Quotes by Josh Byrnes

“So many of the people and circumstances here make this a great fit, and it feels like a dream job.”

“Leaving Boston was not easy. It was a high level of passion to win, a unique rivalry, a baseball operations staff which was a great, great place to work. Thats what I need to learn here and need to recreate here.”

“I hate to do too much of a diagnosis without talking to everyone. I think there are some pitching needs. There were some positive steps at the end with the bullpen getting settled. But defending your own turf is a big issue. Winning at home and doing better at home are important things.”

“The doctors spoke and were comfortable with the information.”

“We had a need, and we hope its filled for several years now.”

“He absolutely knows what he wants. Hes very direct and to the point. He is certainly the best GM in my lifetime, and maybe of all time.”

“This deal gives us some short-term help ? two pitchers that can help our club ? and in our minds a future everyday front-line center fielder whos not that far away, which is hard to find.”

“Hes pitched a lot of innings in his life and as with any pitcher its not a perfect shoulder, but its one we felt was a worthwhile risk. Weve got to be smart in the way we use him but when hes right we believe hes one of the best pitchers in baseball.”

“We feel like hes relatively close but we also dont want to rush his progression to the major leagues just because were so happy to get him.”

“He pitched well (as a starter) in Arizona and his first year in Toronto. He did well, and that at this point is a greater area of need for our club.”