Rangers Quote Board On The Signing Of Ian Desmond
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JON DANIELS
ON DESMOND: "He's our left fielder...that said, the versatility he offers is a plus."
ON DESMOND'S OUTFIELD POTENTIAL: "I don't think he's going to be ok. I think he's going to be plus [in the outfield]."
ON FORFEITING THE 19TH PICK: "Hate giving 'em up...that being said, we have an opportunity to win right now. To add a winning player like this to our core is something we couldn't pass up."
ON COMMUNICATION WITH BOTH ELVIS AND JOSH: "We sat down with both guys. We wanted to explain it. We wanted to make sure Elvis understood Ian's role was to play the outfield."
ON HOPE THAT DESMOND BOUNCES BACK: "That's our bet. We're buying this guy. We believe in the athlete, the man, and the player. We believe he's going to have a big year."
ON WHY HE IS CONFIDENT IN THE OF TRANSITION: "Scouts have always felt that his athleticism and skillset play out there. He's got a double plus arm--he's got a cannon."
ON HOW THE DEAL GOT DONE: "Want to recognize ownership...quick turnaround, quick decision on their part. Shows their commitment to the club."
IAN DESMOND
ON THE SIGNING: "Grateful to me Mr. Ray Davis and Jon Daniels for bringing me over and trusting me to change positions."
MORE ON THE SIGNING: "Joining this team...I did my research. We've got an unbelievable group of guys willing to do what's necessary to win."
ON THE SWITCH: "Swallowing my pride and moving to the outfield? That's not going to be a problem."
ON HIS ROLE: "I want to be a full-time contributor...I'm a team-first guy and I think this locker room is filled with guys like that."
MORE ON THE SIGNING: "I'm coming here completely humbled and ready to be a part of the Texas Rangers organization."
ON THE PROCESS: "As a professional coming up, Michael Young...he was my guy. He was who I wanted to be...him reaching out to me [played a big role in my decision]."
MORE ON THE PROCESS: "Mark DeRosa praised this place. You're going to have a ton of fun, your family is going to love it."
ON THE SWITCH: "This was me getting to free agency and deciding as a man, I'm ready to make a change."
ON THE TEAM: "Being in a lineup with Adrian, Prince, Choo, Delino...I can go on and on. This place is full of superstars...whether they are right now or are going to be."
ON WHETHER HE WORRIED ABOUT HIS EMPLOYMENT: "I believe there's always a job for good teammates."
ON TEXAS: "We all saw JD and Michael's falling out a few years ago...for them to swallow their pride and mend that relationship. Michael, he told me how awesome it was in Texas."
ON COMPETING WITH A BIG TIME NFL TEAM: "It's fun to try and steal a football team's fan."
JEFF BANISTER
ON DESMOND PLAYING LF: "I think the biggest challenge is the actual depth of the field. Reading the ball off the bat. This is a superior athlete. He's going to be able to make the transition. Plus, there's the 'want-to' factor for him. He wants to go out there."
ON HIS CONVERSATION WITH DESMOND PRIOR TO HIM SIGNING: "I wanted him to be able to hear my voice, ask me questions. We talk about togetherness...I don't want a player to not have an opportunity to ask questions."
ON WHAT HE GOT OUT OF THAT CONVERSATION: "The passion in his voice...he never once talked about any situation other than coming here, moving forward, and being a part of this group. He talked about our players...how fun it would be to be in uniform and play along these guys. I wanted to run through a wall for him!"
MICHAEL YOUNG
ON DESMOND: "I've always had a lot of respect for [Desmond]. We've played against each other for a year...I'm still floored he was out there."
MORE ON DESMOND: "His physical ability is obvious. Big, physical guy...he's got power."
ON HIS MAKEUP: "I always look for the guys who bring it at 7:05 every night. He's at the top of the list. He doesn't just show up for his ABs...he shows up at batting practice."
ON HIS CONVERSATION WITH DESMOND: "He's a worker...he was already talking about being among the elite at that position...that's the type of guy you win titles with."
MORE ON DESMOND: "I think our fans are going to love this guy. I'm a big fan, and I have been for a while."
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