GREG BORDES

Second baseman, shortstop

Bear facts: The 5-foot-9,160-pound Bordes was born June 3, 1985 in New Orleans, one of Charlie and Jeannie Bordes' six children. He went to Dobson High School in Mesa, Ariz., then played at nearby Arizona State. One of his brothers, Brett, pitched for the Sun Devils and is presently hurling for the Frederick (Md.) Keys, a Baltimore Orioles' advanced Class A affiliate in the Carolina League. His father reached Class AAA in the Texas Rangers system and his grandfather, Bill Cutler, was president of the Pacific Coast League.

Q: Did you play other sports in high school?

A: As a freshman I was a quarterback in football and a point guard in basketball. Later I just concentrated on baseball.

Q: What has been the highlight of your baseball career so far?

A: This past year at ASU, finally getting a chance to play after just being a spot player the first three. The perseverance helped me become a better player and I was able to play in the Super Regionals, which was a great experience.

Q: Do you have a favorite major league player?

A: Dustin Pedroia (Boston Red Sox second baseman and 2007 American League Rookie of the Year). He played at ASU and is pretty much my size (5-9, 180). I've tried to pattern the way I play after him. He's a good guy to look up to.

Q: If you could meet any person, living or dead, who would it be?

A: My grandfather -- my Dad's dad. I never got the chance to know him, but I have a lot of respect for the way he raised my Dad and the way my Dad raised us. I'd just like to talk to him and listen to some of the experiences he had in his life.

Q: What types of things do you like to do when you're not playing baseball?

A: Just relax. I'm kind of a homebody, I like to hang out with my family and friends and take it easy. When you play baseball every day, it can become a grind. So it's helpful sometimes to just take a break.

Q: If you could own any existing car, what would it be?

A: I'm not really a car guy, but I'd like a new BMW.

Q: Do you have any baseball superstitions?

A: I never touch the baselines going in or out of the dugout. That's one I've used for a long time. And when I'm putting my uniform on, I dress left to right -- I put my left sock on first and then the right. It just helps me be comfortable.

Q: When your baseball career is over, what do you think you'll remember most about Yakima?

A: It's bigger than I thought it was. I played one summer in Liberal, Kansas, and that was a really small town. I didn't necessarily expect Yakima to be that small, and I haven't had the chance to get around and see the whole city, but for some reason I thought it would be a lot smaller.