December 6, 1999

The Week in Quotes

November 15-December 5

by Dennis Cleary

UMPIRES FORM NEW UNION

``Today is a statement by all umpires that it's time for a change. We want a union that is run by umpires and advised by attorneys.''

-- John Hirschbeck, umpire

``The other union won. I'm upset.''

-- Jerry Crawford, former union president

SIGNINGS AND HIRINGS

``We walked away from more money from other places. But that's not what it was all about. As soon as I saw Arizona was interested in me, I wanted to see how interested. If they were real interested, that's where I wanted to be.''

-- Russ Springer, pitcher, on signing with the Diamondbacks

``With his relationship with Tony [La Russa] and myself, I think this will be a great addition to our staff. It's another great resource for us as we try to put together a championship organization.''

-- Walt Jocketty, Cardinals GM, on hiring Jim Leyland as a scout

``I don't think I was a good major league manager anymore. The fire was gone. I was burned out. It wasn't just one thing, it was built up.''

-- Jim Leyland

WHERE WILL THEY GO?

``I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for two years considering the type of run I've had with the Yankees. To me, it's not trying to maximize the dollar value of the contract. It's the security of two years.''

-- David Cone, free agent pitcher, on negotiating with the Yankees

``I could go somewhere else and maybe get the saves record, but winning is more important. I've decided to stay. I'll put the personal achievements aside.''

-- John Franco, free agent pitcher, on his desire to stay with the Mets

``I wouldn't be surprised if he comes back, and I wouldn't be surprised if he goes to Seattle.''

-- Steve Phillips, Mets GM, on John Olerud

THE REST

``Deion's two years older than when we last had him, but if anybody could do it, I guess he'd be the one. I think he made the right choice going to football full-time, but had he chosen baseball, I really believe we'd be talking about a leadoff batter along the lines of Rickey Henderson or Tim Raines, the unique speed-and-power guy.''

-- Jim Bowden, Reds GM, on Deion Sanders

``We have some guys who have a little experience in closing a game. It takes a certain individual to take the psychological pounding that you take as a closer.''

-- Terry Ryan, Twins GM

``I knew a while ago that this was probably going to be it. The way the season went, the way my season went, it seems like it's just time.''

-- Willie McGee, on retiring

``The last 10 years have been hell for me. I survived because I'm a survivor.''

-- Pete Rose, former player

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