January 18, 1999

The Week in Quotes

January 4-17

by Dennis Cleary

CUBA

"This is something that Bud [Selig] and I have been talking about for years. Now that it has been made part of a policy announcement by the president, we need to sit down and talk to all the parties concerned. If everybody is satisfied, we can go forward."
-- Peter Angelos, Orioles owner

"I came to this country to have freedom. I wouldn't want to go back to play in Cuba and have part of my salary go to Fidel."
-- Livan Hernandez, Marlins pitcher

"My family fled Cuba 28 years ago because my parents wanted a better life for us, myself and my brothers. They wanted to give us a better chance. My dad is aware of everything that happened. He is anti-Castro and so are we. For me to go back there goes against everything we stand for and believe in."
-- Rafael Palmeiro, Rangers infielder

SIGNINGS

"Greg [Cadaret] is a quality veteran left-handed reliever with experience that will help strengthen and modify our bullpen."
-- Kevin Malone, Dodgers GM

"Bill [Swift] will come to camp in the mix for the fifth starter job. He pitched well for us last season and he's a veteran pitcher who has had success in the past as both a starter and as a reliever."
-- Woddy Woodward, Mariners GM

"I've talked to his agent a couple of times. I don't want to sign Jim Eisenreich unless we can almost assure him that he's going to be on the club. I think that's the proper thing to do."
-- Herk Robinson, Royals GM

THE REST

"It was just a pretty good year the way I look at it. I got the first year out of the way and had some luck and was able to experience the whole playoff atmosphere. I think that's the most important thing at an early age -- to have that experience. It was a fun season and I was just sorry to see it end."
-- Kerry Wood, Cubs pitcher

"When I started out in baseball, the furthest thing from my mind was ever being in position to be considered for the Hall of Fame. When Red Murff signed me out of high school, I had no idea if I had the ability or talent to make the big leagues."
-- Nolan Ryan

"I don't believe we can take another work stoppage. We need different ways to solve our problems."
-- Bud Selig, MLB commissioner

"I think we made some good changes, some improvements, but the thing we've got to have is some chemistry. We've got to get together and stay together, and get on on same page."
-- Tony Womack, Pirates infielder