Mark Shapiro
Mark Shapiro
passion saw seen strong tremendous
We saw the same things from him that we've seen in the past. A tremendous athlete, strong hands, a passion for the game. There was nothing different.
davis guys improve money opportunity original plan player playing role rotation saw signing slate spend spot team unable upgrade younger
Our original plan in the off-season was to slate the No. 5 spot in the rotation for a younger player (Jason Davis or Fausto Carmona) and to spend money to upgrade elsewhere. When we were unable to get some other things done, we saw an opportunity to improve the team by signing Jason. The young guys still could end up playing a role for us in 2006.
guy saw traded
The guy we traded for is the guy we saw this spring.
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.
approach fits hard love plays short team
I love his approach to hit. He's short to the ball, plays hard and fits in very well with our team and our culture.
assistant general
I had nothing to do with that. I was in the room, but I was the assistant general manager. I didn't make any of the calls.