Jim Duquette
Jim Duquette
James "Jim" Duquette was the general manager of the New York Mets for the 2004 season, before the team replaced him with Omar Minaya. Duquette subsequently stayed with the Mets in a front office job for a full season before moving on to the Baltimore Orioles. With the Orioles former vice president of baseball operations, where he worked under Mike Flanagan, the team's general manager...
chosen committed directly easier elated heard improving time
This is the first time we heard this directly from him. We're elated that he's chosen to stay. We're all committed to improving the team, and it's easier to do it with Miguel than without him.
believe change close diego family heart hold league los national player reasons san trips
We got hold of the player, and the player said he had a change of heart and for family reasons wanted to play in the National League because of the trips to San Diego and Los Angeles, which are close to home. I'll believe that over the other one.
advice based guaranteed health offer willing
We weren't willing to make a guaranteed five-year offer, that was based on the advice of our doctors, ... Our offer was predicated on the health concern.
chris closer guy maybe serious transition until
We dabbled with getting a guy who could maybe be a transition closer until Chris could take over, but we were never really all that serious because we really feel like he's our guy.
ethic players potential reach whatever work
We've had players with potential before, but not with the work ethic that they have. The thing about these two is that you know that whatever their potential is, they're going to reach it.
good league major obviously player proven record situation sure talking track
Obviously we've been talking to him for a while, and thought we had a pretty good opportunity. I'm not sure about the other opportunities he was weighing vs. ours. He's a proven major league player that's had a track record and really it's a no-risk situation for the club.
conclude deal negotiate plan tender time
Because of time constraints we weren't able to conclude a deal with Scott Strickland to tender him a contract. We still plan to negotiate with him.
direction leaving moving situation turned
Obviously, I'm leaving a situation that has turned around and is moving in the right direction,
coming feeling minor normally player potential risk worthwhile
Obviously, he's coming off a down year, and normally you don't get a player who has his potential for two minor leaguers. In fact, you never do. Our feeling was it was a worthwhile risk for us to take.
base form present themselves
I think we look at him a little differently in that there's a possibility he can play a little first base and give him a little more versatility. Right now, we feel that he'll still be an outfielder. You just never know in this game. When opportunities present themselves, they don't always present themselves in the form you're expecting.
dealing experience fact length player type victim
I think we are a victim of the fact that (Simon) has only one (client). He's had only one player for the length of his career, and he doesn't have a lot of experience dealing with this type of language.
acquire goals goes pursuit
Our pursuit of Kris goes back to November. One of our goals going into the off-season was to acquire another pitcher.
change couple days desire extra final mind sure thinking whether wife
It all started in his mind right after his wife went into the hospital. He started thinking about whether he really had the desire to keep going. We let him take a couple extra days just to make sure that was his final decision. He's not going to change his mind at this point.
change clear culture good report together work
I think it's a very good fit. The two of us will work together to change the culture here. I report to Mike, but he has made it clear we will work together to change this thing.