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Post by earlweaver on Aug 6, 2016 8:59:09 GMT -5
With spring training around the corner, it's time for our annual Media Day. Answer as many as as few of these questions as you like. All in good fun. Good luck to everyone!!
1. In general, how do you think your offseason went? 2. Who is the most important MLB level addition to the team? 3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team? 4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show? 5. What team do you consider your biggest rival and why? 6. Real life question. Who is your favourite current baseball player? 7. Will you win the World series in the next 5 seasons? 8. How many times a day do you check the PBL forums? 9. predict the World Series. Winner/Loser/games....
Have fun!!
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Post by David_ExposGM on Aug 6, 2016 9:42:04 GMT -5
1. In general, how do you think your off-season went? After a surprise appearance in the post-season last year, this off-season was all about upgrading so that lineup is better and will support our young, but quickly developing pitching staff.
While we received a nice bump to our budget from our owner we are still nowhere near the level of the big guys in PBL, in fact remain in the bottom third of the league overall. So we were not hunting for top-tier talent, but trying to find the best of the next tier.
Hopefully we have made good choices?
2. Who is the most important MLB level addition to the team? Our budget did not allow us to extend 3B Kershner last season as he was seeking $20Mx4yr. At age 36, that seemed to be a gamble, despite his putting up career numbers .294/.378/.486, so we let him walk (hoping for a COMP pick at least). We have subsequently re-signed him for two years at half the price, hoping the magic is still there this season and next. PLUS my owner put out a goal to extend him. Mission accomplished, retaining 4.8 WAR.
We struggled with our second base position last season, with a rotation of veteran mediocrity until we called up 2B Blanche in September. While I feel he will be a big part of the future, I didn't want to put it all on him from the outset this season, so in comes 2B Adams, recently with Tampa. Solid bat, defense and some speed, along with 2.6 WAR will hopefully make us better at that position. Blanche able to come off the bench.
3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team? Would have been Kershner, had we not been able to re-sign him. Other than that, we had placeholders and have upgraded.4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show? We might have another young pitcher but I am debating whether to keep him in the bullpen or send him back down to start at AAA. Blanche, as I mentioned, will probably be on the bench and get some starts. I do have two young studs I'm targeting for July or, at worst, September this season. Provided they show they can hit above .200, they have great potential. I hope starting in AAA this season will push them to develop quickly and then we can make moves in July.5. What team do you consider your biggest rival and why? The AL West is wide open, in my opinion. We can only hope to develop some dominance, but really anyone could challenge for the division again this season, so we have to stay focused and win every chance we get!6. Real life question. Who is your favourite current baseball player? Jays fan, so will say 3B Donaldson. MVP last season and just gets the job done! Hits, can field his position with the best of them and gives his team swagger (walking the fine line of cockiness, in my opinion). As long as he can back it up, I'm fine with swagger. Also a fan of SS Tulowitzki now that we have seen more of him this season. Solid SS and a leader that quietly goes about his business without being flashy. Great complimentary pieces on the left side of the infield for the Jays. Jays better go all the way this year because there will be some change next.
7. Will you win the World series in the next 5 seasons? Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh-LA Angels-Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh 8. How many times a day do you check the PBL forums? Daily! Doesn't everyone?9. Predict the World Series. Winner/Loser/games.... Unless something freaky happens, I definitely see Pittsburgh repeating in six games over either Boston or possibly a repeat with Cleveland once again. Should the White Sox actually obtain a GM, that team could also VERY quickly contend again in the AL.
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Post by earlweaver on Aug 6, 2016 18:13:29 GMT -5
Jays better go all the way this year because there will be some change next. Being a big Jays fan, let me just say i completely disagree with this remark. There are a bunch of reasons why i don't think the window is anywhere near closing. Donny, Tulo, Travis, Sanchez, Osuna, Estrada, Happ. These are guys that you build a winning team around regardless of what Bats and EE do, and i think 1 of them will be back.
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Post by NickP_Marlins GM on Aug 6, 2016 19:03:46 GMT -5
1. In general, how do you think your offseason went?
Even with our WS appearance we felt that acquiring younger & under control talent was our best bet. Keeping the pocket book closed was tough but until we get our budget up in the 120's-130's I can't really see us breaking the bank on anyone.
2. Who is the most important MLB level addition to the team?
Hmm....
I'll say SP Quintana. For cost control reasons we felt really comfortable dealing our top 3 picks for his quality arm. We think he'll do well with our defense behind him.
3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?
Infielder Ray Goode was a great locker room guy and put up a 2.9 war while playing many roles.
There where times I picked up the phone to call his agent but I just couldn't see where his ABs would come from and didn't want to put him through that. Hope he does well.
4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?
Lewis, Pantoja, and Haile will be tough acts to follow from last year, but we're really looking forward to the 2 kids we got from the Dodgers. OF Gomez & SS Shimizu will have every opportunity to succeed this season. Should be fun.
5. What team do you consider your biggest rival and why?
Has to be Pitt. He's the best. When your team plays against him you find out quickly what your short comings are. Plus losing 2 WS against him adds to the burn as well.
Division wise it's the Twinkies. Just hate them. Hope they lose 100. lol
6. Real life question. Who is your favourite current baseball player?
I live in Dallas so I'm a big Rangers fan and no question it's Roughen Odor. He plays with a passion and gives 110% everyday. That punch on Bautista had me screaming like a school girl. Almost makes up for us choking in the playoffs last year.
7. Will you win the World series in the next 5 seasons?
Yes. No question.
8. How many times a day do you check the PBL forums?
Honestly it's over 100 times. Can't get enough of it and competing against the best requires Dad and I to stay on top on everything going on.
9. predict the World Series. Winner/Loser/games....
Clev and Pitt. We win in 7.
Good luck everyone. See y'all on the field.
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Post by David_ExposGM on Aug 6, 2016 20:48:33 GMT -5
Jays better go all the way this year because there will be some change next. Being a big Jays fan, let me just say i completely disagree with this remark. There are a bunch of reasons why i don't think the window is anywhere near closing. Donny, Tulo, Travis, Sanchez, Osuna, Estrada, Happ. These are guys that you build a winning team around regardless of what Bats and EE do, and i think 1 of them will be back. I totally agree there is a nucleus of great players (and I'm a fan of Goins and really wish he would take a next step to stay with the big club). Just saying the lineup will change next year, so they better win this year. Actually, let me rephrase that...I HOPE they win this year. In my opinion, the only way they keep Jose is if nobody else makes a significant play for him "when" he heads to free agency and they can get a better number and shorter term. And I think too many will be in on EE when he also hits the market and he will simply have too much cash from which to choose. Honestly don't think either will be back but the draft picks will be useful to keep building the org (which is the new, sustainable, direction of the new regime - I am a fan of that btw).
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Post by earlweaver on Aug 6, 2016 21:21:56 GMT -5
6. Real life question. Who is your favourite current baseball player? I live in Dallas so I'm a big Rangers fan and no question it's Roughen Odor. He plays with a passion and gives 110% everyday. That punch on Bautista had me screaming like a school girl. Almost makes up for us choking in the playoffs last year. And he couldn't even knock him down....just sayin...
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Post by NickP_Marlins GM on Aug 6, 2016 21:27:52 GMT -5
6. Real life question. Who is your favourite current baseball player? I live in Dallas so I'm a big Rangers fan and no question it's Roughen Odor. He plays with a passion and gives 110% everyday. That punch on Bautista had me screaming like a school girl. Almost makes up for us choking in the playoffs last year. And he couldn't even knock him down....just sayin... Thanks to Beltre!! Just sayin
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Post by RandyP on Aug 6, 2016 21:31:19 GMT -5
The Indians GM's live in Plano, Texas - We love Odor big time
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Post by Sean_RedsGM on Aug 6, 2016 22:28:19 GMT -5
1. In general, how do you think your offseason went? The fans in Cincinnati were shocked to see SP Salvador Soto traded to Chicago but that move brought in some prospects with bright futures and allowed us to free up some budget space to fill some other gaps in our roster. Overall, I'm pleased with not only our chances for this season but for the future as well. That being said, we still have some areas we can improve on during the season.2. Who is the most important MLB level addition to the team? So far it's been 2B/SS Cordell Moore. Moore can play all over the diamond, has plus speed and gets on base at a decent rate. He's an upgrade over the 2B we have had in the past few seasons.
3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team? SP Salvador Soto. Soto has been a Red since he was drafted in 2028 and has been a solid pitcher throughout his career.4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show? We have quite a few prospects who seem to be close to making their mark in the show but most will be staying in the minors unless injuries on the PBL roster. One prospect does appear to have a shot at making the 25 man roster out of Spring Training, and that is RP Paul Maxew. Maxew's season last year was cut short due to injury, but his career looks bright as a "rally stopper or setup man."
5. What team do you consider your biggest rival and why? There are two GM's in the NL that have knocked the Reds out the playoffs multiple times. Shane from the Pirates and Nick from the Marlins. "Hate 'em cause you ain't 'em" right? In all seriousness though, they both do a great job running their teams with different philosophies but both seem to be in the playoffs every year.6. Real life question. Who is your favourite current baseball player? Wow, this is a tough one for me. I'm a St. Louis Cardinals fan but I really do appreciate watching guys like Andrew McCutchen, Max Scherzer, Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Salvador Perez, jeeze I really could go on and on. My two favorite players to watch right now though are Yadier Molina and Matt Carpenter. Watching one of the best catchers of all-time each night never gets old and Carpenter is one of the most complete hitters in the game right now. He just grinds out at bats and has enough power to take any pitcher out of the park.
7. Will you win the World series in the next 5 seasons? That's the goal. I try to not only put a team out there that can compete this season but continues to be a threat in the future as well.
8. How many times a day do you check the PBL forums? At least 3 times a day. I have to see what David has posted each day and comment.
9. predict the World Series. Winner/Loser/games The NL Pennant goes through Pittsburgh. The AL side is wide open, I think the representative will come out of the Central or East. Pittsburgh in 6.
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Post by Ryan_NatsGM on Aug 6, 2016 23:21:30 GMT -5
1. In general, how do you think your offseason went? Rome wasn't built in a day, and it's going to take more than an offseason to rebuild Washington. I wouldn't call the organization a dumpster fire, it's more what's left over after that fire's been put out. Very little in terms of long term obligations, but not a lot in the way of talent. With a limited budget it was only really possible to tread water at the major league level, and keep the long term payroll flexible. The focus is on the future. Trading away our closer Sousa for a couple of late second rounders is a step in that direction, but a new crop of talent needs to be carefully groomed in the minors before we're competitive again.
2. Who is the most important MLB level addition to the team? Jake Perry. 2-time defending gold glove recipient at 1B, and averaging about 4 WAR a year over the last two seasons. The only other candidate is Keith Parks, who's a rock solid pitcher, but Perry is what constitutes an everyday draw for this team.
3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team? Keith Henson. Not a great attitude, but he was one of the two or three stars from last year's squad, and fan interest immediately dropped after he signed with our division rival.
4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show? Tim Fernandez isn't really a prospect anymore since he spent most of last year with the big club, but early returns this year have him being vastly improved and ready to contribute in a significant way. Other than that I think the farm is another year away from having a major impact at the top.
5. What team do you consider your biggest rival and why? Hard to have rivals when you've lost 95+ games for the last 7 years.
6. Real life question. Who is your favourite current baseball player? I'm a Cubs fan, so outside of Lackey and Chapman I have a lot of good options for this. I'll go with Rizzo since he's longest tenured member of the rebuilding project, and is likely to be around for a while.
7. Will you win the World series in the next 5 seasons? Unlikely, but I'd like for us to be a strong competitor for one by then.
8. How many times a day do you check the PBL forums? Probably 2-3. Still trying to get the feel for how this all works.
9. predict the World Series. Winner/Loser/games.... If the Pirates have won their division 20 straight times and won two of the last three titles I'm not betting against them. Let's say them in six over Boston, though I'd be lying if I said I knew all that much about other teams at this point.
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Post by Chip_PhilliesGM on Aug 7, 2016 11:51:43 GMT -5
1. In general, how do you think your offseason went? Okay, in general. I'm caught between rebuilding and contending right now, which parallels our 81-81 season last year. Mainly focused on one or two-year deals for veterans to see if we can manage to grab a wild card spot without mortgaging the future. 2. Who is the most important MLB level addition to the team? Probably SP Juan Franco, who we signed to a 7.5M/1 Yr deal. He gives us a solid pitcher to back up our top 2 of Sempill and Smith. 3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team? 2B Chris Gonzalez easily. We had signed him back in 2032 for near league minimum as a 24 year old who had just been released by the Dodgers. Over the last 3 seasons he cheaply turned in an average of 3.9 WAR per season, mainly from his good defense at 2B and by being a doubles machine with enough power for 15+ HR. 4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show? Actually have a few who are getting their chance. The aforementioned departure of Gonzalez clears up a space for 2B Jesus Gonzalez, who has great defense and the potential to be a high OBP guy at the top of the lineup. We'll have a rookie duo up the middle with SS Jose Valencia our starter. Valencia is speedy with top of the line speed and instincts on the bases, but his bat isn't as developed as Gonzalez, but he has the potential to be about average in all hitting areas with some good defense. There's a chance our best hitting prospect Vincente Martinez makes the team out of spring training. Martinez has the potential for a great patience and 20+ HR power, but the power isn't developed yet. 5. What team do you consider your biggest rival and why? The gaggle of NL West teams. Nearly every year I end up competing with all of them for a WC spot. It would be the Pirates, but that's too one-sided to be a rivalry. 6. Real life question. Who is your favourite current baseball player? I really don't know. I haven't been watching enough in the last couple years to grow attached to any players. 7. Will you win the World series in the next 5 seasons? Don't think so, Bob 8. How many times a day do you check the PBL forums? 2-3. 9. predict the World Series. Winner/Loser/games.... Pirates V Red Sox. Pirates in 5.
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Post by Tim_GiantsGM on Aug 7, 2016 17:04:47 GMT -5
1. In general, how do you think your offseason went?
After a very busy off-season, the Giants front office staff are very pleased with the make-up of the team as we approach opening day. The staff continue to focus on rebuilding/retooling the team while our owner continues to want to win now. We believe the additions to the roster collectively support the wishes of everyone in the organization. We signed two high-profile free agents each of whom is 27 years old. In addition, we signed four veterans to add depth and leadership.
2. Who is the most important MLB level addition to the team?
We are very excited to have signed two free agents each of whom has, for the last five or six years, excelled in the Caribbean leagues and led his team in Caribbean World Series competitions. Starting in RF for the Giants this season will be Pablo "Hendu" Cordero, a national hero in Puerto Rico. Joining him and playing LF will be Octavio Hernandez, a very popular Cuban who hails from Havana. The duo should pair well together in the heart of the order and add punch to a lineup that had difficulty driving home runs last season.
Veteran SP Fernando Ramirez performed well enough in a couple of workouts to warrant a low-risk, one-year contract. With young catching prospect John Watts developing rapidly, but not quite ready for prime time, veteran C Mark McGeehh was signed both to bridge the gap until Watts is ready and because of his superior defensive skills. Finally, we resigned two players who played for us last year, 1B Esteban Lopez and IF Kevin Zimmer, to fill a couple of voids and add depth.
3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?
Marc-Andre Canuel pitched very well for us during the one season he wore the orange and black. Replacing a pitcher who registered a 16-7 record and a 3.49 ERA in 32 starts will be very difficult. However, we felt that Canuel's contract demands were unreasonable for a 37 year-old pitcher. He even declined our qualifying offer. So be it. We will move on.
4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?
Of course, Cordero and Hernandez are rookies who are ready to make their mark in the PBL. In addition, young SP John Ayotte appears ready to jump from AA to the starting rotation. Ayotte has developed rapidly since he was selected in the 1st round of the 2035 draft. Last season, pitching for Richmond, he registered a 15-1 record, recorded a 1.97 ERA, and earned the Outstanding Pitcher Award in the Eastern League. In two starts this spring he has a 2-0 record and has surrendered 1 hit, 1 walk, and no runs in 8 innings of work. He continues to demonstrate that he is ready to ply his trade in the big show.
5. What team do you consider your biggest rival and why?
My biggest rivals are the other three teams competing in the NL West. Since we won our last division title in 2029, one or two of these pesky opponents always seems to be slightly better than our squad. One of these seasons we will once again break through and rule the division.
6. Real life question. Who is your favourite current baseball player?
Buster Posey. Although I am a Red Sox fan - Carl Yastrzemski is my favorite player of all time - my wife and I both feel as though we have known Buster since he was a baby. Before moving to Portland, we used to live in the Old Scottsdale area within a few miles of Scottsdale Stadium. We were D'backs season ticket holders, but we especially enjoyed attending Arizona Fall League games. In October or November of 2009 we saw Buster gun down two players attempting to steal second base. He looked incredibly good that night. Right then I told Susan that Buster should be the next Giants catcher. The rest is history.
P.S. We love Oregon, but we miss the AFL where we first saw Stephen Strasburg (his first professional start), Josh Donaldson, Jose Iglesias, and many, many more current players play.
7. Will you win the World series in the next 5 seasons?
It sure would be a treat to do so. We will continue to strive to be as competitive as possible. If we make the playoffs anything can happen.
8. How many times a day do you check the PBL forums?
Any time I have my computer in front of me I check often. I would say dozens of times per day would be a good average.
9. Predict the World Series. Winner/Loser/games....
Pittsburgh Pirates. No team that reaches the World Series is a loser. The Pirates will win in six games.
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Post by Sean..Mariners GM on Aug 7, 2016 20:40:56 GMT -5
1. In general, how do you think your off-season went? Not as well as expected. At the beginning of free agency I had no money to sign free agents so, I made a slew of waiver claims and minor league free agent signings. The owner decided to give me a budget increase at the end of January just in time to sign the free agents that I had no interest in.
2. Who is the most important MLB level addition to the team? Sadly, no one. The bullpen will be vastly different from last season as is was the weakest part of the team.
3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team? SP Nando Baggio. He pitched very well during the first half of 2037 before he tore his UCL and missed the rest of 2037 and most of 2038. I couldn't afford him this season. I hope he does really well in Texas.
4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show? I thought Chiah-jen Chen was ready after clubbing 47 HRs in AA in 2037, but he had a horrible spring and will start the season in AAA Tacoma. SP Jeremy McNeil pitched well in Tacoma the last month of the season but, he also had a horrible spring.
5. What team do you consider your biggest rival and why? Pretty much the whole AL west. We all just beat each other up during the season. The east coast bias doesn't see the intensity of our rivalries.
6. Real life question; Who is your favorite current baseball player? At the moment it's 3B Kyle Seager. He is just a consistent hitter and plays a great 3B defensively. It's turning into CL Edwin Diaz of the Mariners. He was converted to a RP from SP early this season in AA Jackson and instantly became dominate. I was stoked when he was called up to the big club shortly thereafter. After Cishck started to suck he was put in as closer and has been lights out throwing upper 90's and has touched 100 a couple of times. He also has a nasty slider and a decent changeup. As a side not, my all time is of course Junior. This weekend was Ken Griffey Jr. weekend and the M's retired his jersey Sat. night. The ceremony was freakin' awesome and I bawled like a baby. I really hope when Ichiro makes it he decides to go in as a Mariner also. Edgar really needs to go in. How do you have an award named after you and not be in the HOF!!!
7. Will you win the World series in the next 5 seasons? HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
8. How many times a day do you check the PBL forums? Multiple times.
9. predict the World Series. Winner/Loser/games.... You can't go wrong with the Pirates. They'll repeat and beat the Indians again.
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Post by BlueJaysGM_Fin on Aug 7, 2016 21:08:11 GMT -5
1. In general, how do you think your off-season went? It was a quiet off-season, as planned. My rebuild will be slow and controlled. Finances are a big part of what I am building, so I am licking my chops to get through the 2039 season with only $30.6M on the books for next season. In the meantime, collecting prospects and draft picks whenever possible.
2. Who is the most important MLB level addition to the team? 25 year old Ed Walla will make the team out of Spring Training. The first year player offers excellent range at 1B (8), gets on-base, does not strike out and will pop 15-20 home runs to boot. Looking forward to his first season with us.
3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team? No one.
4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show? I was hoping Victor Vasquez was going to contribute this year. He has the potential of a 3.5 star OF but I lost him to injury in the first week of ST. He is out for 4 months. Looking forward to 25 year old 4.5 star C Tomas Lugo second full season with us. His potential is 7/5/8/8/8 with a 10 for an arm. He is a stud! Cesar Fernandez should establish himself as a .300 hitter this year.
5. What team do you consider your biggest rival and why? As the top dog in the division, Pittsburgh is a team that everyone guns for and measures themselves against. But in order to be a rival, we need to win games. And right now, we are not in that position to contend and battle the top dog. So, at this time, we just don't have one.
6. Real life question. Who is your favourite current baseball player? I root for people, not favorite players. Watching Mike Trout before our very eyes become one of the best Hall of Fame players is such a treat to witness! Josh Donaldson went from a middling C prospect to a perennial MVP at 3B. Kershaw's unbelievable career to date. All of these and more make it so fun to be a baseball fan.
7. Will you win the World series in the next 5 seasons? Yes. 2043 is the plan I am working towards.
8. How many times a day do you check the PBL forums? Everyday!
9. predict the World Series. Winner/Loser/games.... Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Baltimore Orioles. Orioles in 6 Orioles are due for their win. LA will have a very good year and surprise some teams.
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Post by Texas Rangers on Aug 7, 2016 23:58:34 GMT -5
RANGERS REVIEW----MEDIA DAY 2039
By Dallas Houston F. Austin
Well we finally tracked down Jeff Boomhauer for a conference call about the upcoming season for the Texas Rangers. Here are some of the more interesting answers:
1. In general, how do you think your offseason went?
Tell ya what man, real well. Got a bunch of veterans talkin bout, nothing beats experience man been there done that best indicator of future success is past success man.
Mr. Boomhauer rambled and mumbled when I asked him if the players signed were as much "in a clear decline phrase and aging fast" as they are "experienced".
2. Who is the most important MLB level addition to the team?
Right now man tell ya what all of em haven't seen em yet right man? When told that that is a copout: King Strickland man eating innings like dang ol' Pac Man, man
3. Who are you going to miss the most from last years team?
Dominic Pearson. I can't man, I'm just gonna miss him so much. Pearson signed with the Dodgers. His power hitting and defense combo at 2B will be very much missed.
4. Do you have any prospects ready to make their mark in the show?
I mean you know define prospects right like dang ol' talkin bout, throwin darts man. I mean I think Jose Sanchez could come up at some point later on though, maybe play a little center field.
5. What team do you consider your biggest rival and why?
Bromhauer stiffens his back here, and slants his eyes somewhat aggressively and definitely menacingly. Dang. Ol. Brian man. Don't like the Twins and I don't like Brian man. First year general manager of the Twins has made no transactions to date with Texas, and a search engine query produced no prior evidence of a feud.
6. Real life question. Who is your favourite current baseball player?
{Mike Trout! A bunch of Red Sox amongst my other favorite current players}
7. Will you win the World series in the next 5 seasons?
Dang ol, yeah.
8. How many times a day do you check the PBL forums?
Every day man just doing my job talkin bout nose to the grindstone
9. predict the World Series. Winner/Loser/games....
Rangers in a sweep hahaha man I mean I hope but you know dang ol Orioles Pirates Marlins Red Sox and Indians are all pretty dang good man tell ya what
He could then be heard cracking open a canned beverage before the conference call feed went out. These are all the words we've heard from him since midseason.
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