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Interview by: Dan Patrick, ESPN magazine
"If I was the Ugliest SOB in the world, it would be a lot easier."
DP-Tell me something about Derek Jeter that nobody knows.
AR-He is the absolute worst at returning phone calls. He's always late. And he's a horrible basketball player. He thinks he's got mad game, but he has no game.
DP-If I said you can go 40-40 or you can win a Gold Glove-what do you want?
AR-Gold Glove.
DP-Why isn't stealing bases glamorous anymore?
AR-People don't get paid for 'em. If you tell guys you get a $6 million contract if you steal 50 bases, you'll have 20 guys stealing the bases.
DP-Best compliment a pitcher has ever given you.
AR-"You can beat me in more ways than one." That's what I want. To hit them out of the park, move a guy over, bunt, do little fundamental things, 'cause that's what the the game is missing. Now it's all the glamour. All the kids coming up see ESPN and all they see is home runs.
DP-So you're blaming SportsCenter for ruining the game?
AR-That's right.
DP-Did your mom have to tell you to be a role model?
AR-My father left me when I was 9 years old. I had guys like Keith Hernandez, Dale Murphy, Cal Ripken, Ozzie Smith. They were all role models besides my mom. She was at work most of the time, and I would watch them everyday.
DP-First time you met Cal. Set the scene.
AR-I was a junior in high school and I went to a baseball game. I went to the dugout. My heart almost popped out. He came up and he said, "Hi." Said a few nice things to me, then he moved on. I was like, man, that was pretty darn neat! That carried me for a while.
DP-Three pitchers you don't want to face.
AR-Kevin Appier. He's just so deceptive with his motions. I always have a hard time picking up a spin on his slider. Kevin Brown. Randy Johnson.
DP-Any pitcher you feel has no business owning you?
AR-Oh, there are a few of them, definitely. Jason Dickson.
DP-What CDs are in your car stereo right now?
AR-Puff Daddy. Mase. Janet Jackson.
DP- Does your mom you know you listen to Puff Daddy?
AR-Every time she's in the car, it's, "Turn that crap off!" Then I have some Billy Joel. Luther Vandross, Barry White.
DP-That's when you have a lady in the car?
AR-Yeah. (Laughs.) I'm having a hard time finding a date. I don't trust any women I meet. I'm very skeptical.
DP-So you would have an easier time if you worked at a record store?
AR-Absolutely. And if I was the ugliest son of a bitch in the world, it would be a lot easier. Then I would know.
DP-Mike Piazza said he was insulted by the Dodgers $88 million offer. What was your take on that?
AR-Someone please insult me.
DP-Still like Cocoa Puffs?
AR-Yes, but I'm eating a lot more Lucky Charms now in the morning.