Four years removed from a stint with the New York Mets that landed Graham a divisional title, I sat down with the feisty skipper at his bay side apartment to talk about the upcoming season. The full article can be seen on 02oaklandathletics, your ONLY source for Athletics news!
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| Oakland A's skipper Eric Graham |
CDahlton: Two big mainstays in your lineup, third basemen Eric Chavez and shortstop Miguel Tejada, where are you batting them?
EGraham: Don't know yet, we've interchanged parts throughout spring training, I'm not really worried about positioning this early. I've told you before these are both MVP candidates, you can stick em in the 9 hole and they'll still mash.
CDahlton: Derek Jeter......
EGraham: Yeah??......
CDahlton: It was reported that he ripped your team, specifically calling out Barry Zito, any thoughts?
EGraham: I've got bigger fish to fry....
CDahlton: What are your personal expectations for this season?
EGraham: World Series or bust. I don't care if we win 145 games and make the world series and lose in 7. If we don't win it's a disappointment, and I've made that very clear to my team. With the talent we have on this team their is absolutely NO excuse for not winning it all. We could rack up every statistical accomplishment, and it means absolute shit if we are not hoisting the trophy in October.
CDahlton: Your signed for a one year contract....do you want to be back next year?
EGraham: What kind of question is that? The season hasn't even started yet [laughs]. Of course, I like the team, I like the city, the fans are a bit of a disappointment but I aim to change that. On the flip side, if our team caves and fails to win, I dont know if I will be, that's not up to me.
CDahlton: What do you mean the fans?
EGraham: I appreciate all 12 of them that come out to the park on a daily basis, but as a whole, it's slightly disappointing. You have talent like this you expect a full house, but you can hear individual conversations in the crowd its so bare.
CDahlton: You've been touted as a 'no-nonsense' type of manager, is that the kind of attitude that will leave an impression on this young roster?
EGraham: Well, I'm not sayin' I'm coming in with the leather belt if we have an off game, I like to create a fun atmosphere, as long as we're winning. On the flip side, I don't expect squirt gun fights to be poppin' off in the clubhouse either.
CDahlton: Who has left an impression on you this spring as far as a breakout candidate?
EGraham: A few kids, I'm not going to name names cause I don't feel it would be right to, I don't know, dog the rest of my team, but yeah...there's a few players that have really put in the extra effort, and I have taken notice.
CDahlton: Are the reports of you hooking up with Athletics news correspondent Erin Andrews true?
EGraham: [Laughs] What are these reports? I've never heard of them.
CDahlton: The National Enquire reported you having an intimate dinner with Ms. Andrews last week downtown.
EGraham: No, that is completely false. Consider the source, but its nice to be painted in a positive light by the media.
CDahlton: Can you come out right now and guarantee a championship for Oakland right now?
EGraham: You can't do that, it's the kiss of death. Yes, It is a disappointment if we dont win, however, you can't just come out and say its a certainty.
CDahlton: I guess we will have to see what happens, good luck.
EGraham: Thanks.
CDahlton: P.S (off the record) How much did this place cost you?
EGraham: Actually....that's none of your business, but I can assure you, it wasn't cheap.
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