September 11, 2001

The Week in Quotes

September 3-10

by Derek Zumsteg

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THAT PERSONAL TOUCH

"If you look at the long run, the future, I still have three years here. It would be wise to just let me get healthy whenever we can and do whatever possible to win later on if we're not going to win this year. But we still have chances, and I'm just here to help."
--Pedro Martinez, Red Sox pitcher

"The team is not going to shut Pedro down. We're paying him a lot of money to pitch. Our fans enjoy seeing Pedro Martinez pitch."
--Dan Duquette, Red Sox GM

"If he wants to take my check, he can take it. When I came here, I was a millionaire, and it's not going to make me any richer by forcing me to pitch."
--Pedro Martinez, Red Sox pitcher

THOSE WHO DENY HISTORY

"They originally came to us in March and asked us if we would be part of the celebration. We continued to make it very clear that we did not want to be a part of a salute to a Giant, pennant-winning home run. It was really shocking that they would ask. We're in the middle of a pennant race right now with that team."
--Derrick Hall, Dodgers Senior Vice President, Communications, rejecting the Giants request that both teams wear throwback uniforms on September 15 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bobby Thomson's home run off Dodger pitcher Ralph Branca

"We realize that a man [Branca] suffered for over 50 years, as did Dodger fans. We are just not going to be a part of it."
--Derrick Hall, Dodgers Senior Vice President, Communications

"I don't agree that it would make them look bad. It's the most historic home run of all time. It has nothing to do with demeaning them. The Dodgers shouldn't be embarrassed. The guy hit a home run. What are you going to do?"
--Rich Aurilia, Giants infielder and Brooklyn native

LOOKING AHEAD TO NEXT YEAR

"I don't think the center-field situation is a major issue. I don't think Doug Glanville should think about anybody else being the center fielder but him. That's the way I envision it playing out."
--Ed Wade, Phillies GM

"[Marlon Byrd] should come to spring training wanting to impress everybody and his brother, but also with the understanding he needs more time to develop."
--Ed Wade, Phillies GM

"The way I've been used, the numbers aren't going to be there. I got a lot of at-bats but they were scattered at-bats early and then I'd play a couple of weeks straight and then I wouldn't. I'm going to have to rely on somebody believing in me and understanding the situation over here and what has happened. Whoever does is going to get a pleasant surprise."
--Dante Bichette, Red Sox outfielder

PAC BELL PARK POTPOURRI

"There are a lot of similarities to Candlestick here. I don't like playing here, and I haven't heard anyone say they like playing here. They have water shooting up in right field (after splash homers). They might as well fire ice cubes at us."
--Larry Walker, Rockies outfielder

"The hardest place to hit in the National League, no doubt. At the plate, the wind is always blowing in your face and it's hard to see. And it's tough in the field, too, because there's a lot of glare."
--Todd Helton, Rockies infielder

"It's definitely been a pitchers' park this year because our offense isn't as good. And you have to understand that the Rockies go from a place like Coors to something like this. I agree that it's tough to hit here."
--Jeff Kent, Giants infielder

"I agree with them that it's the toughest place to hit. That's what makes what Barry [Bonds] is doing even more amazing. If he played anywhere else, he might already have 70 ."
--John Vander Wal, Giants outfielder

PITCHER INTIMIDATION

"I've always had trouble with Konerko."
--Tim Laker, Indians backup catcher, on giving up an infield single to Paul Konerko during Laker's first appearance on a major-league mound

"When they sent up Mr. Gwynn."
--Bud Smith, Cardinals, pitcher, when asked when he got nervous during his no-hitter-to-be against the Padres

THE REST

"Sometimes, because Jimmy strikes out a lot, people don't understand how consistent he is. Jimmy's walks make him a better hitter. He gets on base and scores runs and that's the object of the game."
--Charlie Manuel, Indians manager, on infielder Jim Thome

"This means a lot to me. Tris Speaker was a great player and walks are a big part of helping your team win. If you walk, that means you're putting yourself in position to score and runs win games."
--Jim Thome, Indians infielder, on tying Tris Speaker's franchise record for career walks

"Everybody sees what's going on here. A little bit of luck makes a big difference."
--Jose Mercedes, Orioles pitcher, on his 7-16 record and 5.90 ERA

"They signed me for the minimum, gave me a sack lunch, a couple balls and said, "Let's see what you can do.'"
--Corky Miller, Reds catcher, on being drafted in 1998

"When you watch him, he has kind of a happy butt. His butt's always wiggling, and he's got these mannerisms of wiggleness."
--Tony Muser, Royals manager, on infielder Neifi Perez

"Right now, the National League is phenomenal. You can't ask for a better race. There is excitement all around the league."
--Barry Bonds, Giants outfielder

"I hope it is cool in the Boston clubhouse like it is here."
--Calvin Pickering, Red Sox infielder, learning he had been claimed on waivers by the Red Sox after six days in Cincinnati

"It's like if you listen to an idiot talk long enough, you'll get dumber. They've been watching us for five months, and it's sunk in. That was our plan, stink up the place for five months and hope it catches on."
--Desi Relaford, Mets infielder, on the NL East

"I don't want nobody running on me. To throw a guy out, to me that's the best part of the game."
--Terrence Long, Athletics outfielder, after throwing out Devil Ray Jose Guillen at home plate

"It's easy to be confident when you're going good. The hardest part is creating that confidence when you're not."
--Barry Zito, Athletics pitcher

If you would like to submit a quote, please email Derek and be sure to include both the quote itself and a URL pointing to the quote.