Babcock Describes Plan in Place to Ensure Better Relations with Players

"We're also going to have a communication contract, because I learned that I was brutal at it, and I thought I was good at it."

"I want them to tell me how they want to be talked to, how they want to meet. Some guys don't ever want to come into your office. Are you getting them a coffee? Are you getting them under the stands on the way out? I used to skate around with guys before (practice), but now if you skate around with a guy, there's an article (written about it), so you can't do that."


"I want to treat you with the utmost respect. My intention is going to be kind. But I want you to maximize what the good Lord gave you. I want you to push. I promise you this year in Columbus we're going to work, I promise you, so you have to buy into that."

"You and I get together," Babcock says. "'How's your mental health?' 'I'm not doing very good.' 'OK, are we talking to somebody? Do we have your own person? Have we talked to our guy? What steps are we taking?'"

"You can think of nothing worse than suffering in silence. Sometimes because of the stigma, people say they don't want to share. Well, actually, the more you talk about it, the more you share, the better you feel, and if you've got someone to share with and get ideas, that's a positive thing. Open up the dialogue is what I'm basically saying. On a consistent basis."