The Questions With Brian Giles

What was your welcome-to-the-big-leagues moment?

I got in late from Triple A the night before a game [for the Indians ]. I slept about three hours. When I got to the park, I wasn't playing, but a half hour before the game I got put in the lineup. Against the Rocket. I got a hit in my second at bat.

Your favorite off-day activity?

Going to the beach.

What's one thing about being in the major leagues that people don't think about?

The travel. Long trips east or west after night games. All night on a plane. Off days aren't always off. You're usually traveling.

If I weren't a baseball player, I'd ...

either be a meteorologist or a chef at Benihana . It's pretty cool cooking in front of people.

If I were commissioner for a day, I'd ...

bring back Pete Rose .

LAST WEEK

After his 14th-inning double beat the Mets on Friday, Giles , 35, hit a grand slam in a 7-4 win on Sunday.

THIS WEEK

The Padres and Giles , a native of Southern California , host the division-rival Dodgers for three games over the weekend.