By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer
February 23, 2010
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) -- Bobby Cox says he told players in his annual spring training speech he'll "still be the same old grumpy guy" during his final season as the Atlanta Braves manager.
Cox will retire after his 25th season leading the Braves.
Bullpen coach Eddie Perez says he was stunned by Cox's speech before the team's first full-squad workout on Tuesday. He said Cox, who normally never talks about himself to the team, had the full attention of the players as he spoke of his retirement.
Perez, a former Braves catcher, says Cox acknowledged he was nervous to be making his final spring speech. Perez says Cox thanked the players "for all the years."
When asked if he became emotional, Cox said "a little bit, not much."
