REPEAT OFFENDER
"As an organization, we’ve always been big supporters of Mark Quinn, but both Dee Brown and Raul Ibanez had great camps and we needed to make room. By trading for Jason Isringhausen and Frank Menechino, we now have the best bullpen in the league and a veteran utility player who can provide offense and defense for the infield, and we’ve added depth to our farm system."
— Allard Baird, Royals general manager, on trading outfielder Mark Quinn for Jason Isringhausen, Frank Menechino, two single-A pitchers and a PTBNL
"To be honest, we haven’t entirely figured out where to play Quinn yet, but we’ll find a way. Give me a day or two."
— Billy Beane, Athletics general manager
"I think everyone knows we need pitching, and this is a continuation of the Olivares trade last week. Adding Gil Heredia is going to solidify our rotation and John Jaha adds another bat on the bench and in the corners. Kendall was a lot to give up, but this was a trade we had to make."
— Cam Bonifay, Pirates general manager, on trading catcher Jason Kendall for Gil Heredia, John Jaha, and two minor leaguers
"Jason Kendall is going to be a great contributor to the A’s and while this was a tough trade to make, I really believe that it’s going to help us get to the World Series this year. And this opens up some at-bats at DH, too."
— Beane, on acquiring Kendall a day after trading for Quinn
"My biggest fear this season? Other GMs will start using caller ID and we’ll have an rash of injuries."
— Beane
FROM LEFT FIELD
"Baseball has never been healthier. I mean, wait, no, shoot. You’re going to print that, aren’t you?"
— Bud Selig, MLB Commissioner, asked by a Cleveland beat reporter if baseball has gotten sicker under his reign
"While a lot of people have had problems with me, I’ve always been honest. I’m probably not going to play again. Therefore, I’m announcing my retirement, which releases the Orioles from having to pay me, even though this means I’m going to give up all the money left on my contract. I hope they put it to good use."
— Albert Belle, Orioles outfielder, announcing his retirement to a surprised press conference in Tampa, Florida
"A lot of players talk about playing for free. There’s a minimum salary so we can’t, but if Derek Bell doesn’t outhit Benny [Agbayani] this season I’ll give all my money to charity."
— Derek Bell, Pirates outfielder
BETTER OFF NOT KNOWING
"I didn’t ever think I’d end up here, but after the Church of Latter Day Saints told me that they’ve been against bigamy for decades now, I had no place to go until I found Wicca. I’m welcomed here."
— Al Martin, Mariners outfielder, on his personal and religious journey in the last year
"This is a move that will allow the Red Sox to compete in the World Series this fall, but also is in the best interests of all parties involved."
— Dan Duquette, Red Sox general manger, on including his grandmother with outfielder Troy O’Leary to acquire shortstop Gookie Dawkins from the Reds
THE REST
"I think I have enough room for another Comeback Player award. They’re not real big trophies."
— Bret Saberhagen, Red Sox pitcher, on his outlook on this season
"I know we’re calling this a youth movement, but I’m the only one who gets carded if we go out for a drink after the game."
— Ryan Kohlmeier, Orioles reliever, on his team’s relative age
"Am I the only person in the NL who didn’t get asked to be in Penthouse?"
— Tony Womack, Diamondbacks infielder
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