The Sweet Sounds of Press Conferences

Randy Wolf made his introductions, and is stoked to be home.  "I have a lot of great memories coming here when I was six, seven, eight years old, and then on through high school," he said.  "it's something I'm extremely excited about."  He makes mention, too, of Tommy Lasorda's famous post-Gibson homer sprint out of the dugout... the last time Tommy moved quickly to anything that wasn't pasta.  Download randy_wolf_11.29 1.mp3

It's not just the whole playing in front of friends and family thing that drew Wolf to L.A.  The chance to win (and presumably to be featured on a fantastic local blog) was a major attraction.  "I think it's a team that's going to win," he said.  With the Phillies, "we had some good teams, but we never had an opportunity to play in the postseason. That's something I really missed."
Download randy_wolf_11.29 on coming home.mp3

Nor is he really worried about the pressures of playing at home.  After all, his friends have watched him on TV for years and expressed themselves without dealing with the traffic at Dodger Stadium.  As for signing for less in L.A., "trying to get the most money is not what I'm about.  It's not what I wanted.  I think for me, I'm gambling on myself, and that's something I'm willing to do... I think I'm going to have a good year."  He also talks about the possibility of the Blue adding Mike Lieberthal. 
Download randy_wolf_11.29 On Contract Decision, Lieberthal, Pressure.mp3

As for his health, everything is just ducky!  And the second year back from surgery tends to be a swingin' one.  He talks about his performance over the season, and how his body responded to throwing after rehab.  Download randy_wolf_11.29, health.mp3

As for Juan Pierre, he's happy to be here, too.  "I think it's a good spot for me.  I was already looking at the infield grass out there and getting excited," he said.  "Hopefully I can help them get over the hump and get back to that World Series."  Download juan_pierre_11.28 1.mp3

He's not worried about batting second, or the notion that he'll have to take more pitches if he does so.  Having done it in Florida batting behind Luis Castillo, it's not something he's unfamiliar with.
Download juan_pierre_11.29, hitting 2nd.mp3   He's also aware of L.A.'s history of basestealers.  "The Dodgers have always been known for running, even going back to Jackie Robinson.  I'm just excited about it."  As for the field, it's a nice spot. "Number one, the infield grass is short, the lines are pretty much true," though he plans on a pow-wow with the grounds crew to "get those lines (just) right."  Maybe a gentle slope to keep some bunts fair?  He gives some props to the OF grass, too.  Download juan_pierre_11.29, on LA history of speed, playing at Chavez.mp3

Ned Colletti said Pierre brings speed, which never hurts.  "There's all kinds of ways to score when you can run."  Download ned_colletti_11.29, what Pierre brings.mp3 And both Pierre and Wolf come highly recommended, scoring well on the character meter.  Download ned_colletti_11.29 on character of Pierre, Wolf.mp3