David Stearns

Generally in off seasons there are a series of transactions that ultimately sort of break things loose and this year it may be a series of trades rather than necessarily a series of signings.

I know we've had what I would characterize as productive dialogue with other teams throughout the off season.

We've lined up on one trade and so far we haven't lined up on others but I think ultimately we will line up on more.

I think we'd like to be able to add a starter.

We are also really comfortable and like our young starters that are emerging.

We saw that last year with Nolan McLean.

But certainly we're going to be canvassing where we can to bring in a starting pitcher and help stabilize the staff.

I don't know that I necessarily look at Marcus's skill set at second at necessarily impacting the type of skill sets we're looking at defenders around him.

I think as of today, if we were starting today, Jeff would see a lot of time in left field, and we think he's very capable of doing that.

We are also in the market for an outfielder, and we'll see if we can pull something off there.

But we do have confidence that Jeff can play regularly in left field and do a very good job there.

Yeah.

Yep.

I think we've been pretty clear throughout the process that we'd love to have Pete back.

We certainly made that clear to his agent right at the start of free agency.

We also respect, just as we respected last year, that this is a process, and Pete has earned the right to go through the free agent process, to evaluate the market, and we'll see where that leaves us.

I think at a certain level, you're okay having one guy as your DH.

There are different ways to construct a roster.

I think there are very successful offenses with one player who mans that position, and there are very successful offenses that allow a manager to rotate spots through there, and so I don't think we're wedded to one particular approach.

Maybe to a little lesser degree, but I do think it would still help if we were able to add a right-handed bat somewhere.