November 15, 1999

The Week in Quotes

November 1-14

by Dennis Cleary

TRADES

``When I got the phone call that I was traded, especially for a talent like Dante Bichette, I knew [the Rockies] had plans for me. I'm looking at this as the opportunity I've been waiting on.''

-- Jeffry Hammonds, new Rockies outfielder, on winning the lottery

``If you're going to deal with premier players, there's always a chance they'll walk. But you have to dare to be good.''

-- Randy Smith, Tigers GM, on trading for Juan Gonzalez

``He's Detroit's problem. He's not ours anymore. He's a great player but I really think he leaves a lot on the table.''

-- Tim Crabtree, Rangers pitcher, on the Gonzalez trade

``Randy and I both took a deep breath and swallowed before we did this.''

-- Doug Melvin, Rangers GM, on the Gonzalez trade

``The trade hurts my feelings, because it's after 13 consecutive years with one organization, giving them my best.''

-- Juan Gonzalez, new Tigers outfielder

``I think a lot of people were disappointed with the Dodgers' performance last year, and that looked like an opportunity to me. It would be really great to be a part of helping turn this team around.''

-- Shawn Green, new Dodgers outfielder

``What we have seen in Seattle, and probably what we'll see in some other situations as the weeks unfold, is that the system allows players to be where they want to be. There are more factors because the dollars have gotten to the level they have.''

-- Gord Ash, Blue Jays GM

``You hate to leave somewhere where you've been so long and what we've been through there. But I knew it was going to happen.... It's going to be nice, I hope.''

-- Andy Ashby, new Phillies pitcher

``They might not find a trade they like. They told me, `You may not find one you like.' But if there is no trade, I'll be going to spring training with Seattle at my normal time. You don't have to worry about me. There's not going to be any distractions. It's not going to be that bad. You'll still see me, trade or not.''

-- Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners outfielder

``It would make us non-competitive. Instead of 96, we think we'd win 79. They're asking for all of our best players.''

-- Jim Bowden, Reds GM, on trading for Griffey

HIRINGS

``I believe I'm the right person for this job. I believe I will get job done. I have no doubt about that. How long will it take? I don't know. But I guarantee it will happen.''

-- Davey Lopes, new Brewers manager

``This is a big job; I know that. There are a lot of immediate concerns, a lot of work to do.''

-- Bill Stoneman, new Angels GM

``This franchise speaks for itself. It's going to be a challenge.''

-- Don Baylor, new Cubs manager

AWARDS

``It's real nice to receive this kind of award. A lot of it goes to the players. You're only as good as your players, and we had good players.''

-- Jack McKeon, Reds manager, on being named NL Manager of the Year

``[Stan Belinda] taught me so much about baseball. I don't think I would be receiving this award if it weren't for him. He basically pushed me out of the nest this year. I'm going to have to fly away my own way.''

-- Scott Williamson, Reds pitcher, on winning the NL Rookie of the Year award

``I laughed when I heard about it. The only way I can look at it is that people have respect for what I've done at the position in the past and they recognize me as one of the best in the game. It's weird thing, but there were years when I felt I should have won it and didn't.''

-- Rafael Palmeiro, Rangers infielder, on winning a Gold Glove despite only playing 28 games in the field

THE REST

``Leaving here today, I'm extremely optimistic that we will achieve our goals. Our biggest goal is to have a union that's led by umpires, for umpires. We want a union that is free, open and accountable.''

-- John Hirschbeck, umpire, on trying to oust Richie Phillips

``My idol was Lou Boudreau. All I ever wanted to be was Lou Boudreau. It never occurred to me I'd be Bill Veeck.''

-- Larry Dolan, on buying the Indians

``Everything's going very good. I mean, I never dislocated my ankle before, so I don't know how it's supposed to be, but it's as good as it can be. I'm fine.''

-- Jason Kendall, Pirates catcher

``I really feel defense is something that's an important part of a winning team. A lot of times offense often gets top billing, but the backbone of winning teams is pitching and defense.''

-- Scott Brosius, Yankees infielder

``I take pride in managing winning teams. Losing is disappointing, it's frustrating, it's aggravating, it just wears you out. There were times the last two years I was so embarrassed, it was tough to go into a restaurant and eat a meal in public.''

-- Lou Piniella, Mariners manager

``You see so many players who try to hold on and try to stay in the game. For one reason or another, they were not as fortunate as I was to obtain a World Series ring or something along those lines to allow me to walk away.''

-- Wade Boggs, on retiring

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