Mark Shapiro
Mark Shapiro
backward boston depth extremely farm good impressive period pitching players point productive run short small step system
Boston is positioned extremely well for the future. They have a good farm system with upper-level players and a depth of pitching talent. They've rebuilt the farm system from a dilapidated system to a productive one. If they take a small step backward this year, at some point they will go on a run that will be an impressive run. They're a short period away.
actual ambitious criticized easy entire far fortunate funny research suggested time turn
It's funny now because, at the time, I was criticized for it being so far away. Our actual research back then suggested it was a very ambitious time frame. We were very fortunate to be able to do it. It's not easy to turn over an entire team.
abruptly created farm good instead letting naturally players run traded
We were at the tail-end of a championship run. Instead of letting that run naturally just play out and transpire, we abruptly traded good players and artificially created an upper-level in our farm system.
approach beyond exemplary extremely far game good player trying
His approach to the game is far beyond his years. He's completely exemplary of the kind of player we're trying to get. He's a good teammate, good person, reliable, and extremely gifted.
almost eclipsed far level production surprised
To say I'm not surprised at the level of production by Sizemore and Peralta would be almost humorous, ... Those guys' level of productivity has far eclipsed any expectations we had.
above among certainly offered signed
I know we were certainly among the finalists. But, dollar-wise, we offered above what he signed for.
both core happening players run signed similar team together
It's similar in that both times we signed core players who we wanted to keep together for a run of championship baseball. That's what's most important about what's happening here now. We want to keep this team together.
situation
It's not a situation where we have to see everything right away. We just want to get him acclimated to this environment.
bottom consistent four
The bottom four in the lineup have to be more consistent and a little more productive.
attributes basis best daily enjoys game genuinely himself level option passion performance picks player plays
The best option is when a player picks it up himself by his level of performance. He genuinely has a passion for the game and plays on a daily basis like he enjoys it. That is representative of the attributes we want in our players.
hardest
That, ... is the hardest thing in the world for a GM.
atmosphere country excited game meaningful pitching pressure
I'm excited to see him do well in a meaningful game with the pressure of pitching for his country. We could not simulate that kind of atmosphere here.
bear bright built decisions future hang hope last three trust
I hope we have built some (fan) trust through our decisions of the last three years. I say bear with me, hang in there and trust that we have a very bright future in 2006 and beyond.
carries confidence demeanor great love plays presence
I love his demeanor and the way he carries himself. He plays with a great sense of presence and confidence.