Allard Baird Quotes (60 Quotes)

He's one of the good guys. I'm happy for him.

With a guy coming off Tommy John surgery, it's usually the second year those guys come around. We like our defense, especially our infield defense, and its potential to be a good fit with a sinkerball pitcher.

We thought Buck would come into his own in the second half of last season. We really didn't see that. So, offensively, it's an important year for him. No doubt about it.

We were pleased when he came in after the trade and did a solid job receiving the ball with above-average blocking skills. He's still learning to call a game but, overall, we're pleased.

The bottom line is I'm the general manager of the club. I'm held accountable. The expectation of fans is a good thing. If the club continues to struggle, that rests on my shoulders.

We let the ability of the player dictate how fast he comes along. He's an advanced college hitter, and that makes a difference.

From there, we'd like to get him in the fall league and, if he does well and where he's at stamina-wise, we may even look at the Puerto Rican League just to make up for some of the time that he has not been on the field.

It sounds like a company line, but he's progressing and moving forward. Is he better than he was last week Yes.

He's not going to overpower you. He's got to have command of the fastball. His ability to create ground balls last year was a real plus for us.

We were going to do it at the end of the season. Out of respect for Ruben, this gives him a head start on finding a job for next season. He did a good job, we wish him the best.