[Dominican fans] are going to be mad. But I'm new, and I've got to learn the pitchers. |
[He was batting .151 for the Mariners, and the harder he worked, the worse he fared.] I lost all of my confidence in Seattle, ... even though I worked my (rear end) off every day on hitting, blocking, receiving – everything. |
[Martinez] signed with a pair of spikes that I gave him. I know his family very well. I would always push him. We're from the country and I was the most advanced player from there. I tried to help him become what he is today. He saw the way I work and I think that motivated him. He's from a good family. He likes to work. |
[Olivo praised Padres hitting coach Dave Magadan, who, as a minor league instructor, had given Olivo good grades when the 6-foot, 220-pounder was hitting line drives up the middle for Chicago's Double-A club.] Here, the hitting coach said see the ball and hit it, and swing how you want to, ... That's what I'm doing now. |
Before the game yesterday, I talked to Miguel Tejada. I explained to him what was going on. He said, 'You have to take care of your family first.' I want to be there, but I have to take care of business here. |
He broke a couple of bats with the cutter. I hadn't caught him in a long time but he looked great to me. He was putting the ball in the right spots. For me, what I see, he looked tough on the hitters. |
He's an energy guy on the mound. I'm real excited [about] catching him. |
Here, the hitting coach said see the ball and hit it, and swing how you want to. That's what I'm doing now. |
I feel bad for my country, and all my friends, that I'm not playing. But my situation here, with all the pitchers, I feel I should be here. I know the Dominican team wanted me to be there, and I want to be there. |
I have all of my confidence back. The manager gives me an opportunity to play. He trusts me. I feel like I'm part of the team. I feel so comfortable. I needed something. I needed new faces, a new team. I'm glad I'm here. |
I have to relax and wait for the ball to come to me. |
I know I can hit and play defense. You have to let the game come to you. |
I missed the sign, it was my fault, |
I think that's the farthest home run I'd ever seen as a catcher. |
I try not to think about the future, |