January 10, 2000

The Week in Quotes

December 20-January 9

by Dennis Cleary

TRADES

``Fernando [Vina] is the type of player we have been seeking for some time. He's a proven leadoff hitter who runs well, plays solid defense, and will serve as a catalyst for our offense.''

-- Walt Jocketty, Cardinals GM

``San Diego is where I would love to play. And I think Bret [Boone] and I agree that we're going to come in and win some games.''

-- Ryan Klesko, Padres infielder

``I think this is a baseball trade. There is very little financial implication. We needed that power that Boone (30) and Klesko (28) represent. And this is another step toward our goal of getting younger.''

-- Kevin Towers, Padres GM

SIGNINGS

``Here's a guy we thought would come in and do a fill job, but he wound up one of the more pleasant surprises in my 40 years in this game. I was amazed what he gave us, both offensively and defensively.''

-- Jim Fregosi, Blue Jays manager, on Tony Batista

``I dream every night of going to the playoffs. That is something that's been missing in my 14 years in the big leagues. I feel like I've been given a second chance.''

-- Chuck Finley, pitcher, on signing a three-year deal with the Indians

``It's been a great thing for me to come to this city. I'm making money now, and I don't want to leave for a long time.''

-- Jose Lima, pitcher, on signing a three-year extension with the Astros

``Doc is a special pitcher who commands instant respect among his peers. I still think there is some magic left in that arm, and hopefully we can find it here in Houston.''

-- Gerry Hunsicker, Astros GM, on signing Dwight Gooden to a minor league contract

``I have always been a big F.P. Santangelo fan. Not only does he provide us with depth for our bench, he also brings a warrior mentality with a high level of intensity.''

-- Kevin Malone, Dodgers GM

``I didn't know if I was going to have that opportunity again. I'm really kind of numb right now. It doesn't seem like it's real. But I know that it's right. That's the uniform I'm supposed to be playing in.''

-- Andy Benes, pitcher, on signing with the Cardinals

JOHN ROCKER

``You can walk an entire block in Times Square and not hear anybody speaking English. Asians and Koreans and Vietnamese and Indians and Russians and Spanish people and everything up there. How the hell did they get in this country?''

-- John Rocker, Braves pitcher, on his dislike of New York

``Even though it might appear otherwise from what I've said, I am not a racist. I should not have said what I did because it is not what I believe in my heart.''

-- John Rocker

``The viewpoints attributed to John Rocker in no way reflect the views of the Atlanta Braves organization. He works for us, but in no way do the comments, attitude and feelings represent those of the Atlanta Braves.''

-- John Schuerholz, Braves GM

``Something should be done about this so that Mr. Rocker is held accountable for his vicious and bigoted remarks. I think it's a terrible attitude. It's a problem. I think the Braves actually have a responsibility to do something about this.''

-- Rudolph Giuliani, New York city mayor

``Can we release him? Yes, we can. Sure, we can, and that continues to be an option. But what we have here is a case of a player who, to me at least, has expressed a great deal of remorse immediately and hasn't backed away from that at all, who has accepted the responsibility and sought help. And under those circumstances, I'm not going to abandon a player or an employee or friend....''

-- Stan Kasten, Braves president