As small an aspect of the game as bunting might appear to be to a lot of people, it's really important to me. The complexion of a game can change because you have the ability to advance a runner 90 feet. It's huge. |
As the players get older, the problems become a little bit larger that you have to periodically deal with. |
As you saw the game unfold, we had many opportunities to put that team away before they got us. It's that simple. |
At some point in time you always face a little adversity. The good clubs overcome things like this. |
Back in May, when the Padres went something like 22-6, they had a chance to slam the door, throw the lock around the handle and close it off for everybody else. And it didn't happen. So it's not a matter of anybody putting on any type of serious charge thus far, it's a matter of teams just winning some games here and there. |
Because I want to see how versatile a player he is. |
Both are very competent kids and are smart enough to know what we're talking about. They'll figure it out. |
Both guys are going to catch in situations and games that make the most sense for them and the club. |
Both have very similar stuff, stuff that can beat you down on any given day. But you don't want guys with very similar stuff pitching on back-to-back days. |
Both passed the test. That's good. We don't have to make a decision today and the decision we do make won't be an easy one. That's what you're always hoping for, tough decisions. |
Both plays were close. It was a run we didn't get and a run they did get. But you don't point fingers. |
But if you start hitting people in the head, you got to be very careful. |
Can you teach a guy to have soft hands or can you teach somebody to be Jack Wilson or Jose Castillo? I think that's a little difficult. But can you teach somebody the sense of awareness to help them be better prepared for defensive plays that may come your way? Yes, you can. You can do that by being in tune with what's going on around you. |
Carelessness is not tolerated here any more. |
Challenges are something that I like very, very much, ... I like hearing people say or maybe think that this is a situation you don't have a chance to succeed in, I'm very challenged by that. |