THE MODERATOR: Questions for Ramon Ortiz and Alfredo Griffin, who will translate if necessary. Questions for Ramon.
Q. Mike talked about how you were a little too amped up against the Yankees and were able to channel your energy against the Twins. What did you do differently for those two starts?
RAMON ORTIZ: Well, I got better commands in Minnesota, so what happened, more aggressive, you feel better about it.
Q. Do you agree with the constant assessment? Every time out it seems they talk about the emotion you show out there and how you get so amped up. Is it really true? What happens on the mound when that begins to happen to you?
ALFREDO GRIFFIN: He says yes, he's really aggressive and hyped up on the mound. That's normal in him. He can't change that right now. That's the way he is.
Q. You gave up a lot of home runs this year and Barry hits a lot of home runs. What is your approach going to be against Bonds?
RAMON ORTIZ: I don't think home run right now. I think in pitching good, good game and the team win. That's what I think right now.
Q. What's the scouting report on you as a hitter?
RAMON ORTIZ: I don't know (laughing). I don't hit very good. I don't know, I try, but I'm not a good hitter.
ALFREDO GRIFFIN: (Inaudible) This is the best year he played, when he played in the Dominican. Now he's changing his story.
RAMON ORTIZ: (Inaudible) Batters, I don't know, wow.
Q. Ramon, I know you went through a difficult family situation. How difficult is it to not take that out on the mound with you? How are you able to do that, to totally blank out that situation?
RAMON ORTIZ: I know it's a very hard decision with my family, especially my father. He doesn't feel good right now. But I have to concentrate on the game. Sometimes, I think too much. But sometimes I have to think about baseball. I know my family is first, my father, especially, is not good. But I have to think about baseball.
End of FastScripts.
