Everybody feels like they got kicked in the stomach. They have a lot of pride. It's a tough feeling right now. |
Everybody feels like they got kicked in the stomach. This team has a lot of pride. This was a tough day. |
Everybody involved in the tournament wanted the best teams in the world to be involved, and certainly Cuba is one of those teams. Everybody feels pretty confident this is now really going to be a test of the best teams in the world. |
Everybody is going to be ready to play Team USA. We respect that, and we're going to be prepared for it. |
Everybody understands this is a guy who's going to attract a lot of attention. |
For so long we have been the teachers around the world. Now I think there's something to be learned from teams like Korea and Japan: execution and work ethic. |
From my understanding, (the Mexico fans) had sombreros, their faces painted and a lot of Mexican flags and it was a bullfight-like atmosphere. I expect them to be very supportive and I think that will fuel the USA fans once they get into this atmosphere. |
He can throw any of his pitches over at any time and he's got a lot of competitive spirit. He's a lot like Roger Clemens in that regard. He loves to pitch in games like this. |
He certainly looks like a guy that would be a very interesting pitcher in anybody's bullpen. |
He has been through this before and he understands the importance of representing your country. I think Jason is one of the best players who's ever strapped on the catching mask. He understands the game, he loves to represent his team, whether it's the Red Sox or Team USA. I'll be very anxious to work with a guy like that. |
He has the power to do things dramatically at the plate. He's got a powerful swing. There's no reason to think that he might not be a guy that can play in the major leagues. |
He is very confident about his conditioning. He worked awfully hard. Junior was the best player of the last decade. Last year, he was healthy and had a good season. I saw the joy return to his game. |
He made his decision and we respect that, given his history of injuries from a year ago and the fact that he only played in 14 games (in 2005). |
He pitched a heck of a game. |
He showed a lot of composure for a guy that hadn't pitched above A-ball. But we knew he had a good arm and were dealing with a quality pitcher. |