We're hoping for the best and preparing for everything else. We're going to look at our internal options and keep our external conversations going. |
We've been clear and consistent that if he decides he does want to play, we'd love for him to be in Arlington. |
We've had calls on a variety of guys, but there's no intent on our part to move him. For me, it's important as I get accustomed to this role to have an open and honest relationship with these guys. I didn't want David to focus on anything except what's in between the lines. |
We've had enough dialogue that something could happen. |
We've had good reports on him the last couple of years. He's a tall (6-foot-4), athletic pitcher who throws strikes with all three pitches. He has a live arm and a chance to have an above-average breaking ball. He has an advanced feel for pitching. |
We've had varying degrees of negotiation and we are closer in some cases than others. We exchanged figures and we have a second round of negotiations coming. |
What we had talked about at one point was a deal that would go into his free agent years, but we agreed to disagree and this was the best compromise for us at the time. It was an amicable resolution on both sides. ... With a player of Mark's caliber and how important he is to the club and organization, we certainly didn't want to get into an acrimonious setting with an independent arbitrator. |
When healthy, he adds a veteran to the rotation, a lefty in our park, and a strong presence in the clubhouse. And with the depth we've added to the pitching staff, we can afford to let him come back at his own pace. |
You grow up quick when you're a kid from Queens, riding the subway by yourself, ... You see things. You have an awareness of your surroundings. I think that made me a little more observant than I otherwise would have been. |