THE WORST IDEA EVER GOES TO WASHINGTON
"The summary information they have turned over to us is meaningless in the
absence of learning details concerning related-party transactions’ salaries
and fees received by the owners and their families; and the impact of
stadium-acquisition loans by stadiums. In essence, what they have told us
is, ‘We lose money, but we can’t trust you with the details.’"
—Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., during Congressional hearings on restricting
baseball’s antitrust exemption
"With all due respect, if fans are going to get those kinds of nebulous
responses from the commissioner of baseball, there’s almost a compelling
reason from the whole lot of us to support the legislation so we can get
some direct answers."
—Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla.
"You can go ahead with this, but I submit there will be a very heavy price."
—Rep. Gil Gutknecht, R-Minn., warning Bud Selig that tax laws (such as
depreciation on player salaries) are subject to change
"You have all the statements, all the numbers."
—Bud Selig, Commissioner of Baseball, to Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif.
"Mr. Selig, let me remind you, you are under oath."
–Rep. Waters, responding to Selig
ALSO BAD IDEAS
"In our situation, we could use a leadoff hitter. I still think [Knoblauch]
runs well and still think he has value as a leadoff hitter. I would
entertain thoughts of moving him to center, but right now that’s Carlos
Beltran’s position and that’s where Carlos is going to start the season."
—Tony Muser, Royals manager, on possibly signing Chuck Knoblauch
"This organization has kind of built something with last year. I don’t want
to go back to sub-.500. We have to continue to move forward, and when you
throw two kids out there, you have to suffer whatever you get."
—Don Baylor, Cubs manager, on his team’s pursuit of veterans instead of
considering Corey Patterson and Bobby Hill for jobs in 2002
UM, NOT SO MUCH, NO
"I think one thing for sure, I can add veteran leadership."
—David Justice, Athletics outfielder, on his role with his new team
"If he clicks, he’s going to be on our staff. If not, we’ll keep giving him
the ball until he figures it out. It’s just mechanical."
—Tony LaRussa, Cardinals manager, on pitcher Rick Ankiel
"If we’re healthy and all the pieces are in place, I feel real good about
this team. Just give me a full deck and we’ll take our chances."
—Lloyd McClendon, Pirates manager, claiming injuries cost the Pirates 30
games in 2001
"I’m always suspicious of guys who’ve got a famous father."
—George W. Bush, President of the United States, on meeting Joe Garagiola
Jr., Diamondbacks GM, on the Diamondbacks’ visit to the White House
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