27 Quotes by Mickey Hatcher

I've seen guys hit .900 in Spring Training and when the lights go on, they struggle. The challenge is when opposing pitchers start turning it up a notch. But there is not a guy in this room that doesn't believe he can't handle the challenge.

A lot of people don't realize how important he is to this club. Even in that nine hole, being a hitter, bringing in a run, stealing a base. Defensively, he's done a great job for us since the first day we've had him. He just catches everything, turns the double play with the best of them, so his total game is there right now.

It's not as bad as people think it is. Offensively, you need a little luck. And we just haven't had any.

It took him away from playing the game he loved. The guy lived for that. He lived for Spring Training, he lived for the game of baseball. That was a dark day. When he couldn't play the game the way he wanted, it was really frustrating for him. There is no telling how many more years he could have played and how many more good years he could have had. It was hard on him.

I really like the way Garret is swinging. This year it looks like he's back to the old Garret.

I really like his swing, and he really likes his swing. This is the best I've ever seen him. He has made adjustments and compressed his swing. His setup and approach has improved. He is seeing the ball real well.

He came back with a purpose, and it's going to be very, very interesting. If he keeps going the way he is, and stays around, he's going to make us better.

These are big games. You can't just sit back on a call like that. It's crucial.

The guy who was frustrated more than anybody was Vlad. But I've seen teams win the World Series, and it takes nine guys. I've told him, 'Hey, you battled the best you could.' They didn't make any mistakes on him. Those series go fast when you never get going.