They asked me what winning meant to me, and then we spoke for a long time about how I work — what I do to help my team, to help my pitchers improve day in and day out. I spoke about how I value winning over everything, and how I am a man of action. I told them I’m looking to create lasting relationships and bonds with my new teammates, and then, beyond that, that I’d be willing to do anything I can to help us win.

I will leave my heart out there on the field for this team. For this town. For St. Louis. I said that straight up.