Colorado Rockies: Some of the Best Quotes from the Past Week

With pitchers and catchers having reported to spring training for the Colorado Rockies, we thought it would be good to look back on some of the best quotes we heard this past week from new Colorado manager Bud Black as well as three of the pitchers who are expected to make an impact for the Rockies this season.

Bud Black

On the trade rumors that swirled around Charlie Blackmon in the offseason…

“Charlie’s a good player. You never like to take away your good players. I can’t speak for him (Jeff), but I know that all that talk about Charlie was driven from outside Jeff’s office. That was not something he was talking about at all.”

On being back as a manager…

“It’s great to be back. Those of us in this chair never take this position for granted and what this means to an organization and to our sport. We all feel as though having this position is special. I’m excited to be back and have the opportunity to manage these players. It’s a great group of players.”

Carlos Estevez

On learning from last season…

“I watched a lot of video and saw what I was doing wrong. I also got together with a pitching coach in the DR (Dominican Republic). When I signed the first time, he was the one who worked out with me. He told me a few things I was doing wrong, like pulling to the side too early, going forward, all of this stuff. It really helped me.”

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“I don’t take anything back from last year, good moments or bad moments or whatever it is. Last year was great. I got to the big leagues, which is my whole life dream. Now I have to stay. Last year was a lot of learning experience. I even had some success, which was great.”

On how he’s approaching spring training…

“I’m here to make the team. It’s not right away I’m on the team. I have to get my spot, get this job and compete all the time.”

Jon Gray

On pitching batting practice in the tunnel because of the rain that fell in Arizona last week…

“It’s a little different environment but it’s good for us. It’s good to throw us in a lot of different kinds of environments at this point to get us ready for the season.”

On how he feels starting 2017…

“Physically, I feel like I’m ahead (of last season). I have to iron some things out in my bullpens but I’m feeling good and on point at this point. I’m looking to get better and seeing if I can pick up anything else. I did a lot more (in the offseason). I wanted to become flexible. I got into some pilates and did some stretching, working on some small muscles to help me.”

Greg Holland

On his first “official” session with the Rockies…

“It went really well. I felt great. I’ve had a long time to rehab and get stronger physically. I took care of the lower body and my core, which is the key to staying healthy over the season. It’s good to get back in the swing of things.”

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On the biggest things he needs to overcome after missing 2016 with Tommy John surgery…

“The biggest thing is just not being able to play for a year. I’m with a team now and I’m healthy. I’ve overcome that. I’m really excited. Mentally, the biggest key now is being smart with your body. This early in camp if something is lingering or you’re sore, being proactive and smart with it and not try to push through something that might end up lingering for two or three weeks. Take it slow. It’s a long process. We’re still in spring training so we have a lot of time.”

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