The following comments were made by Jay last week and later submitted to me via email.
Some comments may have also run in a local Ohio newspaper and the accuracy of all the comments is guaranteed.
His comments regarding his recently signed contract with the Rockies:
"It went well. My agent handled the whole thing and I am very pleased."
In response to CO General Manager, Dan O Dowd and his glowing
comments ("We just think that Jay is going to have a monster year for us. We just want to see him go out and play for a year
in our venue, and hopefully this leads to something more long-term." ):
"It is nice to know. With the Mets, I played for a guy who did not believe in my skills.
It is easier to play for someone that has a lot of confidence in you."
Regarding the economic changes in the game and how it affects
the contracts of today:
"We all have an understanding of the economic changes of the game. The superstars will get
their money. The utility guys will get theirs. The mid-market player, if he does not have a great year, will probably
get non-tendered and be a free agent. It's a lot nicer staying in one place than searching for a job."
On the subject of the Rockies new outlook and their new dedication
to offense taking precedence over pitching:
"They have tried going with pitching and they realized that is not the key to having
success in Colorado. They have converted back to having four of five guys that can hit 30 home runs, like they had when
they made the playoffs (in 1995). They want to be more offensive-minded and outslug teams 9-8. That's how they have had
their most success."
On the importance of having speed in the OF:
"You definitely do not want a slow guy in the outfield. We all run well. Larry (Walker) runs
well and is a gold glove outfielder. Having three guys that can run the ball down will be a plus."
Regarding one change to his off-season training regimen
of lifting, hitting and throwing:
"I am doing Yoga. Al Leiter mentioned it, so I tried it. I have been doing it
for three months. You go into a hot room ... It allows you to stretch deeper and to help with flexibility."
