Jim Bowden Pleased Quotations

We are pleased to win the case. Mel Southard and Greg Torborg and their staff did a tremendous job during the process. It's a fair and equitable contract for both Alfonso Soriano and the club.

I have a lot of respect for Frank Robinson. He has respect for the game of baseball and the way it should be played. I was pleased because he is a man of his word. He said he was going to do something, and he follows up and he does it.

We would like to thank Mike for the fine job he did not only in our bullpen, but with the knowledge and leadership he shared with our young pitchers. We are pleased to acquire two young pitchers with good arms.

We are very pleased to be able to lock up Nick Johnson, who we view as one of the core players who will take the Nationals to the next level. Nick is a complete player both offensively and defensively, and we appreciate his positive influence in the clubhouse. He is the type of player and person that the Washington Nationals are all about.

We are very pleased to add a dependable starter such as Brian Lawrence to our rotation. No only does he have a reputation of going deep into games, but he has averaged 34 starts the last four seasons.

I couldn't be more pleased to add one of the best young pitching minds in baseball to our coaching staff. John's high energy, passion, temperament and knowledge will provide invaluable resources for all of our pitchers.