Are you excited about a good young San Diego Padre team that is predicted to be on the rise, or are you expecting another tough year?

Well, I think the Padres are on the rise. They got great young stars, and I think they got a good chance at the playoffs this year. There new ball park is awesome, and those gold away uniforms are hard to beat.

How good is Kahlil Greene?

Contrary to popular belief, he was the best rookie in baseball last year, and as he matures he will make a great team leader. Greene and Mark Loretta are going to make a great middle infield for years to come.

You earned All-CIF honors at Santa Margarita High three different years. You hit .389 as a senior and were part of a Division IV Championship team. Describe your high school baseball experience?

Well I really enjoyed high school baseball. My team mates and I really worked hard, and it paid off with all of our accomplishments. I enjoyed high school, but I am now looking forward to a promising year with the Trojans.

When you hear the name, Lance Armstrong, what comes to mind?

A hard worker, a role model, a person who never gave up, an unbelievable athlete, and a yellow wrist band.

What kind of advice would you give to a high school athlete who wants to play baseball at a higher level?

Work hard. There are a lot of things an athlete cannot control, but work ethic is one they can. Make sure you work hard on and off the field. Keep your grades up, and work hard on the field and things will turn out for the best. Always remember that there’s no substitution for hard work.

Describe your emotions when you took the field for the first time as a USC Trojan.

Oh man, well it was definitely a feeling I won’t forget. I was pretty nervous, as I’m sure all the guys were too. It was a great feeling of accomplishment and pride though, wearing the Trojan uniform. The first ball of the game was hit to me, and I was just glad I didn’t boot that ball.

Who is your dream date and where do you spend the day/evening?  And don’t say watching Family Guy.

My dream date would be Anna Kournikova, we would spend the day at the U.S open, then go to Yankee Stadium at night. After the game, we would watch Family Guy episodes.

Name some of your favorite bands and others that drive you crazy.

Favorite-Blink 182, Nirvana, Green Day, Sublime, Incubus, Tom Petty, ACDC, Guns n Roses…Worst-Hanson

If you could have any three people in the history of the world over for dinner, who would you choose?

Jesus Christ, Babe Ruth, and Julius Caesar.