I promise you tomorrow you'll see the Opening Day lineup. |
I remember my first Opening Day very well. We lost 4-2 to the Cardinals on a two-run home run. I remember my first at-bat, a double, missed a home run by a couple of feet. I had an intentional walk and another hit and went 2-for-3, and I thought I was on my way to the Hall of Fame. |
I said the other day that they are going to let us hang around here and let us win this thing, |
I said: 'No, you haven't done anything yet. Turn it on Oct. 1 or Oct. 3.' |
I still think we have to go out and play like we would play normally. |
I think having the whole offensive line back is key. |
I think he needs a little bit more time. I appreciate him saying that. I appreciate the effort that he's put in to try to get himself back. But I think he's pushing it a little quickly. My advice to him is to take it easy, not rush it. |
I think it gives him a chance to relax a little bit, and not be under that pressure. |
I think it will show the people in this organization if they come to Spring Training and do a [good] job or make adjustments, they have a chance to make the club. |
I think it's a lack of concentration and preparation. I don't mean before-the-game stuff, I mean in-game. I don't think we are doing that ... I don't think our minds are in the game. I haven't seen us make errors on difficult plays. We are making errors on routine plays. |
I think it's time for one of the offensive guys to say something, ... There's no sense in a pitcher [doing it], because they're going to be hollering at somebody that's down. . . . I just think it's time for the guys that are in the trenches together, the offensive players, to step up and try to get the attention of the rest of the team. |
I think it's very important to everybody to try to finish over .500, |
I think John gained that experience and understanding that he can do it now at this level. He is what I call 'established' now on this staff. He doesn't have to come here and win a job. All he has to do is get ready for the season. |
I think that has to be done and will be part of the conversation if he gets here [today]. We'll see what happens. That will just be one little small part of the conversation that I will have with him. |
I think that would be something that would get our attention for the future at least. Why not? That's the only way you are going to be able to look up in the shoulder or the elbow itself, have a pretty good idea of what's in there. |