April 3, 2000

The Week in Quotes

March 27-April 3

by Dennis Cleary

OPENING AT THE BIG EGG

``A loss is always disappointing, however they come. I wish I could've performed a little better.''

-- Mike Hampton, Mets pitcher, on walking 9 in game 1

``I'm glad he was here today, that's for sure. Benny's a big boy, and baseball's a game that's not always fair.''

-- Bobby Valentine, Mets manager, on plans to demote Benny Agbayani despite his grand slam to win game 2

``I think I got broke over there. Coffee was $35. Every time I went to eat, it was $250 or $300, and what they give you there, you have to eat triple. Other than that, I had a great time.''

-- Rickey Henderson, Mets outfielder

ROSTER PARING

``They made some bad business decisions this offseason and I'm kind of catching the effects of that. I know I can still look in the mirror, but there are going to be some people who can't look in the mirror. It was very unprofessional and very unbusinesslike. By this time, most teams have their teams set.''

-- Brian Hunter, Rockies outfielder, on being released by the Mariners

``Nobody ever said baseball people are the smartest people in the world.''

-- Pete Schourek, Red Sox pitcher, on being released by the Pirates

``They didn't really get into some of the reasons, but I just think the timing of it's kind of weird and it's surprising a lot of people -- myself, the guys in the clubhouse, trainers, coaches. A lot of guys were surprised and no one knew. I mean, I got pulled off the field and told I was fired out of the blue and I don't know what to do now. It's go home and pack.''

-- Mark Portugal, pitcher, on being released by the Reds

PREDICTIONS

``This is a team that's going to score runs and is going to be solid offensively. This is a big year for this team with the new stadium coming, and we need to start winning now.''

-- Brian Giles, Pirates outfielder

``I don't like it being said that we're destined to stink this year. It seems like our destiny has been mapped out already. We know we're not at the same level as some of the other clubs, but we know we can compete every day.''

-- Mike Lowell, Marlins infielder

``Mike [Scioscia] has brought a new attitude to the team. I believe we have the players here to make a run at it. I think we will be an exciting team to watch, should be able to score a lot, and I know he is going to have us running the bases.''

-- Mo Vaughn, Angels infielder

``Last year, I got in trouble for saying our goals. People said I was making predictions, all I was doing was stating our goals and objectives.''

-- Kevin Malone, Dodgers GM

THE REST

``Obviously, I'm disappointed. I was really looking forward to beginning the season and playing on opening day. There are some things, especially in this game, that you can't control.''

-- Matt Williams, Diamondbacks infielder, on breaking his foot

``What I liked about last year was the second half of the season, not just the no-hitter. A lot of people single out the no-hitter, but if you look at my numbers after the All-Star break, to me, they're pretty impressive. I hope I can keep that going this year.''

-- Eric Milton, Twins pitcher

``When I got traded [away from the Phillies], I thought someday I'd come back here. Maybe it was wishful thinking. Obviously, I was very happy with it.''

-- Mickey Morandini, infielder, on being traded back to the Phillies

``Everything they've said about him is true. He's the real deal. He's a great talent and he's got good insides and a good head.''

-- Tony La Russa, Cardinals manager, on Rick Ankiel

``I won't try to make anything up because I didn't play last year. I wanted to play, but I couldn't. When I'm out there I know that I'm one of the best and I try to play like I'm one of the best.''

-- Moises Alou, Astros outfielder

``We're inexperienced in our positions, and that's what we're going to suffer with a lot. It's not funny, and we're going to have to live with that this season. It makes it rough, but we'll deal with it.''

-- Tom Kelly, Twins manager

``We set a goal of 9,000 season tickets. We're not there. We're around 4,000. If this city cannot support us with 9,000 season-ticket holders, then there are bigger issues on the table -- like whether this is a major league city. We did our part.''

-- David Samson, Expos executive vice president

``I don't know if we've got any question marks left. We've got answers and we've made decisions. Everything is subject to change, whether it's because of production or injuries, but we have a plan.''

-- Johnny Oates, Rangers manager

``What? They didn't call me to push the button?''

-- Bobby Ayala, Twins pitcher, on the destruction of the Kingdome

``I've got a beer gut. I've got a goatee and long hair. I'm a rebel. I enjoy life. I don't think I'm better than anyone. I always treat people with respect, because if I didn't, my old man would whup my ass.''

-- Matt Stairs, A's outfielder

``Just when I thought it was never going to happen, it fell into my lap. It's like going to a bar and trying to search out the finest chick. You're working every one of them, working everything you can, until you're shut down by every chick. But then you walk out the door and there she is. The finest one is waiting for you. And it works out happily ever after.''

-- Phil Nevin, Padres infielder, on his career turnaround last season

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