Quotes by Johnny Almaraz

“Were going to challenge Homer. Homers going to dictate where we send him.”

“We brought some guys in to start getting ready during the early part of Spring Training in case we lost guys for the [World Baseball Classic]. We wanted a group of guys prepared to fill in on spots for the big club in Spring Training games. Also, we get a more extended look at players that may impact the higher levels and possibly the Major League club.”

“Were going to individualize every single program for every guy in the system. Thatll be the big positive. And of course, the take-a-strike, weve modified that, thats no longer going to exist. Pitch counts will exist, but its not one blanket program. If it needs to exist for a certain individual, it will. If it doesnt for another, it wont.”

“Along with really protecting a lot of the young kids because theyve been abused (in terms of usage) in high school and college, were also going to be really aggressive with the guys that are in the system already. If they show us that theyre strong enough, theyre going to go out there, and if they can go 90-100 pitches, theyre going to do that.”

“Everybody is different. Everybody deserves to be given an individual plan thats best suited for them.”

“Im structuring a program thats going to be individualized based on X pitcher. Were going to create an inning threshold, a pitch count based on that certain pitcher. There may be some guys that have a 100 pitch count or he may have an 80 or 75 pitch count. It all depends on the persons strength, arm action and mechanics. All of that will play a role in our decision making.”

“Hes got one of the best arms in the system. He throws 93 to 97.”

“Were going to formulate individual plans for every player. Well pull back when a players fatigued.”

“Well add and subtract, depending on the individual.”

“Were going to challenge him. Were going to put him at a level where he can compete at, and excel and be pushed.”