November 21, 2000

The Week in Quotes

October 12-November 20, 2000

by Derek Zumsteg

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NEW HARDWARE

"It hasn't sunk in yet. I don't have trophies up in the house. I don't keep pictures of myself. I don't brag about my accomplishments. This is something that is a fantasy."
-- Jeff Kent, Giants infielder, on winning the NL MVP

"I wanted to thank [Mark McGwire] first before anybody else because what he meant to me and my career. He was so excited for me. We have such a special friendship. He is everything from a mentor to a big brother and everything else."
-- Jason Giambi, Athletics infielder, on calling McGwire after learning he'd won the AL MVP

"I don't look at the results. I don't even know my numbers. I know you chose me as the Cy Young winner. I'm very pleased, proud and grateful. I'm really honored and flattered to be chosen unanimously as the winner. It is equally special and equally important to last year."
-- Pedro Martinez, Red Sox pitcher, on winning the AL Cy Young award

"I'm very proud of where I came from. In the minor leagues, I never imagined I would be in that category with those type of players. It's been a long road to get to where I am."
-- Randy Johnson, Diamondbacks pitcher, on winning the NL Cy Young award

WELCOME TO THE MACHINE

"At the start of spring training, there no longer exists hope and faith for the fans of more than half our 30 clubs. It is my job to restore hope and faith. I can assure you this system will be changed."
-- Bud Selig, Major League Baseball Commissioner

"There's no way you can replace a bat like Manny Ramirez. He's been one of the premier players in the American League for years. I'm not trying to come there and be anyone's savior. I just want to be part of the machine."
-- Ellis Burks, Indians outfielder, on joining the team

"A couple of years ago, we almost lost 100 games. We've really turned the corner. Billy Beane did an unbelievable job putting together this machine we have going now. Hopefully, we can take it to the next step."
-- Giambi

NEW TOYS

"I wouldn't have signed here for six more years if I didn't think we couldn't win a world championship here. I want to win here. I want to get a ring here. And when I get that ring, I'm going to put it under my pillow and try to get another the next year."
-- Jason Kendall, Pirates catcher, on re-signing with the Pirates

"Without question, this is an important day for us. He always maintained he wanted to remain with the Pittsburgh Pirates and this contract continues that journey."
-- Cam Bonifay, Pirates GM, on the Kendall signing

"I think he brings quality and depth to the back end of our bullpen."
-- Ed Wade, Phillies GM, on signing flammable pitcher Jose Mesa

"I'm confident, or I wouldn't be sitting here right now,"
-- Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners outfielder, on his ability to make the transition from Japanese ball to the major leagues

WHO WANTS TO SIGN BASEBALL'S BEST PLAYER?

"There were no demands made. When he called to tell me about his concerns about what Seattle had done with Alex, I listened to what he said and told him Alex is comfortable with the normal and customary treatment the New York Mets give their players."
-- Scott Boras, agent, on his conversations with the Mets

"What he says now is that he wants to be treated like any other player on the team. Then, it was show us the design on how we will market around the player. How many billboards will be put up in the city? How will the other players feel about being moved into a secondary role? It was that sort of tone and that sort of content."
-- Steve Phillips, Mets GM, on supposedly dropping out of the Alex Rodriguez bidding

"I got calls from all the other wolves and they seemed to be pleased that one wolf was dead."
-- Boras

"The most difficult part is that pitching salaries have gone out of whack for the number of games they give you. Hitters are more predictable than pitchers in what they can do for you."
-- Doug Melvin, Rangers GM, on the difference between bidding on Mike Mussina and Rodriguez

The WiQ would like to wish consistent featured and favored player Will Clark the best of luck in his retirement, and offer our thanks for many funny, honest, and often unprintable quotations, as well as years of fine baseball.

If you would like to submit a quote, please email Derek and be sure to include both the quote itself and a URL pointing to the quote.