At least some of the following was in today's Inky, quoting our fearless leader about the upcoming Braves series:

"They beat us down there earlier, they swept us, and we beat them last year about nine or 10 games in their yard, so we know we can beat them," Manuel said. "And I guess they think if they play good they can beat us. Bottom line is, we have to outplay them."

 "Now, I know that might sound unusual," Manuel continued.  "Usually, it ain't that way.  But with those Braves, that's just how it is - you gotta outplay them."

"But take the Brewers - that's a different story there," the manager went on.  "It's not important if you outplay 'em - don't matter if you do.  What you gotta do is, you kinda get some people in the stands to hold up mirrors and reflect light in their relievers' eyes when they're stretching in the bullpen.  Bottom line is, when they come out, they're not properly warmed up, they can't throw it straight, and we come from behind to win.  Simple as that."

"Or Arizona.  You don't really outplay those guys - you just kinda stand around and shout "Drop it!" until they make a bunch of sloppy errors, which they always do.  Then you take your unearned runs back to the hotel."   "But you take one of those AL East teams," Manuel said, leaning back in his chair.  "Hell if I know how to beat 'em.  You can outplay 'em til the sun come up.  Bottom line is, they're still gonna win, no matter what you do - at least if it's June they are.  Even if you play good.  October might be a different story, though."   Manuel concluded by noting that it was possible that the reporter had misinterpreted his West Virginia drawl and that he did not actually say any of the above except for the first three sentences.