Coach

I think each negotiation should be based on what's the best decision - taking everything into account, not taking one thing into account.

If you try to give them a scheme, most hitters will rebel.

I don't miss being in the dugout - I'll make that clear.

You know, I think when you coach or you manage, you make decisions, and there's some that are really, really tough.

There's a bigger difference now than when I first got into professional baseball because that was before guaranteed contracts, before there was a lot of money, so it was mostly survival. You had more competition.

I have coaching friends, and when we get together, we often talk more about what we're doing to get players' attention than we do about the fascinating X's and O's of our sport.

The arc of Ken Griffey Jr.'s swing has gotten bigger than when he hit line drives. Juan Gonzalez is a terrific power hitter, too.

If you seriously aspire to be a manager in the big leagues, there is a baseball 'book' that one must learn. Alongside that book, you must practice Spanish. Of 25 players on each roster, sometimes there are between eight and 15 players who speak Spanish.

Anything that disturbs your comfort factor is good for you.

There are always distractions, if you allow them.

If the national government doesn't fix your problem, you've got a problem. You've got to fix it yourself. That's just part of the American way.

I think there's a growing number of pitchers who want to have a plan going into a game about how they're going to go after that lineup. I'd say 75 percent want to have an idea, and they plan their attack. I know that 75 percent of hitters do not have that same type of plan against a pitcher.

I can only think of about four players who I do not have anywhere from a good to a great relationship with.

In the end, as a manager or coach, you have to keep your heart pure and do your best as a manager or a coach.

To me, there is no more conscientious umpire in the Major Leagues than Jim Joyce. He gives you a hellacious effort every time.

I was in the American League for 16, 17 years, and I think it's a really tough league to compete in.

You've got to acknowledge what you did wrong and see if you can fix it to the extent possible, and turn the page.

It's a sensitive thing, playing major league baseball.

I think the guys that get to the All-Star Game deserve a lot of credit. They deserve their opportunity to get out there and let the baseball fandom see them.

I've been so fortunate in life to have worked for such great organizations, with great owners and general managers and all the great players, along with the support of my family.