“I think it's a better outfield than we had last year. Garret did an admirable job in center, but I think his natural position is left. And offensively, [Finley] gives us one more good solid bat.”
“[Across the room, longtime Angels outfielder Tim Salmon talked about what Washburn has meant to the team this season.] I'm sure he would have liked to have performed better, but you know what, ... He's still a great competitor, and we feed off him. He's the heart and soul of this team.”
“I haven't been in a game for a year. You're not just going to take a run at batting practice and jump into a game, ... Quite honestly, [to play] would be for selfish reasons.”
“[Tim Salmon hasn't played since last August, but he seemed to be enjoying himself plenty during Tuesday's celebration.] My mantra all night was to make it last, ... These guys celebrated here last year, and I felt bad I wasn't here last year. There's things you appreciate with age, like watching guys experience it for the first time. I told them to make it last because I had to wait 10 years. The bottom line is to enjoy it whenever you can.”
“You kept telling yourself to not look over your shoulder, but the Mariners were making so much noise. That's how Cleveland is right now. Everybody is talking about them. You've got to find a way to stop it -- whether that means taking the televisions out of the clubhouse, stopping newspaper delivery, whatever. You've got to do it.”
