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Roger Mooney

Roger Mooney covers the Tampa Bay Rays for The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8. He has covered the Rays since their first season in 1998, including 11 years for the Bradenton Herald. Roger has also covered Florida, South Florida and Florida State football, the Bucs and the Lightning.

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Thoughts from Garza, Bartlett

Posted Nov 29, 2007 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Nov 29, 2007 at 03:46 PM

Just got off a conference call with Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett. Garza seems to be a live wire, certainly not lacking in confidence, who already has studied up on the Rays and is definitely excited to be coming to Tampa Bay. Bartlett was a bit more reserved and was surprised by the trade, but that fits his businesslike reputation. Here are some highlights:

Matt Garza

(on rumors that he might be headed to Tampa Bay)
“This one was pretty strong – we got a strong sense that this one might happen. I started doing some homework on the Rays organization and I was pretty excited because I think it’s on the up-and-up, with a new stadium coming in, a bunch of young guys. That’s what I like to play with, a bunch of young guys who want to have fun.”

(his self-assessment)
“I pride myself on attacking hitters, not shying away from anybody. Just going after them with my best stuff and not really keeping to the fastball anymore. I’m mixing it up and trying to get those outs as quick as possible to save the pitch count, try to keep as many bullets as possible.”

(on Jason Bartlett)
“He’s a hard-nosed, get dirty and play the game the right way type of player. He’s going to make the plays for you and even make the plays he’s not supposed to make. We picked up a great defensive player and also a guy who battles at the plate and doesn’t strike out too often. He earns every at-bat and he make sure he gets everything out of every at-bat, and that’s what you like to see.”

(on what he knows about Kazmir and Shields)
“I know enough that you put us three together and we’ll win quite a few games.”

Jason Bartlett

(general reaction to the trade)
“I was surprised – I didn’t really think I would leave Minnesota. But it happened, and after thinking about it, it’s a great opportunity for me. There’s a lot of young talent over there and from what I’ve heard it’s a great group of guys and I’ve heard the coaching staff is awesome. It sounds like a good fit for me and I’m excited for it.”

(on his 26 errors last season)
“I really can’t tell you what happened. I know I’m better than that and I hope [the Rays] really believe that I am, because I’m going to do my best this year and try to prove it to them. There’s no excuse I can make or anything for last year – I just didn’t have a great year.”

(describing his game)
“The little things is what I pride myself on – get the runner over, try to get the extra bags, that kind of stuff. The big numbers that everybody always sees, that’s really not me. It’s hard for just the regular fan to appreciate that, I guess.”