Mark has got a lot of ability. He's learning more about himself and more about the pitchers in the American League. He's still growing as a player and doing the things that will enable him to reach his full potential. |
Nix looks healthy. He's swinging the bat real good, this is the best I've seen him in a long time. Hopefully we can carry this through into the games. His lower half is a lot better and he's able to square up balls better. |
Sammy and I have been really close since 1986, when he was 16 years old. He didn't make the Rookie League team so I took him to extended spring. This kid ... if there was ever a young kid that age who had the fire and attitude and confidence, it was Sammy. He always worked hard and he always believed he was going to be a big-league player. That's why he was able to do the things he did in baseball. He's a good man, and I hate to see him retire. |
So I wasn't thinking nothing of it. |
Some things happen, and this will make me mentally stronger. I've always had a lot of faith in God and am a positive person. This will make me appreciate each day even more. Baseball is my passion, and I want to get back to these kids as soon as I can. |
Sometimes you think he would say something out of frustration, but I don't think he is. He can think whatever he wants. We had a plan, saw a flaw in his delivery and we went with it. Hopefully, this will light a fire under our guys for somebody not giving you credit for mentally and physically having a good plan and coming out on top. |
The balls he hits to right are on a line, too. He's not just slicing the ball out there. That just shows you how well he trusts his mechanics. |
The power is there, the only question was his health. But he's definitely showing the power and the bat speed that he's shown in the past. |
We just had a good approach. Maybe he said that out of frustration. He can think whatever he wants. |