Q Favorite team growing up?
A I always liked the LA Dodgers, but my favorite player was Mickey Mantle. That was my Dad's hero and became mine. I wear #7 because of Mickey Mantle.

Q When did you start playing?
A As far as I can remember, I started tee-ball at the age of 5. I see pictures of when I was 1, 2 and 3, I always had a ball or bat in my hands.

Q Do you have a nickname?
A I got the nickname rambs - that is short for rambo (the movie.) My brother Jason called me that when we were younger cause I was crazy and not afraid of anything.

Q If I wasn't playing baseball, what would I be doing?
A I always wanted to be a lawyer, but I went to college and studied advertisement marketing. I have always been very creative.

Q Most memorable baseball moment?
A My most memorable moment has been the time of the last 2 years being able to play with my older brother Jason.
On the field has been winning the national championship in 1995 with Cal State Fullerton and playing in the divisional playoffs the last 2 years with the A's.

Q Who is the most influential person in your life?
A My father John. He was a great ball player but got bad knees cause he was a catcher! He has been a huge influence and a huge help.

Q What is your favorite city?
A New York. There are so many great places to eat in the city, and so many places to go out.
Also, when you go to New York and go to play against the Yankees in Yankee Stadium, it is going to be like post-season play. The crowds are loud and their fans know their baseball. Playing there gets the adrenalin flowing and you want to do something great there.

Q What is your favorite hitting park?
A Right now, I would have to say the ballpark in Arlington where the Texas Rangers play. I have done so well there and have great career numbers there.

Q What are some things you are superstitous about?
A I am superstitous about my routine right before the game and right before I am going to go hit.
Right before the game, when I am stretching and loosening up, I try to do the same routine every day.
Along with when I am going to hit. When I am standing in the on-deck circle I try to take the same number of practice swings every time.

Q Who is the most influential person in your life and career?
A In my life, my family has always been there for me and have let me become the person I am.
In my career, I would have to say my father John and also my brother Jason.
My dad taught me so much about the game of baseball as far as I can remember.
And Jason was the guinea pig going through college and to the pros. I feel I had an advantage because he prepared me for what he went through and had to do to get to the big leagues.

Q Who do you think is the best pitcher in the American League? In all of Baseball?
A From experience, I would have to say Pedro Martinez, when he is healthy. He has 4 pitches all above average and will throw them anytime in th count. He dominates when he is on his game.
In all of Baseball that is a tough one. From my own experience I would have to say there are a few. Here they are - not in order:

Pedro Martinez		Mark Moulder
Randy Johnson		Tim Hudson
Curt Shilling		Barry Zito
Roger Clemens

(I get to see these guys go every 5 days.)
And of course the best closer in baseball is Mariano Rivera of the NY Yankees.

Q Baseball keeps track of everything - What do you think is the most important stat?
A I feel there are a few so I will go through them in the order I think they are most important.

1. OBA
2. Slugging Percentage
3. RBI
4. Runs Scored

All these are things that are going to help a team win.