Teams 
Q: When you get to the park what steps do you take to get ready and what time does your day start? - Armando Gonzalez, Hayward
A: My day normally starts around 10:00 am. I get up and eat something and then I head to the ballpark getting there at about 2:00 pm, when I eat again. Once at the park I listen to music and hang around and talk to the guys. As far as the game preparation, I relax, watch TV and put on my headphones about 45 minutes before the game starts. Music has a lot to do with my preparation and concentration for the game.
Q: What are the biggest differences you've experienced between the American League and National League and do these differences impact your playing approach as an Oakland Athletic? - David Abbou, Stafford
A: The biggest difference is seeing pitchers that I haven't seen before. When I was in the National League, chances were I had faced that pitcher before and I knew what to expect. Up here it's different. I need to really study the pitchers film and learn how each American League pitcher throws, so that changes my approach to how I play here.
Q: When you step up to bat with men on base in scoring position, what goes through your head? What are your first thoughts and is it different than being the lead-off batter at the start of an inning? - Mark Clar, Walnut Creek
A: Yes it is different. When you are a lead-off batter you just try to get on base any way you can, whether it is a single, double, or just drawing a walk. Also, I think I am more patient being a lead-off hitter. When I see runners on base I am more aggressive and I look for a ball that's up, so I can drive.
Q: What do you like best about being on the A's, and how is the atmosphere in Oakland different from other teams you've played with? - Kim Gorman, Eugene OR
A: I really like the Bay Area. I think living out in California is the best part, I really enjoy that. In the A's atmosphere the fans here are really rowdy in the outfield and it is very different from San Diego where I came from because Padres' fans were a little more laid back. But I am really enjoying my time here in Oakland and I am happy to experience what life is like in the Bay Area.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the Major Leagues compared to being in the minor leagues, other than the fact that it's "the show"? - Terri Egoian, Visalia
A: This is the big stage and being in the big leagues means there is no league higher than that and I think that is really something to be proud of. I enjoy the competition here, everyday it's the best-of the-best and the competition is what keeps me playing the game. I think a lot of players would agree with me in saying that. I have learned a lot about life just being a ball player and once I am done playing I am not sure what I will be doing. In athletics you learn how to fight for a job, you must have fun playing the game and I am glad to still be playing.
Q: Growing up in a family that has experienced success in the Majors, was there more pressure on you to pursue a career in baseball or was it easier to develop a love for the game? - Jamie Ostinett, New York Mills, NY
A: I think there was added pressure growing up in a baseball family because people expected me to do well, just because my dad played. Also as a young kid, there were times where I tried too hard, but as I got older it became easier because the reason I played the game is because I wanted to play it. My dad never told me or made me feel as if I had to play, but yes there was added pressure growing up in my family, but it never made me want to stop playing.
Q: When did you know that you had a chance to be a Major Leaguer? - Michael Wittman Jr., San Marcos
A: Ever since I was seven years old I knew I wanted to be a baseball player. But once I got to college I knew I had a good chance to play at this level and that's when I came into my own and began really developing as a player, filling into my body better and becoming faster and stronger.
Q: What is your favorite ball park that you have been to and why? - Kaitlyn Covione, Clayton
A: I like San Diego, I have grown to like that park over the last couple years and Petco Park. I have a lot of good memories there and the city of San Diego is great and I think they have done a great job with that park.
Q: Who is the toughest pitcher you have ever faced? - Nicole Peone, Folsom
A: That's a tough question as I have faced a lot of good pitchers, but some of the toughest for me were: Tim Lincecum, Johan Santana, Roy Halladay and Mariano Rivera.
