CHICAGO -- It became an instant classic line. When asked Wednesday after the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins what his expectations were for the rest of the season, pitcher John Lackey responded quickly:

“We’re trying to win a World Series. I didn’t come here for a haircut. We’re trying to get it on. I came here for some jewelry.”

It got laughs in the room and probably from anyone else who watched or read the comments. It was typical Lackey, who has been known to be both gruff and humorous -- sometimes within the same media conference. But there is no questioning his teammates love him.

What follows is an exchange from this past weekend in Oakland in which we sought out to understand the "World According to John Lackey."

Tell me about the haircut line. You had everyone laughing. Did that just come out of nowhere or is that one of your sayings or something?

John Lackey: One of my boys down in Anaheim owns a bar. It’s one of his favorite lines. I stole it from him.

Did you know it would get such a good reaction?

JL: I always laugh when he says it, so, yeah, I thought it would be funny.

What annoys you about the game of baseball? Anything?

JL: There’s a lot of things that annoy me. This game is getting really soft. You can’t even break up two, for God sakes, and you’re getting a review. When I came into the league, if you didn’t go hard into second base, one of your teammates is going to have a talk with you in the corner of the dugout. Now guys just peel off. The game is getting soft.

I sort of miss the home plate collision. Of course I don’t want anyone to get hurt, but I grew up with it. Do you feel the same?

JL: That’s part of the big leagues. That’s what makes it different from high school or whatever. Those are the things that make this the men’s league.

What else?

JL: I think there are managers these days that don’t have as much say as others. There is a lot more front office meddling. There’s more hands in the pot, I guess.

I’m guessing you’re not a sabermetrics guy, but do you think there is a place for it at least in the front office?

JL: It can be a part, for sure. I still think the human aspect and knowing the animal is more important than the numbers.

What about outside of baseball. What annoys you?

JL: I’m not into all the social media stuff.

Ha. OK. Let’s talk managers. How often do you agree with being pulled?

JL: It’s about 50/50.

How often of that other 50 percent do you try and talk him out of it?

JL: Most of the time it’s the second visit and I don’t have a choice. I can’t talk them out of anything. I might give a stare once in a while when they come of the dugout before they come all the way out. Actually, most of the managers I played for were pointing to the bullpen before they get too close so I can’t say anything to them.

Is that strategic on their part?

JL: Probably. I have talked a few out of it, and for the most part it’s worked out more times than not.

Have you ever gone to the manager between innings and told him, "I'm done." Have you ever initiated it?

JL: No. I’ve never done that. I usually hang out down at the end of the bench. If you want to take me out, come on down at get me. Otherwise, I’ll keep on going.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon and John Lackey have a chat on the mound. Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports

How many times have you disagreed with Joe taking you out this year?

JL: Not much. Maybe two to three times. Joe is good about having reasons for you. It’s a thought-out process. If there are good reasons, it’s tough to argue, really.

If you were a fan, who would be a favorite player?

JL: Well, my son’s favorite player is Kris Bryant, so I’ll go with that.

If not playing baseball, any idea what you would be doing for a living?

JL: I’d probably be a high school football coach or something. My dad was a coach. I’d probably end up coaching.

Who has a good sense of humor on this team?

JL: David Ross is good. Jon Lester is sneaky funny when you get him out a little bit. We talk to you guys a little different than we talk to each other.

Right. And the razzing you give each other, that is key in any locker room, correct?

JL: One hundred percent. No one is safe in the locker room. You have to keep everyone on edge a little bit. Keep them honest so they don’t get a big head.

Is anything not cool with fans with autographs and stuff?

JL: Nothing crazy, but if I’m holding my baby, that’s a little tough; "Hey, I'm a little busy right now." I'm all for autographs if it’s for personal stuff. That’s cool. But trying to sell stuff, I don’t like that.

I’m trying to think of someone on the team that’s opposite your personality. Do you and Kyle Hendricks have anything in common?

JL: He’s sneaky funny, but he hardly ever talks. You have to approach him, but he has some good little one-liners. He’s smart and witty. He’s a fun conversation.

I saw you give him a big hug or whatever after the shutout last week. Was that cool for you?

JL: You root for guys like that. He wasn’t the golden child like some of these other guys that were handed things. It was cool, and it’s been great to watch him all season.

Why did Kevin Millar tell me you’re fake country?

JL: Because he really is fake and he’s trying to deflect it from himself.