- Ryan Church: Accoring to Manuel, Church insn't in his 'Dog House.' He has no issues with Church. As Manuel said, “I like dogs, but I don't have any doghouse.”
- Jose Reyes and his base running blunders over the last couple of games, and his perceived lack of hustle: Manuel needs for Reyes to control his 'anxiety.' He also believes that when Reyes is going all out, he tends to make mistakes. He wants to see a happy medium in between the anxiety and being too aggressive. Manuel spoke about this when it appeared that Reyes was gazing at his double, which he thought to be a home run against Atlanta last Wednesday. He said two years ago, under Willie Randolph, when Reyes didn't run out a hit, that the ire he drew from the fans left a lasting impression on him, and it really got to him. Manuel admitted he is probably harder on Reyes than any other player, because of the he has, and that he wants him to be the best player he can be.
- On the poor fielding: Jerry said they will have infield practice, which is no longer a staple of warm ups before games in baseball, at the beginning of home stands, and will look to do it when they arrive in Boston on Friday. It will not be part of the everyday routine though. Manuel said they are putting a huge emphasis on fielding, because "we are giving away too many outs, almost innings..."
- Daniel Murphy: Manuel was real surprised and upset with his error last night because it is not a way to start off a game. Murphy is playing 1B tonight, and will play 1B during the Boston series so Manuel can determine if he can play 1B. Manuel wants to see if he can handle the position. Francesa stated, “If he doesn't do well, he won't be a regular OF”, to which Manuel responded, 'I hope he makes it at first.' Discussing Murphy's base running mistake the other night, Manuel said it wasn't all Murph's fault; they want a throw over to first, so Murphy could judge not only the move, but get a better jump on the next pitch to steal; Draw the throw, and take off on next pitch. Manuel said that Jeff Bagwell used to do the same thing. Murphy guessed, and got caught. Murphy was pinch hit for during the Giant game Sunday because Jerry felt Murphy didn't have a chance. He knew he was in a funk from his motions and body language. Hadn't been hitting the ball hard.
- Fernando Tatis: “is in the evening of his career”, and doesn't know if he can play everyday or not.
- With Delgado's absence, Wright has been told this is his team, and that's the way Manuel wants it. He wants his leader to be an infielder.
- Manuel's toughness on his players: “You have to ask the guys. I have no problem getting in players faces...” Jerry deals with his players off the field, or will send someone to get the player to come next to him in the dugout. Won't call a player out and put him on the spot publicly. Does not try to embarrass 'any man in any way.'
For the entire interview: Jerry Manuel With Mike Francesa
No comments:
Post a Comment