AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: MARINERS v YANKEES

October 15, 2000

John Olerud

JOHN OLERUD: I don't know. That's a good question. It's definitely discouraging when you hit a ball well and somebody makes a great play on you. I don't know. I think sometimes thoughts like that have a natural tendency to creep in. But I think you've got to give the guy some credit. He kept coming out, kept swinging the bat, and then to have a really big inning there.

JOHN OLERUD: That's a good question. I know that everybody is real pumped when we got those two runs across and we took the lead. I know everybody is real excited; we got the runs in. That was definitely what we needed. I'm sure that's what everybody is thinking; that that was the big hit that we've been looking for this whole series. We just haven't done real well with men in scoring position. So to have Alex step up and get the big hit and drive in those runs, I think that was a big relief for everybody.

JOHN OLERUD: Well, as far as enjoying being in this position, we'd rather not be down to where we have to win. But I think right now, we're really in a no-lose situation. Down 3-1 against this ballclub. I don't think there's a whole lot of people that would give us a chance to be able to come back. So we've really got nothing to lose. And I feel like if we put a couple of good games together, we've got a real good shot.

JOHN OLERUD: Well, I think, now, having seen him here recently, you remember how he pitched you in those games. He's very unpredictable. He's got three or four really good pitches that he can throw at any time. He's got good control and can throw them all for strikes. He can really mix it up however he wants to. It helps having seen him and having some at-bats against him. But just because he pitched you one way the last time doesn't necessarily mean he's going to pitch you the same way this time.

JOHN OLERUD: No, that's a reflection of I just have not gone back to my locker yet.