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Marcus Giles just enjoyed his rookie season with the Atlanta Braves. As he prepares for 2002, he is living with his brother, Pirates All-Star outfielder Brian Giles, and his family. Recently, MLB.com caught up with Marcus and discussed various topics ranging from baseball to being an uncle.

MLB.com: Can you describe your  emotions when you were promoted to the Majors?

Marcus Giles: It all happened so fast. I reported to the stadium in Richmond and they told me that I had an hour and 10 minutes to get to the airport and fly to Atlanta. I had to pack my regular clothes, my baseball stuff and get on the plane. Once I got on the plane, I had time to enjoy the news. As soon as I got off the plane, we went straight to Turner Field and I was in the dugout for my first Major League regular-season game. Everything was just a blur that day.

MLB.com: What was it like when you actually stepped on the field for action?

Giles: I had to treat it just like any other game. Too many times, people put unnecessary pressure on themselves. It's stupid to think that way. You just have to stay within yourself and do what you have been doing all your life.

MLB.com: Is it going to be just another game when you face your brother Brian and the Pirates this year?

Giles: I don't know. That's going to be the first time we've played against each other. I do know that it's going to be a lot of fun. I'll be staying at his house, driving to the stadium with him and just enjoying the weekend with him.

MLB.com: What have you been doing since the season ended?

Giles: I have been living with Brian and his family. We work out five days a week and have gotten in pretty good shape. Now it's just a waiting game. We're ready to get the season started again.

MLB.com: Have you taken any vacations?

Giles: Yeah, I went pheasant hunting up in South Dakota with Brian and my best friend. There really hasn't been a lot of time to relax. Like I said, we've been working out a lot and just getting ready for the season.

MLB.com: What do your remember about your days as a youngster when Brian was in the minor leagues?

Giles: I would go spend three or four weeks a year with him. Once I got there, I'd travel with the team and usually have to sleep in the luggage rack when we were on the bus. I guess that was one good thing about being small. I would take batting practice, dress with the team and do just about everything like the players.

MLB.com: But when he got to the Majors, you couldn't do that anymore?

Giles: Well, I still remember going into the Indians clubhouse and meeting all of the guys. Those guys like Jim Thome, Charles Nagy really made you feel comfortable. I guess that's why I really wasn't awestruck when I came into the Braves clubhouse for the first time. In Atlanta, we have a lot of great veteran leaders who give you that same sense of comfort.

MLB.com: After one season in the Majors, have you decided which ballpark you like best?

Giles: Enron was pretty cool. I always enjoyed playing there and in Arizona as well. Maybe it was something about the retractable roofs.  Those day games in Wrigley are cool, too.

MLB.com: Your brother just had his first child. Do you enjoy being an uncle?

Giles: Oh, yeah, because when they start crying you can just give them back to their parents.