leaders and my name's on top of every one, with the exception of strikeouts. I get a kick out of that.
I don't think I'm a home run hitter. Most of my home runs are line drives. If I hit it, thanks God. But it's not the kind of thing that I think about. I just go out there and try to have a better season than I had before. Home runs are not in my mind.
I don't like the designated hitter. A guy who plays should be able to catch and hit.