Mark Shapiro
Mark Shapiro
complex position strongly team
This was a complex transaction. It could have been no deal. But we feel strongly that our team will be in better position for the long haul.
attention focus point team tried
What I've tried to do is just focus my attention on the team and feel if we keep winning, at some point it will happen,
among amount beyond dependable elite innings jason main provided recent teams
We always look at dependability and reliability as being two main criteria. Beyond being a dependable person, Jason is among the elite in the amount of innings he's provided his teams in recent years.
attractive calls deals dozen leaked offered point potential prospects shop teams tempting trade winter word
At no point this winter did we shop Coco. But once word leaked out (about the potential trade with Boston), we got over a dozen calls from other teams about Coco. We got offered some very attractive prospects for Coco, and some of the deals were tempting to make. But this was the only one we wanted.
add both build excited pitcher represents starting team trying
We are excited to add an experienced starting pitcher to our rotation, one that represents the team we are trying to build both on and off the field.
building committed game help lead players sustaining talented team today
We are committed to building and sustaining a championship team and Grady -- as one of the most talented young players in the game today -- is the kind of player and person that can help lead us to that goal.
add bat creative forced impact preferred sign team
I would have preferred to sign another impact bat to add to this team somewhere. Sometimes we're forced to be creative in the way we look at things.
anyone clubhouse higher players ready team
The expectations for our team have been higher every year. Our players are ready for it. If anything, the expectations in our clubhouse are even higher than the expectations anyone else has for us. That's what you live for. You want expectations to be high like they are now.
adversity belief communication consistency critics doubting earlier manager reason season team year
I think he should get it (the Manager of the Year Award). The reason our team was able to withstand the adversity we had earlier this season was his belief in the team. That belief, when a lot of critics were doubting him, his consistency from day to day, and his communication skills, all of that is a big reason why we are where we are.
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.
bring good last recognized team
I think they recognized that not only were the very good last year, but they were also very fortunate, and they addressed it. They didn't bring the same team back.
ability communication desire good help identify leadership teach team thirst turn tying understanding youth
I think youth is not a panacea. In Eric's case, he had an understanding of what we're tying to do. He has good communication skills, an ability to understand and identify problems, an ability to teach and develop. Finally, he has a thirst and desire to not only manage, but to be part of a leadership team to help turn things around.
ability bigger help options situation team
His options situation is not going to be an overriding factor. His long-term ability to help the team will be a bigger factor.
align frame good league major team time
He'll be a good major league player. It's just that the time frame didn't align with how this team has matured.