You just get that feeling the way things are working out. I didn't get off to a great start. I wanted to win the job, but I'm not heartbroken about it. If Ian needs any help, he's my teammate and I'll do everything I can.

It would mean a lot if we could all get together and play together for a long time. I understand there are a lot of question marks about the corners. I can understand the questions, especially about me and Adam LaRoche. We're going to have to go out and silence the questions.

He's loving every minute of it.

It feels good to be swinging the bat good and being able to get out there and just be healthy and have fun. You miss those things. The team is rolling right now and just to be in the middle of it is nice.

I have to be able to play those positions, regardless. I'm sure I'll play short, some third, the outfield. I'm not reading anything into it, I just know to maintain value, if I don't start at second base, I'll be a utility guy and move around.

Being away for a week to 10 days, maybe even longer — out of sight, out of mind, as the saying goes. It gives other guys chances to impress the manager. I'd be doing myself a big disservice if I wasn't there.

I don't know what's going to happen, but I tell you what ... we're going to be flying around. I think what you're going to see out there is a bunch of young guys who are anxious to succeed at this level.

I'm glad I went on rehab assignment to see some live pitching and get some at-bats. I said there were no excuses, I was seeing the ball well at Triple-A and I was able to come back and get it going.