December 17, 2001

The Week in Quotes

December 3-16

by Derek Zumsteg

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THE WORST IDEA EVER GOES TO WASHINGTON

"The summary information they have turned over to us is meaningless in the absence of learning details concerning related-party transactions' salaries and fees received by the owners and their families; and the impact of stadium-acquisition loans by stadiums. In essence, what they have told us is, 'We lose money, but we can't trust you with the details.'"
--Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., during Congressional hearings on restricting baseball's antitrust exemption

"With all due respect, if fans are going to get those kinds of nebulous responses from the commissioner of baseball, there's almost a compelling reason from the whole lot of us to support the legislation so we can get some direct answers."
--Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla.

"You can go ahead with this, but I submit there will be a very heavy price."
--Rep. Gil Gutknecht, R-Minn., warning Bud Selig that tax laws (such as depreciation on player salaries) are subject to change

"You have all the statements, all the numbers."
--Bud Selig, Commissioner of Baseball, to Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif.

"Mr. Selig, let me remind you, you are under oath."
--Rep. Waters, responding to Selig

ALSO BAD IDEAS

"In our situation, we could use a leadoff hitter. I still think [Knoblauch] runs well and still think he has value as a leadoff hitter. I would entertain thoughts of moving him to center, but right now that's Carlos Beltran's position and that's where Carlos is going to start the season."
--Tony Muser, Royals manager, on possibly signing Chuck Knoblauch

"This organization has kind of built something with last year. I don't want to go back to sub-.500. We have to continue to move forward, and when you throw two kids out there, you have to suffer whatever you get."
--Don Baylor, Cubs manager, on his team's pursuit of veterans instead of considering Corey Patterson and Bobby Hill for jobs in 2002

UM, NOT SO MUCH, NO

"I think one thing for sure, I can add veteran leadership."
--David Justice, Athletics outfielder, on his role with his new team

"If he clicks, he's going to be on our staff. If not, we'll keep giving him the ball until he figures it out. It's just mechanical."
--Tony LaRussa, Cardinals manager, on pitcher Rick Ankiel

"If we're healthy and all the pieces are in place, I feel real good about this team. Just give me a full deck and we'll take our chances."
--Lloyd McClendon, Pirates manager, claiming injuries cost the Pirates 30 games in 2001

"I'm always suspicious of guys who've got a famous father."
--George W. Bush, President of the United States, on meeting Joe Garagiola Jr., Diamondbacks GM, on the Diamondbacks' visit to the White House

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.