Mark Shapiro Major Quotations

We're interested and we're waiting for a proposal from Major League Baseball. It's not going to generate the kind of excitement that World Cup soccer does, given the history and the equity just isn't there yet. But at least for this country, anything with the America's pastime and the American flag is sure to be a winning combination.

We lack upper-level, left-handed relief depth. (Heredia) could be a Major League alternative for us this year.

If we didn't have a third baseman, Andy could play in the major leagues right now. Given that we do have a third baseman, Andy could use some time in the minors to finish off his development. Defensively, he's major-league ready right now. Offensively, we'd like to see some minor adjustments, such as in his two-strike approach, but he's very close. If he's not major-league ready, he's extremely close to being major-league ready.

He's definitely played the game the way we want it played. He has the power, size and athleticism combo to be a corner outfielder at the Major League level. His approach fits with our approach, and he's a local kid. It's a pretty good match. But he's still got to go to the next level, which he really hasn't been to yet.

He'll be a good major league player. It's just that the time frame didn't align with how this team has matured.

Paul had an average fastball and average curve. He was going to pitch in the major leagues, but there was nothing that would particularly distinguish him from lots of other guys.

We won't stand in the way of either one getting major league jobs. But just because we've made these decisions, that's not to say that either one couldn't be playing in Cleveland at some point this year.

It's a very tough division. There aren't going to be many easy nights at all when you play in the division this year. There's going to be lots of beating up on each other. Chicago and Minnesota both have exceptional pitching. Detroit's lineup is as deep as any in the major leagues, if they are all healthy.

Andrew threw the ball very well and I would think that he and Fausto will contribute to the major league team at some point this season.