The system is different, but my job, regardless of the system, is to improve the team to a championship-caliber team. |
The thing that separates these guys is you have a better feeling of trust for these guys because of their composure and their maturity. Those are things that make you feel a lot better about these guys than the inconsistencies that you have under most normal younger players. |
The way we've played the last three months hasn't been up to our capabilities. We have higher expectations with the players we have. We should be performing better. |
There always is some give and take when you're dealing with the schedule. No one is ever completely happy with the one they get. |
There are some of the nuts and bolts of the game that are going to be a different part of spring training than what guys are used to. We'll make the best of it. |
There certainly has been the emphasis -- and has to be the emphasis -- on getting back on track. However, there's no doubt that, in this job, you're evaluated by wins and losses. |
There has been a lot of work in the front office to get ready for the season. We're anxious to get going. Before you know it, we'll be having our staff meeting and pitchers and catchers will be reporting to Spring Training. |
There is a sense of urgency. |
There is a wide range of ways to handle this responsibility, and a variety of clubs do different things. This is the way Jim would like it, and I'm all for it. |
There is no concern that this has anything to do with the finger and no concern that it had been missed. It's been tested. We've got different results that identify that. |
There were no significant changes in his MRI. We don't think surgery is necessary based on regular playing in spring training and no complaints. |
There's a tradition of excellence with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and we want to preserve that. It's good to have quality guys there as examples. |
There's always a concern in regard to aneurysms, clots and things like that. But we moved on it very, very quickly. |
There's no perfect scenario. We're going to take a look at it. It doesn't mean this is for five months. |
They are both deserving of this opportunity. I anticipate they'll be like a lot of guys in their younger stages. They'll have their bumps along the way. But I think because of their talent and maturity they'll be able to overcome the problems and have long, successful careers. |