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.

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 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.

I just haven't really had a chance to allow it to sink in, ... There's going to come a time when reality hits me. It's going to be a while before I can help my teammates. That's going to be hard for me.

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.

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.

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.