Ned Yost: Everything with my Milwaukee Brewers is progressing as perfectly as it possibly could right now
March 9, 2008
Hey, guys. I expect you have some questions today about my on-field management style, or maybe you’re seeking clarification about some strategic decisions I have to make. … Oh. … No, none of that? You just want me to let me evaluate team decisions? But I’m the manager. Why would you ask my opinion of my team? I work for the team. Of course I’m going to say …. Why wouldn’t you ask a … you know, an independent observer? Someone who will give you an objective … no? You still want me? OK, beat writers, gather round.
You, there. You want to know what I think of Ryan Braun’s transition to the outfield. He’s been much, much better than I thought he’d be at this point. … Holy shit, you’re writing that down. You’re actually going to print it. Um … wait. I can do better. He’s got an opportunity one day to win a Gold Glove in left field. He certainly does.
Next? You’re interested in Bill Hall’s move to third? Good follow-up. What did Dale say? No, let me guess. Ah, he probably told you, ah … “I think he’s probably doing better than he expected. His feet are getting better. That was the biggest concern, how his feet would react to a new position.” Probably something like that, right? And you’re going to run it as-is, not even question the “new position” part? God you guys are awesome.
Yes, a question about Prince. I knew that was coming. You want to know if I think short-changing him in his contract renewal pissed him off, and if I think the move was a short-sighted chance to save a couple hundred thousand dollars that will cost us tens of millions later? Well yeah, but … no. I mean to say, I know it’s not an issue when he walks through the clubhouse door. Believe me, he knows in the back of his mind, “It’s OK.” No seriously: what could go wrong?
OK, last question. … Hm, tough one. Steroids. Do I think it sets a bad precedent that so many of our off-season acquisitions have drug problems? Naw, you kiddin’ me? Gagne: he said he’s sorry. Mota: whatever, he’s not even going to make the team. Mike Cameron? What to say about Mike. How about this: You push each other to work hard. That’s what he always does. Not too bland a quote for your editors? Because that’s what he does — works hard. That’s why his body rocks, not because he got caught twice (twice!) in one season for banned stimulants.
Thanks for coming, everyone. Please surround those quotes with your own statements that support mine. Again, thank you.
Tags: Brewers, bill hall, eric gagne, guillermo mota, mike cameron, ned yost, prince fielder, ryan braun, team press releases
No Comments yet »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Leave a comment