MLB WORLD SERIES: PADRES v YANKEES

October 17, 1998

Bruce Bochy

BRUCE BOCHY: I think it is his advantage. In fact, we haven't seem him. I think any time a hitter hasn't seen a pitcher, sure, there's a slight advantage to the pitcher. First time up, they'll be learning about him. But, you know, it's tough when you haven't seen a guy. We'll battle up there. It's a case where first time around, they'll get to know him a little bit.

BRUCE BOCHY: Well, we can step out too. You know, I think that the thing there is just, you know, remind the hitters keep your focus and concentration. You know, there's a lot of pitchers that work slow in the league. We're not thinking about that right now.

BRUCE BOCHY: I feel great about Andy. He's a big reason why we're in this situation, and I have all the confidence in the world. I think we're pretty lucky to have a pitcher like Andy Ashby.

BRUCE BOCHY: Well, it's obvious they're doing well because they're playing. That was one thing I talked about yesterday as far as my line up, if one of them is hurting, I'll either DH or give them all a day. They're all doing great. Vaughn says he feels terrific. Tony, there's no way he wanted to DH, he was adamant about that. Wally feels great. It's worked out well.

BRUCE BOCHY: I don't think so. I think in the National League he's getting the attention he deserves. He made the All-Star team, had a tremendous year, had the tendinitis there that set him back a little bit. We think a lot of him obviously because we signed him to a long-term deal. Again, we're lucky to have a pitcher of this caliber.

BRUCE BOCHY: He's a good pitcher. (Laughing) He's got four good pitches. He throws hard and has good command. I mean he's got great stuff with great make up.

BRUCE BOCHY: I think Andy can pitch in three days. I wouldn't hesitate. He's fine. In fact, in the All-Star game, he pitched the last game I think of the first half, had a day off, went out and pitched. He's very resilient. He's healthy right now. So if needed, sure, we would do that.

BRUCE BOCHY: We like to keep them off base. I think that's the best way to go about it. That's what we're going to be trying to do. But if they get on base, you know, there's ways you can throw over, pitch out, things like that. So, you know, we're a similar type team. We like to run.