Garrett Atkins

My confidence (defensively) definitely grew as the season went on, and the last month and a half, two months did read more

My confidence (defensively) definitely grew as the season went on, and the last month and a half, two months did wonders for my confidence. Being out there every day after the All-Star break was important, especially when I knew I had to prove everybody wrong, which I've been having to do since college.

I've played with a lot of these guys. They know I've had my struggles over there. They say if you read more

I've played with a lot of these guys. They know I've had my struggles over there. They say if you keep pushing forward, working hard, plays like that are the reward.

We all played together coming up. We all know each other, and it's a real good clubhouse. I'd like to read more

We all played together coming up. We all know each other, and it's a real good clubhouse. I'd like to think that will translate to the field.

You hit first or second, you know they're going to come at you because they don't want anybody on base read more

You hit first or second, you know they're going to come at you because they don't want anybody on base when he comes up. If he comes up with runners on base, they want to pitch around him and go after Holliday or myself. Having him in there changes the whole dynamic of the team.

It is encouraging to see a kid come up and do what he doing. He's got five home runs. That's read more

It is encouraging to see a kid come up and do what he doing. He's got five home runs. That's more than the starting eight combined. You watch him in batting practice, and you know he is a special kind of hitter.