Saving the Expos(2005-????)

[cujo376]

CANDIAN BILLIONAIRE SAVES EXPOS.

September 25 ,2004

Montreal, PQ, Canada

Self made billionaire and head of RIM(research in motion) Jim Balsillie has bought the Montreal Expos and saved them from relocating to Washington.
"I felt it was wrong to have such a great Canadian Franchise move to the States. I felt like it was my responsibility to keep them in Montreal and that’s what I've done."

The Expos played out the season finishing 67-95 and at the end of the year GM Omar Minaya and Manager Frank Robinson were both fired. " We're going to bring an attitude of winning to Montreal and within a few years we should be at the top of the NL," said Balsillie in a Post-season press conference.

On December 15, 2004 former Blue Jays Manager Cito Gaston was introduced as the club's 12th Manager. " I love Montreal. I had a great time whenever I was here with the Jays and I'm very happy to get a chance to manage here."

Later that day 27 year old Ontario native and Former Jays Head of Scouting Alex Watson was named GM of the Franchise. " I'm thrilled and it's an Honour to be picked for such a high position. I feel within the next 5 years I can turn this team around." Watson replaces Red Sox GM Theo Epstein as the youngest GM ever hired.

Balsillie also bought four of the Expos farm teams and moved them to Canadian locations to help encourage young Canadians to take up the game. The Rookie ball team would be in PEI, the A ball team in Montreal, the AA team in Quebec City and the AAA team in Ottawa.

The Expos would play out 2005 in Olympic stadium before moving to RIM Field, a state of the art facility being built right on the bank of the St. Lawrence River.

*Next up: rules*

[twinsGM]

SOunds good so far. Think you could post your roster as well? Don't really remember that team.

[cujo376]

Rules

- I will not use Ryan Zimmerman until 2006 seeing as he was an '05 pick.
- I can initiate 3 trades a season. The only other way I can trade is by using the Trade Block or acepting CPU offers. The first year is an exception as I can intiate 8 trades to get the rebuilding process started
- I cannot go more than 5 mil over budget during the season. If I go more than 5 mil over budget a player will be traded to get me back under budget.
- Free Agency:
I'll be using Oldfatguy's FA rules

[cujo376]

Going into our first Spring Training Game me and Cito sat down and worked out our line-up. This is what we threw together(ratings aren't from commish mode):

1. Brendan Harris 76/88 SS
2. Brad Wilkerson 82/82 1B
3. Jose Vidro 85/85 2B
4. Jose Guillen 82/82 LF
5. Nick Johnson 79/87 3B
6. Ryan Church 77/84 RF
7. Marlon Byrd 76/76 CF
8. Brian Schnieder 78/78 C
9 Pitcher

Bench:
1. Gary Bennet 68/68 C
2. Jamey Carrol 85/85 2B
3. Jeffery Hammonds 71/71 OF
4. Vinny Castilla 71/71 3B
5. Junior Spivey 80/80 2B
6. Christian Guzman 76/76 SS

Rotation:
1. Livan Hernandez 79/79
2. Ryan Drese 82/82
3. Estaban Loiza 73/73
4. John Patterson 80/88
5. Toma Ohka 76/76

Bullpen:
CL: Chad Cordero 83/91
SU: John Rauch 81/88
SR: Antonio Osuna 81/81
SR: Luis Ayala 76/80
MR: Gary Majewski 75/81
LR: Tony Armas 74/74

As you can see it's gonna be a rough year. There isn't much top end talent in the Minors after Zimmerman. The only guys worth noting are Future Ace Matt Chico who will start the year in PEI and Justin Maxwell a speedy CF who will start in A ball at Montreal. we'll most likely shop guys like Vidro, Wilkerson,Guillen and Hernandez to try and get some good prospects. Cito will have his work cut out trying to win 70 games with this crew of castaways.

[cujo376]

Expos Acquire Top prospects from Atlanta

March 2,2005

http://www.cubaencuentro.com/var/cubaencuentro.com/storage/images/encuentro-en-la-red/deportes/articulos/en-buen-momento/yunel-escobar-durante-un-juego-entre-los-bravos-y-chicago-cubs/366575-1-esl-ES/yunel_escobar_durante_un_juego_entre_los_bravos_y_chicago_cubs_popup.jpghttp://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/AAHB222_8x10-2006BattingAction~Jeff-Francoeur-Posters.jpg

Francouer and Escobar are the enwest members of the Expo's rebuilding process. However they are both likely are year away.

Rookie GM Alex Watson made the first move of his rebuilding phase Sending Jose Vidro, Jose Guillen, Brad Wilkerson and Antonio Osuna to the Braves. In return the Expos picked up top prospects Jeff Francouer(74/94) and Yunel Escobar(72/88). "I'm very pleased with how this works out. We complete our future left side of the infield with the Slick fielding Escobar and a great corner outfiled bat in Francouer. Not to mention we shed close to15 million in salary."
Escobar and Francouer will start off the year with top prospect Ryan Zimmerman at AA Quebec City.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Great start! I actually saw a game at Olympic Stadium in 2003, and it was sad. Good to see someone keep the Expos in Montreal!

I am a little worried about that trade though. While you did get some good pieces for the future, I fear that you may have given the Braves a lot of ammunition for them to continue their string of division titles.

I'll be reading!

[cujo376]

Expos Trade Ace to Philly
March 3, 2005

http://newyork.mets.mlb.com/images/2005/10/28/EsJXzDEU.jpg
Mathieson is the lastest piece of the Expo's rebuilding process.

A day after trading line-up staples like Jose Vidro to Atlanta the Expos Dealt Ace Livan Hernandez, Estaban Loiza and Minor Leaguer Kory Castro to Phillidelphia for Starting Pitcher prospect Scott Mathieson. "We Believe Scott has the potential to be a Front of the Rotation starter once he reaches his potential. Add to that the fact that he is a Canadian and we couldn't refuse their offer. I think we're probably done trading for now and we'll see how things workout." Mathieson will most likely start the year at Rookie Ball in PEI.

[cujo376]

Great start! I actually saw a game at Olympic Stadium in 2003, and it was sad. Good to see someone keep the Expos in Montreal!

I am a little worried about that trade though. While you did get some good pieces for the future, I fear that you may have given the Braves a lot of ammunition for them to continue their string of division titles.

I'll be reading!

Thanks man. Ya i haven't been inside the Stadium before but i've driven by it before and it was quite a structure. I kinda wish Balsillie would try to buy an MLB team and bring it up north instead of butting heads with the NHL.

[cujo376]

SOunds good so far. Think you could post your roster as well? Don't really remember that team.

Thanks man, i;m new here so if you have any advice feel free to give it.

[EVEN11323]

Just a little FYI, even though Zim was drafted in 05, he did get called up in September. So maybe you could adjust your rules for that. Looks good so far.

[cujo376]

Just a little FYI, even though Zim was drafted in 05, he did get called up in September. So maybe you could adjust your rules for that. Looks good so far.

Really,he was called up the year he was drafted? Thanks,might have to consider making him a September Call-up.

[Arctic Blast]

Sweet! I will definitely be reading this one.

[gosensgo101]

I'm reading. Hopefully you can keep the team in Canada.

I went to an Expos game their second or third last year and it was so empty. And that was on fathers day, when most ballparks are full.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Great start! I actually saw a game at Olympic Stadium in 2003, and it was sad. Good to see someone keep the Expos in Montreal!

I am a little worried about that trade though. While you did get some good pieces for the future, I fear that you may have given the Braves a lot of ammunition for them to continue their string of division titles.

I'll be reading!

I don't think it was a bad trade. If Vidro and Wilk' do anything like they did in real life they're gonna hit a wall in about a year, Guillen will be decent, and I haven't heard anything from Osuna in years. Plus Jeff and Escobar should be great players to build around in a few seasons.

[asianinvasion]

You gotta stop trading your better players to your division rivals. You are just making them better and making it harder on yourself to win.

[cujo376]

You gotta stop trading your better players to your division rivals. You are just making them better and making it harder on yourself to win.

I figured all the guys i've delt within the division with the exception of maybe Guillen are all going to hit the wall within the next year to year and a half. Hopefully i'm right or other wise it is gonna be real hard to win in the NL east.

[cujo376]

Watson says He's done dealing after acquiring Granderson in 6 player deal.

March 28th, 2005

http://www.rotorob.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/04/Curtis_Granderson.jpg
Granderson brings Gold Glove defense along with Stellar speed and power potential to the rebuilding Expos.

4 days before they open their season against Phillidelphia the Expos have acquired another major piece of their rebuilding process from the Detroit Tigers. Curtis Granderson (79/93) is coming to Montreal in exchange for Henery Mateo, Will Cordero, Christian Guzman, Luis Ayala and Minor Leaguer Chris Schroder. "I feel i'm done trading for the time being," said Watson at the press conference introducing Granderson. "I feel we have acquired some great pices for our future and Curtis will be a great fit in our outfield of the future along with Jeff Francouer and Rya Church." Granderson will be starting in Centre Field when the Expos open their season against the Phillies at Olympic stadium on April the 1st.

[jcbarr]

Rules

- I will not use Ryan Zimmerman until 2006 seeing as he was an '05 pick.
- I can initiate 3 trades a season. The only other way I can trade is by using the Trade Block or acepting CPU offers. The first year is an exception as I can intiate 8 trades to get the rebuilding process started
- I cannot go more than 5 mil over budget during the season. If I go more than 5 mil over budget a player will be traded to get me back under budget.
- Free Agency:
70 or less wins: Can sign 1 FA whos overall is under 80
70-80 wins: 2 FA's under 80 and one between 80-85
80-90 wins: 2 FA's under 80, 2 FA's between 80-85
90+ wins: 2 FA's under 80, 2 FA's between 80-85, 1 FA 90+

Just a side note, but I have never understood this. Why penalize yourself for having a bad year and reward yourself for having a good year. What these rules do is make it harder to make your team better when you are bad, and easier to make your team better when you are already good. To me that would seem to take all of the fun out of things.

[cujo376]

Just a side note, but I have never understood this. Why penalize yourself for having a bad year and reward yourself for having a good year. What these rules do is make it harder to make your team better when you are bad, and easier to make your team better when you are already good. To me that would seem to take all of the fun out of things.

good point i'll probably rethink those when i get to free agency.

[jcbarr]

Normally I just limit myself financially and limit the total number of free agents that I can sign. That normally does a pretty good job of making if fair and fun.

[cujo376]

Normally I just limit myself financially and limit the total number of free agents that I can sign. That normally does a pretty good job of making if fair and fun.

Thanks man. Think i might try that the first off season.

[filihok]

I recommend OldFatGuy's rule's for free agents (http://forum.sportsmogul.com/showthread.php?t=155640).

[cujo376]

Patterson set to start in Homer Opener against former teammate.

April 1st, 2005

The Expos will open their season tonite against the Phillidelphia Phillies and former Expo, Livan Hernandez. This game will mark the debut of Expo's new manager Cito Gaston and GM Alex Watson. The agme starts at 7:07pm EST with former Expo great Gary Carter throwing out the first pitch at 6:55.

This is what the Expos' opening day line-up and ptiching staff looks like:

1. Curtis Granderson 79/93 CF
2. Jamey Carrol 85/85 2B
3 Ryan Church 77/84 LF
4. Nick Johnson 79/87 1B
5. Vinny Castilla 70/70 3B
6. Jeffery Hammonds 71/71 RF
7. Brendan Harris 76/88 SS
8. Brian Schneider 78/78 C
9. John Patterson 80/88 P

Bench:
Keith Osik 74/74 C
Termel Sledge 70/73 LF
Marlon Byrd 76/76 CF
Carlos Baerga 76/76 1B
Junior Spivey 80/80 2B
Tyrell Goodwin 70/80 1B

Rotation:
1. John Patterson 80/88
2. Ryan Drese 82/82
3. Toma Ohka 76/76
4. Tony Armas 74/74
5. Claudio Vargas 73/80

CL: Chad Cordero 83/91
SU: Jon Racuh 81/88
SR: Joey Eischen 79/80
SR: John Halama 73/73
MR: T.J Tucker 74/80
LR: Hector Carsco 74/74

Minor Leaguers of Note:
Zimmerman,Escobar and Francouer will all start the Season at AA Quebec City while Justin Maxwell will start at A Montreal. Pitchers Scott Mathieson, Matt Chico and Jay Bergman(70/86) will join Maxwell in Montreal.

*Next up, Opening Day*

[cujo376]

I recommend OldFatGuy's rule's for free agents (http://forum.sportsmogul.com/showthread.php?t=155640).
That actually sounds pretty good.I was looking around and could'nt find anything but i think i'll use those.seems pretty fair.

[jcbarr]

I toyed around with that sort of thing but I don't want it to take me three hours to run free agency. I like to have fun with my dynasty, but then again I don't like it to take all day. If you have the time to use a scheme like that then you will certainly have fun with it.

[cujo376]

Patterson Pitches a gem as Erros cost Phillies

http://www.mlb.com/images/2004/09/15/SI5Zdgod.jpg
Patterson struck out 8 over 7 inning while walking none and only giving up 5 hits.

John Patterson pitched 7 strong innings allowing only 5 hits and one earned run while striking out 8. Jamey Carrol and Ryan Church had an RBI a piece while newcome Curtis Granderson went 1-4 with a run and a Stolen Base. Jim Thome and Jimmy Rollins each commited a throwing error which would wind up costing the Phillies a run. Thome attoned for his mistake in the bottom of the first by hitting a 439 foot shot to the right field bleachers in the top of the second. Tommorow's pticing match-up will be Lon Lieber vs Ryan Drese.

[cujo376]

Expos off to surpisingly good start.

May 1st, 2005.

I doubt that when GM Alex Watson took over and started to dismantle the expos that he thoguht his team would get off to this good of a start. Through 26 games the expos stand 4 games above .500 and 4 games out of first at 15-11. This surprisingly good start has been led on offence by Curtis Granderson and Nick Johnson. Granderson,the rookie lead-off hitter is currently batting .337 with 2 dingers, 4 stolen bases and 10 RBI's. Nick Johnson is batting .326 with 2 Homers, 14 RBI's and an amazing .414 OBP. The Pitching Staff has been led by John Patterson who has went 2-1 through 6 starts with a 2.56 ERA. The 6'5 righty has also struck out 42 batters over 38.1 inning swhile walking only 13. The bullpen has been anchored by 23 year old closer Chad Cordero. In 11 appearnces Cordero is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA and 9 saves. He has struck out 10 through 10.1 while only walking 1 and has held opposing batters to a .139 BAA.

Team Leaders:

Wins: Tony Armas 3
ERA: Chad Cordero 0.00
K's: John Patterson 42
Saves: Chad Cordero 9
AVG: Curtis Granderson .337
OBP: Jamey Carrol .415
HR: Vinny Castilla 3
RBI: Ryan Church 17
SB: Curtis Granderson 4

Minor League Notes:
CF Justin Maxwell was called up to AA Quebec City after posting a .379 AVG is 26 games at A Montreal. CF Brandon Watson was called up to AAA Ottawa to make room after hitting .315 in 27 games at AA Quebec City.

[cujo376]

Expos in 3rd through 59 Games

June 6th, 2005

"If you would have told me we would be 5 games above .500 the day of the draft at the start of the year I would have been sckeptical to say the least." said GM Alex Watson at a pre-draft interview today. The Expos are a surprising 32-27 through 59 games so far. They have been led so far by Curtis Granderson who is batting .339 with a team leading 7 homers and 18 stolen bases to go along with Gold Glove calibre defense. The rotation has been led by ace John Patterson who has gone 5-3 through 12 starts with a stellar 2.46 ERA and .196 BAA while striking out just under a batter per inning.

Team Leaders:

Wins: John Patterson 5
ERA: Hector Carasco 1.32
K's: John Patterson 77
Saves: Chad Cordero 16
AVG: Curtis Granderson .339
OBP: Curtis Granderson .372
HR: Curtis Granderson 7
RBI: Ryan Church 34
SB: Curtis Granderson 18

Minors Notes: Minor leaguers Ryan Zimmerman, Jeff Francouer and Yunel Escobar have been promoted to AAA Ottawa after all 3 had great starts at AA Quebec City. Pitchers Matt Chico and Scott Mathieson ahve been promoted to AA Quebec City after going a combined 12-1 in 22 starts at A Montreal.

[cujo376]

Expos Draft Headlined by High School Arms

June 6th, 2005

Alex Watson conducted his first draft today and walked away very happy. " I'm extremely happy with what we came away with today. We got 2 guys who have ace potential in the first 2 rounds as well as a guy who has the potential to be a clsoer down the road." The Expo's draft looked like this:

1st round, 6th overall: HS P Fredrick Meyners 49/94
Meyners dominated his High School opponents in New England this past spring. He went 5-2 in 10 starts with a 1.36 ERA while striking out 94 and walking only 7 over 86/1 innings pitched. He boasts an MLB ready fastball that tops out at 96 MPH, a plus cutter and a developing slider.

2nd round, 36th overall: Col P Phil Sawyer
Sawyer decided to turn pro after one year at USC where he went 10-5 in 18 starts. He sturck out 81 while walking 23 over 111.2 innings pitched. He sturggled a bit with arm troubles after being one of the most recruited prep- pitchers and turning down an offer from the Yankees who drafted him in the 23 round last year. He boasts and MLB ready slider with wicked movement,a developing fastball and side-arm curve. He projects to be much more of a control/ ground ball pitcher than the powerful Meyners.

3rd round, 66th overall: HS CL James Anderson
Anderson is a pitcher with first round potential who dropped due to injury concerns. He only appeared in 7 games for Cedarburg High, Wisc in his senior year. He struck out 34 and walked 10 over 34 innings pitched while holding opposing batters to a .176 average. He posseses an average fastball toppoing out at 91, a plus hard curve and a devastating curve.

4th round, 96th overall: HS 1B Jack Diamond
Diamond is a project player who projects to be a back-up at best. He hit 5 home runs and drove in 22 over 32 games in his senior season at Baltimore District HS. He batted .275 and slugged .435 during that time period.

The rest of my draft is filled with carreer Minor leaguers. Justin Upton went #1 to the D-Bacs while the speedy Cameron Maybin went #3 to Seattle.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Well, you spent the offseason getting younger at the bat. Great strategy drafting all those young arms. Hopefully a few can pan out for you.

Also, wasn't Andrew Miller part of this draft too?

[asianinvasion]

Well, you spent the offseason getting younger at the bat. Great strategy drafting all those young arms. Hopefully a few can pan out for you.

Also, wasn't Andrew Miller part of this draft too?

No, Miller turned 18 in 01 or 02 so he wouldnt be in this draft.

[cujo376]

Well, you spent the offseason getting younger at the bat. Great strategy drafting all those young arms. Hopefully a few can pan out for you.

Also, wasn't Andrew Miller part of this draft too?

Thanks,i'm hoping they do to becase i'm gonna need the pitching to do anything and i'm pretty short on high end pitching prospects.

[cujo376]

Expos come crashing back to earth after horrible June



After going 6-22 the expos finally looked like a team that had been dismantled at the start of the season. " The 6-22 really isn't as bad as it looks," said Coach Cito Gaston, " Of those 22 loses we lost by 2 or less runs in 16 of them. We just really need to get the offense going." That is an understatement, the Expos are last in the NL in Home runs, tied for 2nd last in runs scored and 10th in average. Curtis Granderson is still elading the team in all major hitting catagories except for RBI. He has 11 homeruns, 30 stolen bases and a .304 average. John Patterson is continuing with his great season, he is currently a decieving 5-7 through 18 starts posting a 2.74 ERA, holding opponents to a .204 BAA and striking out 120 through 118.1 innings.

Wins: Tony Armas 6
ERA: Chad Cordero 2.65
K's: John Patterson 120
Saves: Chad Cordero 21
AVG: Curtis Granderson .304
OBP: Nick Johnson .379
HR: Curtis Granderson 11
RBI: Ryan Church 43
SB: Curtis Granderson 30

Resigning news: The Expos resigned 3 players today, John Patterson, Nick Johnson and Brian Schneider. Patterson signed a 4 year extension worth 4.45million per year. Johnson signed a 4 year extension at 1.6 million per eyar and Schneider signed a 3 year extension worth 2.1 million per season.

Minor League News:
Cactcher Jesus Flores has been promoted to A Montreal from Rookie ball PEI. First round pick Frerick Meyners is 0-3 in 4 starts at PEI and Second round pick Phil Sawyer is 0-2 in 2 starts. John Lannan was promoted to A Montreal from PEI aswell.

[cujo376]

Expos Hovering around .500

September 1st,2005

With only one month left in the season the surprising Expos are sitting at 5 games below .500 at 65-71. Curtis Granderson has cooled off while Nick Johnson and Ryan Church have pick up the slack. Church and Johnson have 12 and 14 home runs respectively while driving in 70 runs a piece. Granderson leads the team in dingers with 16 while his average has slipped to .270. John Patterson has kept up his great pitching going 11-8 through 28 starts with 177 K's through 181 innings and posting a 3.03 ERA. Patterson's strong pitching earned him a spot in the All-Star game whil Chad Cordero joined him as the only Expos on the team. Cordero has saved 34 games while posting a 3.23 ERA.

Team Leaders:

Wins: John Patterson 11
ERA: John Patterson 3.03
K's: John Patterson 177
Saves: Chad Cordero 34
AVG: Ryan Church .293
OBP: Nick Johnson .386
HR: Curtis Granderson 16
RBI: Ryan Church 70, Nick Johnson 70
SB: Curtis Granderson 46

Injury News: Rookie ball pitching prospect Ross Detwiler suffered as possible career ending injury as he tore his rotator cuff. He will miss 14 months and will not be able to return until the start of the 2007 season.

Minors News: Ryan Zimmerman was named the Expos Minor League MVP. He hit 16 home runs and drove in 93 runs in 136 games between AA and AAA. He is the projected opening day starter at 3B in 2006. Scott Mathieson was named the Expos Minor League CY Young. Mathieson went 14-3 and struck out 127 batters through 165 innings ptiched between A and AA.

[cujo376]

Season Ends on a sour note for Expos

October 1st, 2005

The month started off well for the Expos as Yunel Escobar, Jeff Francouer and Ryan Zimmerman made their major league debuts however the on Spetember the 7th things changed. It was the bottom of the 5th inning and the Expos were being shelled by the D-Backs. Starter Toma Ohka had given up 5 runs on ten hits and was facing Troy Glaus. Glaus lined one back up the middle and as Ohka turned to avoid it the pitch hit him in the back of the neck breaking one his vertabrae. Ohka's camp have said they hope to have him ready to pitching by the Start of May next year however this could be a career ending injury. On a brighter note the Expos finished the 2005 season at 77-85 and "The Saviour" Ryan Zimmerman hit .280 while slugging 5 home runs and driving in 19 in 26 September games. Curtis Granderson was named the teams MVP as he batter .281 with 18 home runs, 59 SB's and 67 RBI from the leadoff spot. The rest of the hitting stats looked like this:


2005 Batting Team G AVG AB H 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS R RBI SLG OBP
Armas, Tony MON 29 .123 57 7 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 3 3 .123 .119
Baerga, Carlos MON 56 .341 164 56 5 0 3 9 22 0 0 19 21 .427 .379
Bennett, Gary MON 2 .000 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Byrd, Marlon MON 59 .275 218 60 9 2 7 15 47 3 2 34 29 .431 .322
Carroll, Jamey MON 133 .254 472 120 22 2 1 47 81 12 12 55 35 .316 .328
Carrasco, Hector MON 45 .182 11 2 1 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 .273 .250
Castilla, Vinny MON 129 .211 450 95 23 0 7 32 85 1 1 31 44 .309 .264
Church, Ryan MON 152 .283 545 154 38 8 14 62 116 9 5 70 82 .459 .357
Davis, J.J. MON 1 .500 4 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 .500 .500
Drese, Ryan MON 31 .131 61 8 0 0 0 2 22 0 1 3 3 .131 .159
Eischen, Joey MON 74 .000 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Escobar, Yunel MON 24 .240 100 24 5 0 1 10 22 5 2 8 6 .320 .309
Francoeur, Jeff MON 19 .254 71 18 1 1 1 5 15 1 2 9 7 .338 .303
Godwin, Tyrell MON 60 .382 68 26 4 0 2 12 14 1 0 14 7 .529 .475
Granderson, Curtis MON 144 .280 564 158 23 12 18 48 138 59 3 108 67 .459 .335
Halama, John MON 61 .200 15 3 0 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 1 .200 .250
Hammonds, Jeffrey MON 135 .299 455 136 16 1 13 50 80 8 5 73 52 .424 .372
Harris, Brendan MON 147 .266 523 139 37 2 9 35 109 9 0 67 59 .396 .316
Johnson, Nick MON 154 .281 501 141 35 2 19 93 103 5 4 78 80 .473 .399
Ohka, Tomokazu MON 28 .229 48 11 0 0 0 3 17 0 0 2 4 .229 .275
Osik, Keith MON 24 .270 63 17 1 1 1 6 16 0 1 7 4 .365 .338
Patterson, John MON 31 .098 61 6 0 0 0 4 20 0 0 2 2 .098 .154
Schneider, Brian MON 146 .256 515 132 24 0 10 52 89 1 1 44 70 .361 .321
Sledge, Terrmel MON 106 .258 287 74 9 1 12 33 68 2 2 36 46 .422 .334
Spivey, Junior MON 112 .263 171 45 7 2 3 36 56 3 1 20 25 .380 .398
Tucker, T.J. MON 59 .000 11 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Vargas, Claudio MON 24 .190 42 8 1 0 0 2 17 0 0 1 1 .214 .227
Zimmerman, Ryan MON 26 .280 107 30 11 0 5 12 23 0 1 22 19 .523 .353


John Patterson led the staff and had he played for a contender he may have had a shot at the Cy Young. Here's what the teams pitching stats looked like:


2005 Pitching Team IP ERA G GS W L SV K BB R/9
Armas, Tony MON 179.2 5.21 31 30 7 12 0 127 84 12.92
Carrasco, Hector MON 82.2 3.27 45 8 2 4 0 65 32 10.56
Cordero, Chad MON 57.0 3.47 59 0 6 3 40 52 16 8.37
Drese, Ryan MON 211.0 4.27 33 32 8 14 0 117 79 12.63
Eischen, Joey MON 76.0 4.26 74 0 5 5 1 51 40 12.79
Halama, John MON 99.2 6.05 61 1 9 6 1 59 37 14.00
Kim, Sun-Woo MON 3.0 3.00 2 0 0 0 1 6 3 24.00
Majewski, Gary MON 1.0 0.00 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 18.00
Nitkowski, C.J. MON 1.0 0.00 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 18.00
Ohka, Tomokazu MON 179.0 5.73 30 30 5 15 0 98 67 13.78
Patterson, John MON 217.1 2.90 33 33 15 8 0 214 75 9.94
Rauch, Jon MON 90.1 3.09 80 0 6 4 1 72 32 10.96
Rivera, Saul MON 3.0 6.00 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 18.00
Tucker, T.J. MON 95.2 4.70 59 4 4 4 1 58 31 13.92
Vargas, Claudio MON 150.2 3.88 25 24 10 10 0 111 53 11.89



*Next Up: Off-Season and playoffs recap*

[cujo376]

Expos add two Veteran arms in FA

April 1,2006

http://i.esmas.com/image/0/000/005/549/EstebanLoaiza370x270.jpghttp://multimedia.heraldinteractive.com/images/7ce6a98b4a_timlin_10262007.jpg

Loaiza and Timlin bring a veteran presence to the Expo's pitching staff

Estaban Loaiza is an Expo again. The Expo's singed the Veteran Starter and veteran reliver Mike Timlin to 1 year contracts during free-agency. "By signing Estaban we allow our young guys (Mathieson and Chico) to spend one more year in the minors honing their skills. Mike gives a good, experienced middle reliver who will be able to tutor guys like Rauch and Cordero." said Manager Cito Gaston. One pleast surprise the Expo's had during spring training was Toma Ohka. Ohka who was not expected to be on a mound again until May healed much faster than expected an dbeat out Scott Mathieson for the #5 starters job. However he is a much greater injury risk this year and will much likey be watched carefully for his first few starts. The Yankees defeated the Astros in 6 games to win the 2005 World series as A-Rod got the playoff monkey off hisb ack winning the World Series MVP. Brian Schneider and Brandon Harris both won gold gloves for their work at catcher and shortstop respectfully. Harris will switch back to his natural 2B position this year as the slick fielding Yunel Escobar takes over at SS. The Expo's will open their season in LA before playing their first game at Brnad new RIM Field on April 5th versus the Phillies.

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This is what the brand new RIM Field will look like.

This is how the Expo's opening day roster looks:
1. CF Curtis Granderson 84/92
2. SS Yunel Escobar 75/87
3. 3B Ryan Zimmerman 83/97
4. 1B Nick Johnson 85/93
5. LF Ryan Church 80/83
6. 2B Brendan Harris 86/93
7. RF Jeff Francouer 78/94
8. C Brian Schneider 78/78

Bench:

C Jesus Flores 71/84
CF Brandon Watson 78/84
LF Tony Blanco 71/81
3B Vinny Castilla 67/67
1B Tyrell Goodwin 75/79
RF Termel Sledge 74/74

1. John Patterson 87/91
2. Ryan Drese 79/79
3. Estaban Loiza 79/79
4. Tony Armas 77/77
5. Toma Ohka 75/75

CL: Chad Cordero 90/93
SU: John Rauch 86/86
SR: Mike Timlin 77/77
SR: Hector Carasco 75/75
MR Saul Rivera 85/85
LR: Joey Eischen 77/77

Top Prospects:
SP Scott Mathieson 79/93, starting season at AAA Ottawa
SP Matt Chico 74/94, starting season at AAA Ottawa
SP Fredrick Meyners 63/99, starting season at AA Quebec City
SP John Lannan 67/89, starting season at AA Quebec City
SP Phil Sawyer 51/93, staring season at A Montrel
CF Justin Maxwell 76/84, starting season at AAA Ottawa

[cujo376]

Expos have a Commanding lead in NL east

June 1st, 2006

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Zimmerman and Johnson have been leadin the Expo's offence this season

Through the first 2 months of the Season the Expo's have went 39-16 and are 6 games in front of second place New York. Rookie 3B Ryan Zimmerman has lead the charge hitting 12 Home Runs and driving in 47 through 55 games while 1B Nick Johnson has 11 dingers and driven in 36. New additions Estaban Loaiza and Mike Timlin have preformed great so far. Loaiza is 5-0 through 9 starts with a 2.70 ERA while Timlin is 1-0 in 20 appearnces with a sparkling 0.64 ERA. In AAA Scott Mathieson is making his case to be called up going 4-1 in 11 starts with a 2.66 ERA. With Ryan Drese putting up a sub-par 5.05 ERA Montreal may see Mathieson sooner rather than later. In other minors news 22 year old Bill Bray has been called up to replace the struggling Hector Carasco. Carasco went 1-1 with a 5.67 ERA in 13 appearances with the Expo's while Bray wen 1-2 with a 1.96 ERA in 20 games at AA.

Team Leaders:

Wins: John Patterson 7, Tony Armas 7, Toma Ohka 7
ERA: Mike Timlin 0.64
K's: John Patterson 60
Saves: Chad Cordero 20
AVG: Nick Johnson .318
OBP: Nick Johnson .456
HR: Ryan Zimmerman 12
RBI: Ryan Zimmerman 47
SB: Curtis Granderson 21

[cujo376]

Expos take Canadian Long Beach State Slugger with 12th overall pick

http://www.goldpanners.com/Scrapbook/h/h/hofius/v10n67-Hofius-12.jpghttp://campus.lhsoc.org/Sports/baseball/GerritCole2.jpg
Weaterhead and Adame have very bright futures.

June 7th, 2006

Shaun Weatherhead is the newest member of the Montreal Expos. The 21 year old, Canadian First Basemen was taken by the Expos with their first pick. " Shaun is a great kid and has tremendous power potential. Not only that but we feel because he is a Candian he will alos bring fans to the ballpark." said GM Alex Watson. Weatherhead who has been compared to Justin Morneau hit .358 with 17 Homers and 54 RBI's in 57 games during his Junior season at LBS and helped the Goldpanners to the College World series finals. Weatherhead will start the Year at A Montreal and may finish at AA Quebec City. Here's what the rest of the Expos draft looked like:

2nd Round, 42nd overall: HS RP Pedro Adame
This 6'7 Dominican has provided scout views of a tantalizing future. He boasts a 94-96 MPH Fastball, an average change and a plus curve. In 14 appearances with his HS team he went 3-1 with a 1.29 ERA and struck out 47over 35 innings.
Projected Starting place: R Ball

3rd round, 72nd overall: HS RF Javy Merrado
Adame's HS teammate was an unbelievable find in the 3rd round. In his Senior year at St. Pedro de Macris HS he hit .369 with 13 homers and 33 RBI's in 32 games. Some scouts have compared him to current Expos RF Jeff Francouer.
Projected starting place: R Ball,may finish season at A ball

4th round, 102nd overall: HS SP Ross Cooper
A project pick from Connecticut Cooper is 4-5 years away from the MLB. He sports a fastball that tops out at 90, a slider and a circle change. In 7 starts and New Haven District HS he went 3-1 with 44 strikeouts in 42.1 innings pitched.
Projected Starting Place: R Ball

The rest of the Expos picks will most likely be career minor leaguers.

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Slugging catcher John Buck will take over for the Gold glover Schnieder.

In other Expos news C Brian Schneider was lost for the year with a broken wrist. The expos subsequently traded for Kansas City catcher John Buck. Buck is hitting .249 with 12 Home Runs in 57 games. 24 year old AAA starter Joel Hanrahan was sent to the Royals in exchange.

[cujo376]

Expos Acquire Struggling Halladay

June 30th, 2006

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Halladay gives the Expos a wicked 1-2 punch at the front of their rotation as he joins all star John Patterson.

The Expos showed all their doubters they are gunning for the playoffs this season. Yesterday they acquired former Cy Young award winner Roy Halladay from the Blue Jays. The Expos sent speedy CF Brandon Watson(78/90), young starter Mike O'Connor (78/86) and Lefty reliver John Halama (75/75) to the Jays for Halladay and 5 million dollars. In 12 starts with the Jays this season Halladay has went 3-4 with a 6.03 ERA and 49 K's in 62.2 innings pitched.

*Just so you guys know the Jays offered me Halladay for O'Connor and Watson and I added Halama so i could get the cash.*

[cujo376]

Expos Have Sizzling June and July, increase lead to 14

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John Buck is tied for 2nd on the team in HR's with 20 while Zimmerman is tied for 8th in the league with 85 RBI's

July 31st, 2006

On the day of the Trade Dealing with rumors swirling about the Expos dealing for another bullpen arm the Expos stand 75-32, and amazing 14 games in front of 2nd place New York. Roy Halladay has found his grove sincecoming to Montreal going 3-0 in 4 starts with a 2.40 ERA. Ace John Patterson has went 11-4 with a 3.55 ERA and 138 K's over 137 innings. Super rookie Ryan Zimmerman has continued his slugging way hitting 20 home runs and driving in 85 while Nick Johnson has the team lead with 24 dingers and sports a league leading .452 OBP. John Buck is filling in admirably for Brian Schneider as he is batting .264 with 9 home runs and 33 RBI's in 39 Games with the Expos bringing his season totals to 21 and 60 respectively. In the Minors Scott Mathieson has went 8-3 with a 3.03 ERA in 23 starts while 18 year old Fredrick Meyners has went 8-4 at AA Quebec City. First round pick Shaun Weatherhead is batting .261 with 11 Home Runs and 27 RBI's in 33 games at A Montreal.

Team Leaders:

Wins: John Patterson 11, Tony Armas 11
ERA: John Rauch 1.54
K's: John Patterson 138
Saves: Chad Cordero 33
AVG: Nick Johnson .322
OBP: Nick Johnson .452
HR: Nick Johnson 24
RBI: Ryan Zimmerman 85
SB: Curtis Granderson 33

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Whoa, what'd that take you, 2 seasons?

Well done man, well done.

[cujo376]

Whoa, what'd that take you, 2 seasons?

Well done man, well done.

Thanks man, i'm amazed at how well these guys are doing. Guy like Ohka are 10-3 with an ERA below 4. I figured we'd be fighting to get to .500