2001 All-Star Game

Q: How surprised were you to be the overall leading vote-getter?
A: "The fact that I got a lot of votes after only three months playing here surprised me. I didn't expect this, or imagine that I would get this kind of vote. But because it's my first year, and the game is in Seattle, I really wanted to go."

Q: You expected to be selected, didn't you?
A: "When the first balloting was announced and I was among the leaders, I thought I had a little chance of being selected."

Q: Does the game being played in Seattle add something to the selection?
A: "It means a lot to me, because in just a few months Seattle has become my special town."

Q: How satisfying is it to become so popular in the sport so soon?
A: "I've only played three months in the major leagues, but I have seen how devoted the fans here are to baseball. I have tried to be better for them, and I appreciate their votes."