the four-time Gold Glove winner said. ''The pain was the same as before, but it started to affect my performance. It was mental, too -- it really altered the way I went after balls. I wasn't being relaxed, I was thinking, 'I have to get there really fast,' because I had to think about making the throw. |
(Perry) suggested a couple of things. For me the game is mental. I have to conquer the mental part of the game. Once I do that, I'll be where everybody expects me to be. |
(The opener) was probably more disappointing for the fans. We were able to shake it off. |
(Washington) would be just as hands-on, especially if he got the Tampa Bay job, |
[His spring performance bears him out. Dye was one of Oakland's most impressive hitters during camp, driving the ball with his old authority.] He's raking, ... He's got that confident look in his eye again. |
[The A's won't quit, because such acts are beneath them, but there is no more race to join.] We're not counted out yet, but it's pretty obvious what the scenario is, ... We'll play it to the end, let the numbers dictate where we are ... but it's pretty clear what we're facing. |
A lot of teams do score early and kind of shut it down, |
A lot of teams do score early and kind of shut it down. It was just a refreshing day for everybody, I think, especially the coaching staff. We've been playing some tight ballgames and they've been able to sit back and relax and enjoy this one. |
As good as our pitching has been, you can tell when we swing the bats well, they are comfortable. When we're not swinging the bats, they are not too comfortable on the mound. Hitting will really dictate how well we do the last month. |
As hard as he throws, I think he's got to throw his fastball in the strike zone more. Then he can pitch off his fastball. Every successful pitcher in this game pitches off the fastball. |
Barry was my childhood hero growing up, and what he's going through I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. But as far as this being race-related? I totally disagree. If Big Mac (Mark McGwire) was playing, he'd be in the same boat. This is a case where if there is a beast, you chop the beast's head off. That happens to be Barry. I think we all want to see the end of the story. I want the right information. |
But he deserves a managing job. I'd love to see him go. |
By this time of year, we've heard [Beane] throw three or four tantrums. So far -- none. He won't say it, but he relishes the fact that everyone counted us out, and here we are. |
Chicago had it. And you look at a team like the Angels, going back to when they won it all in 2002, they had it, too. They still do, as a matter of fact. They've had it for a long time, and they've done a lot of winning. |
Ellis is locked in, |