71 Quotes by Larry Beinfest

He's a great student of the game. He knows how to play the game right. And he's stand-up. There is no gray area. That's appreciated. People will always know where they stand with Joe.

He's going to have an energetic young team.

He was only a year and half removed out of high school. By midsummer of that first year (2002), we knew we had something special.

He was playing well. He looked healthy. We were happy with him. I don't know anything else.

I wouldn't rule anything out. But we've done that a couple of years and it really ties up your roster. That was with a very set team. It didn't hurt us, but it really limits your options on the bench.

I would say it's his job to lose. He needs to go out and do what he did in September and what he did in the Minor Leagues throughout the year. It's his job to lose.

I think that the 72 hours that have passed is more than a reasonable amount of time for him to offer some explanation for his unexcused absence. We still do not have that explanation, and we're moving on.

I think there is considerable interest in having him in the lineup and getting the at-bats and seeing what he can do, because he's really been one of the best hitters in the Minor Leagues.

Our pitching staff was strong, and we've seen the progression here to the big leagues. Tankersley's progression has been excellent.