November 10, 1997

The Week in Quotes

October 20-November 2

by Dennis Cleary

THE WORLD SERIES

"I didn't want to make the error, but the Lord allowed it to happen."
-- Tony Fernandez

"You're looking at a backup catcher from Double A. I've finally arrived at the pinnacle of this sport tonight, so there's hope for all those guys out there. Don't give up."
-- Jim Leyland, Marlins manager

"I don't think it was as bad as everyone thought it would be. I wasn't cold at all."
-- Matt Williams, on the games in Cleveland

"This is definitely the best day of my life. I'm very, very happy. I got to cry with my mother, talk to her a little bit, and then win a World Series. This is better than a dream."
-- Livan Hernandez, who was also named Series MVP

"I racked up the numbers. Everybody could see my performance on offense and defense during the Series, and everywhere I go people tell me I was the Most Valuable Player."
-- Moises Alou, unhappy about the Series MVP selection

"It's more disappointing than you can say, but we're still breathing."
-- Mike Hargrove, Indians manager

"Last year when I went home to Colombia, they gave me a parade. This year... I don't know. It will be explosive."
-- Edgar Renteria

THE REST

"The reason I did this is I want the Phillies to be able to protect a younger player that will help us be a better team."
-- Gregg Jefferies, on waiving his protection rights for the expansion draft

"I don't know what they can possibly go through that I haven't. I've been traded. I've been released. I've been a 20-game winner and I've been a zero [game] winner. So when it comes to relating to players, I don't think I'll have any problems."
-- Dave Stewart, on being named Padres pitching coach

"I just want to pitch. If Eck can do it at 43, I can do it, too."
-- Lee Smith, on making a comeback

"Becoming the Dodgers' major-league pitching coach was my dream job. I have a chance now to expand my horizons in the game and make myself a more complete baseball man."
-- Dave Wallace, on being named assistant GM of the Mets

"We had pretty much anticipated he'd be out perhaps all year long anyway. But as far as not having a complete tear, and not being a career-ending injury, that's good news."
-- Dave Dombrowski, Marlins GM, on injured pitcher Alex Fernandez

"There will be a change next year. This is one of those rare situations in life where everybody benefits."
-- Bud Selig, acting commissioner, on speeding up the game

"If the politicians don't want to build a new stadium, who in their right mind would continue to lose $34 million a year?"
-- Wayne Huizinga, Marlins owner