Juan Pierre: It's Like I'm A Rookie All Over Again
By Spike Eskin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- When the job market dried up, Juan Pierre was looking for just one thing; the chance to play. He has that in Philadelphia, and that's why he's in Clearwater for Phillies Spring Training.
"The biggest thing when I talked Amaro was to get an opportunity to make the team. That's all I needed to hear," Pierre said when he spoke to 94 WIP's Michael Barkann and Ike Reese on Tuesday. "I'm just excited to be here, it's like I'm a rookie all over again."
Listen to Mike and Ike's interview with Juan Pierre:
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Pierre thought the Phillies' roster might already be full when he first got the opportunity. "This is a championship caliber team. That's why I wanted to talk to Ruben just to get his intentions. Cause he had all his soldiers in line. They're going to be good with or without me," he said.
With 554 career stolen bases, Pierre's speed could be an asset for the Phillies. At 34 years-old, the question becomes whether or not his speed is what it used to be. "My speed is good. You'll see. I don't like to talk about myself too much. I'm rarin' to go."
"ll be ready to play whenever they call me. I've come off the bench before," Pierre said. "Wherever [Charlie Manuel] wants me to play, anywhere but catcher and pitcher, I'm fine."
