April 10, 2000

The Week in Quotes

April 3-9

by Dennis Cleary

OPENING DAY, TAKE TWO

``I think today was huge. It's a really big deal for me.''

-- Gabe Kapler, Rangers outfielder, on hitting a pair of home runs

``It's not a sign. It's just the first game. We've got a lot of games left.''

-- Tony Muser, Royals manager, on losing a late lead and then losing the game

``We have a very talented team here. We have power, we have speed, we can play defense, we have good pitching. Hopefully, this is the start of good things for us this year.''

-- Shannon Stewart, Blue Jays outfielder

``The Marlins have been a tough team on us since they've been in this league. They've given us trouble in the past. The good thing is, if you're going to have trouble, have it in April.''

-- Barry Bonds, Giants outfielder

``It was just one of those days for me. It's just unfortunate that it happened on the first day, in front of a whole lot of people.''

-- Michael Barrett, Expos infielder, on committing two erros

ATTENDANCE

``The Raptors were playing tonight and until hockey and basketball is over, it is going to be a struggle. We've got a good club and if we continue to win, they'll come out.''

-- Jim Fregosi, Blue Jays manager, on low attendance in game 2

``We can't cry or moan about the attendance. If we win a lot more, the fans will come out and watch us play.''

-- Cliff Floyd, Marlins outfielder

INJURIES

``I'm ready, man. I'm ready for anything. I've got to stay solid like I am now and stay in shape all through the year because, you know, for me, I never know what's going to happen.''

-- Lenny Harris, Diamondbacks infielder, on replacing the injured Matt Williams

``I want to play. I didn't fly 3,000 miles to put on the pompoms. I think I could play if I had to. I probably could sneak down to the batting cage for a few swings.''

-- Tony Gwynn, Padres outfielder, on his injured elbow

``Basically my last three years I've pitched more than 200 innings and I've been healthy. I wanted to keep it going, but it looks like things are going to change.''

-- Juan Guzman, Devil Rays pitcher, on going on the DL

``His fingers were all white. I can't believe he pitched an inning with a fracture.''

-- Davey Johnson, Dodgers manager, on pitcher Kevin Brown

THE REST

``I think we're going to be able to do things offensively, but as pitching staff we have to keep the ball in the ballpark. Walking guys, then hitting it out, it's a tough deal.''

-- Jerry Manuel, White Sox manager

``I had some very good forkballs hit hard -- three of them, including the home runs. They were in the right spot and got hit hard. I don't know why. The only thing I can think of was the location.''

-- Hideki Irabu, Expos pitcher

``I'm ecstatic. This is always what I've wanted. You can't put a price tag on this -- to be exactly where you want to be, to live in San Diego and work for the Padres. This is priceless. I appreciate the long-term commitment.''

-- Bruce Bochy, Padres manager, on signing a four-year extension

``If I find something working, I'm going to use it til it don't.''

-- Sean Lowe, White Sox pitcher

``I'm trying the best I can right now, but I don't feel comfortable. I'm getting myself out.''

-- Sammy Sosa, Cubs outfielder

``I have the right to believe that [Orel Hershiser] hit [Vladimir] Guerrero purposely. If I'm wrong, I've already asked God for forgiveness.''

-- Felipe Alou, Expos manager

``It's going to be an exciting season here, a real challenge. It's like Wrigley Field, where the wind blows out. This will be a great place to play. I'm not afraid. I've got pretty much of an idea what I have to do. I just have to make some adjustments in my pitching style.''

-- Jose Lima, Astros pitcher, on Enron Field

``It's unfortunate what I went through the last few years. All I can say is I'm just ecstatic to be here. At my age, the only thing that's important to me is shaking hands after the game. If we're shaking hands, that means we won. If we're shaking hands, it's a good day for Bobby Bo.''

-- Bobby Bonilla, Braves outfielder

``If I say what's on my mind, I'll get suspended for life.''

-- Buddy Bell, Rockies manager, on a blown home run call by umpire John Shulock

``I played more games than anybody and got more hits. Yet all I hear is that Rickey Henderson is the greatest leadoff hitter of all time. Why? Because he hits home runs? I got over 1300 RBI. Check Rickey Henderson's RBI; see how many he's got.''

-- Pete Rose, former player

``Russell [Ortiz] is capable of throwing 150, which we're not going to let him do too often, unless it's a World Series or a playoff game. But he's that strong.''

-- Dave Righetti, Giants pitching coach

``The Yankees don't scare me.... No doubt, I feel they're a good team. But I think people give them too much credit. I thought Baltimore had a better team last year, but they didn't play together.''

-- Carl Everett, Red Sox outfielder

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