Bye Bye Florida and Hello Sin City

[Mr. Perfect]

BYE BYE FLORIDA

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HELLO SIN CITY

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9:00 PM - Sept. 30, 2008
The MLB regular season is officially over. I jus got home to my empty house from my car audio business which is either emotionally or financially fulfilling. I turn ESPN on the TV and crank the volume up while i go make a TV Dinner. 1st i think i should feed the dog who is staring at me like he wants to eat me. So as a pop one in tha microwave i hear Buster Olney discussing teams who will be in the playoffs

NL
New York vs Los Angeles
Arizona vs St. Louis

AL
Boston vs Oakland
Los Angeles Angels vs Kansas City

WOW!!! Kansas City actually made it, squeezing past Detroit by a game. Alex Gordon was playing like George Brett. Also didnt hurt that they had Zack Greinke and traded for Roy Oswalt mid-season. I always rooted for the underdog.

As i eat my disgusting half burning hot, half piping cold dinner i jus give up. Get up from the couch. Toss it in the dog bowl and head to towards the cabinet. The dog goes nuts, like he is eating lobster and shrimp. Desert time i say outloud to myself. Open the cabinet and grab my bottle of scotch. Over ice thats how i like it.

Meanwhile back at the couch seems that Jeff Loria, the owner of the Florida Marlins is days away from selling the Florida Marlins. Hmmm strange i thought they were close to getting a new stadium. Well i guess things like that fall through sometimes. Seems that the lead candidate to purchase the franchise for upwards of $350 million is one of my buddies. Mark Cuban. I had met Cuban from being a season ticket holder with the local Dallas Mavericks. He would do some motivational speaking for my team at UT-Dallas when i was baseball coach there. Also he and his players would come get there cars done at the shop often. Another headscratcher. I thought Cuban was trying to buy the Cubs. I instantly head to wikipedia. Seems that the founder of Ameritrade has outbid Cuban, not to mention seems like the baseball people wouldnt want him in charge of such an important franchise. Oh well ill have one more drink and hit the hay.

[Mr. Perfect]

October 7, 2008
Another long night at the shop. We gotta finish up Aqib Talib's 1973 Chevrolet Caprice Convertible and boy does he want the works in here.

Well actually i dont have to finish it, Jose does. My head installer here at Mr. Perfect's Perfect Sounds. I opened this business around 3 years ago with my brother. Business is good but it has been much better. Probably all my fault too, but whatever. Break time!

I let Jose and the guys know to watch the shop ill be back . I head outside and fire up a cig. Its a pretty nice night out, tho a brisk breeze. I head over to my Lexus which is in desperate need of a wash. Guess ill have Jose knock that out for me tomorrow. Sit down in the peanut leather seats and reach under the seat. Pull out a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black label. Have a few good gulps and toss it back under. Start her up and head down to Sonic's to get a quick snack. As i ride i hear my blackberry rumbling inside my jacket in my back seat. I reach back and try and grab it. I finally grab it, look to see who it is(private) and pick it up all while swerving a lil too much.

"Hello?"
"Hey, Elroy!"
"Yea who is this?"
"Its Cuban!, how ya been?"
"Not bad, havent seen you around since the Hornets knocked you guys out"
"Yea up yours Roy"
"Im just foolin wit ya Cube, I see you bought the Marlins, you just cant get enough huh?"
"Naw why should I, Im also looking into getting a football franchise in the UFL."
"Oh man your a machine"
"Yea but i called cuz I have a offer for you"
"More cars huh? trying to lure a free agent with a sweet ride?"
"Naw i actually was wondering if you wanted a position in the Baseball Club. You know my baseball knowledge is diddly squat"
"Whoa! Mark, now you know I got some problems going on i dont think i can handle that type of spotlight, Im a small time kinda guy"
"Roy everyone i talk to about u all said that when it comes down to the game, you understand it like not too many others. I think you would be perfect for this young club, plus i know you and can trust you. Just think about it"
"Man i really dont know, i really appreciate it and . . ."
"WHOA, hey Cube let me call you back I got the Cops flashing me"
*click*

[Mr. Perfect]

As I hang the phone up and pull the car over i realize that i was swerving the whole ride. This must not look good. It wasnt the swigs of scotch that had me swerving so much it was the phone call from Cuban. It was really stressing me out, because i want to be back in the game again. I just didnt think i could handle it. After sittin here on the side of the road wit the spotlight on me for a few minutes it felt like a lifetime. I wanted a drink so bad, i almost reached under the seat to grab a swig. Then i hear *tap-tap* and i roll the window down.

"Hello officer what seems to be the problem?"
"Uhh yea you were doin a whole lot of swervin on back yonder boy, what you got going on?"
"Sorry officer i had a important phonecall come in and I, I, I was trying to trying to talk and drive and I, I, I didnt think i was swerving"
"Well ya damn sure was, you wanna step out the car"

Being a black guy in Texas it was always a possibility of some racist stuff going on so i was just going to do whatever he said and hope he didn see tha bottle of scotch under my seat.

"Ya got any weapons on ya? knives, guns?"
"No sir"
"Alright, let me see ya lisence and registration, proof of insurance"
"Well all that is in my car in my jacket right there in the back seat sir, would you mind if i went and got it?"
"Yes i would boy, you stand right over there where i can see ya, and ill go get it"
"Yes sir"

He starts to head toward the back of the car and open up the driver side back door. He does and slowly grabs my Wilson's leather jacket. He starts to walk away from the car then pauses and lays the jacket on the trunk. Then he reaches for his flashlight.

"Excuse me officer, you dont have the right to search my car!"
"Hey boy you better hush it up I got probable cause wit all that damn swervin you was doin"

And then just then as he says that last sentence he flashes towards the back of my seat and pocket from under it is refecltive glass. HE FOUND THE BOTTLE.

"Been doin a lil drankin tonight have ya?"
"No sir"
"Yea so what ya got this bottle of whiskey under ya seat for?"
"I, I, I had it there from a while back and forgot it was there"
"Oh really, well Im gonna have to put ya in the back of ma car while i search the rest of your vehicle"

Then he walks up to me and grabs my arm

"Sir i know this is necessary, I havent drink anything, Im sober!"
"Now you better calm down and dont resist me boy!!!"
"I didnt do anything!!!, Im not drunk, I dont have any drugs just let me get on with my business!!!

As i start getting scared and frustarted my voice gets louder and he suspects im trying to resist. He then slams me to the ground and throws the cuffs on me and throws me in the back of the car. He found the bottle in the car and more in the trunk. I was going to jail. He said he smelled alcohol on my breath and that along with an open bottle was enough to send me down. Worse enough my lisence was suspended for a prior DUI and i had a warrant out for my arrest for unpaid tickets. It was all going downhill.

Sitting in my holding cell i had nothing but time to think about my life over the past 5 years. Alot of goods and alot of bads. I had it all, and now it was looking i was going to have nothing. I remember when i was in college at the University of Texas. I was a star 1st Basemen. I could hit for power and contact. I had a good eye and i could field like non other. I had been drafted twice and didnt sign each time to stay in college. And my senior year was going great one, and I was sure to be drafted in the 1st round. Then it all started to fall down.

I was partying too much, lots of drinking, lots of women, and even dabbled in drugs. I got into a bar fight or two but it never got big in the news. But one incident did. It was my birthday and we decided to get a hotel room and throw a party. Girls and liquor and drugs. Just how college was supposed to be. I thought. The night was great, no altercations, just fun. Around 1:30 or so people started to leave the party and i was still partying hard and gettin blurry. I remember me, a few teammates and a few locals girls still there kicking back. That was all i remember.

[Mr. Perfect]

I woke up alone on one of the beds with teammates passed out on tha floor and on the other bed. We all discussed how great the night was as we headed to practice the next day still hungover and tired. Then a week later one of the girls there is claiming that she was raped. By Me. Seemed unreal. But it was very real, my season was cut short just as it was starting. I had to get a lawyer and deal with the national media and court hearings. It was too much stress to deal with i just wanted to play baseball. I would give up all the partying if i could jus go back to playing baseball again. But i would never play again

After months of hearings and being kicked out of school and not being drafted until the 27th round. I fell into depression. I started drinking just to forget how messed up my life was. Eventually the case was drop but i still had been kicked out of school and hadnt touch a field in over 6 months. I was drinking everyday and had started other tougher drugs. I could have reported to the team that drafted me but I was out of it . Those 6 months had drained me and made me bitter. I was going to report when i wanted to report. Well didnt work out when i wanted to finally report. They didnt want me. No team wanted me. I was Barry Bonds. Now what do i do?

I talked to my couch about it and he said he would help me get a job as a janitor at a local park. It was a start. I went from janitor to coaching one of the local little league teams in no time . The people in Texas still loved me even if the MLB didnt. Eventually i moved up the ranks and got a coaching gig at UT-Dallas. I got a house and a dog and a wife and we had kids. Things were going good. My drinking was slowing down, I would just occasionally have a drink. Life was going good. My team was doing good too

2004 was the 1st season i coached at UT-Dallas and we went undefeated and won tha D-III Championship. It was great i hadnt felt this good since college. I didnt even have a need to drink. The next season tho the media started to get into things. Asking tons of questions about the past and how would we stack up the next year, could we stil go undefeated. I tried to tune it all out and jus focus on my team. But it was impossible I was getting offers from others teams throwin alot more money at me and it was all beginning to be too much.

The 2005 season the players played great, they didnt even need me. They had learned so much the season before they were on cruise control. I didnt do as good of a job in my mind, I had started drinking again and was letting the media effect me. They team went undefeated again and the media granted me with the name Mr. Perfect. Never lost a game. But I was far from perfect. The drinking started to get heavy again and it was noticeable. The media were bashing me for showing up drunk to one of the playoff games. I couldnt take it before i would let them tear me down . I quit the day after the season was over.

The next 2 years years were worse i opened up tha shop wit my brother but my wife was beginning to get sick of my drinkind and eventually left me. No wife, no kid. Just me and the dog and my scotch. At least she left me the Plasma Screen TV.

My life was in horrible condition. Im sitting in a county jail, Now i know my chances are done with making it to the Majors. Oh well this is how its been for me the last few years. Wish i could have a drink in jail. Then a officer comes up to me and tells me i can have my phone call now. Yea well thats great, who do i call? Why even call? Nobody would want to talk to me. Well let me think about who i can call. My brother? Maybe. My wife? Yea right. My mom? Naw she has been through enough. I bury my head in my hands. . . . CUBAN!!! Maybe if i call him not only can he pull some strings and get me out maybe he would still be interested if he hears that its his fault Im in jail.

Well i dont have his number and i know the officers wont give me my phone. So i start thinking and i remember his card is in my office at the shop . I hope Jose is still down there.

*RIIIIIIING*
"Hello, Mr. Perfect's"
"Hey Jose, Its Elroy"
"Wassup Mr. Bohagon?"
"Uhhh im jail, i need you to find Mr. Cuban's card in my office and dial his number on 3-way"
"Whoa, what happened?"
"We can discuss that later Jose, now find the damn card"
"Yes sir"
"Ok, Im callin him right now hold on"
*RIIIIIIIING*
"Yo calling me back pretty fast there Roy"
"Hey Cube, I need a big favor, i hope your in town, the cops pulled me over and now im jailed."
"Oh no man, yea i actually just touched down before i called. What do u need?"
"I need you to come get me out, i dont know how much my bail is or anything but, I need to get out, I cant take it in here"
"Alright well I'll make a few calls and Im pretty sure I can have you out by the morning at the latest."
"Thanks Mark, I really appreciate it, You have always been a stand-up guy"
"Yea I take care of you becuz you take care of me. So Im going to get on the horn with my people and get you out of there"
"Thanks again Mark and thanks Jose"
*click*

[Mr. Perfect]

October 8, 2008
The next morning, not only does Mark get the charges dropped, he pays off all my tickets, and personally comes and picks me up in a limo. He never asked what happened that night, Im guessing it really didnt matter to him. So we chat about various things, never bringing up baseball or jail. He did tell me he got my car towed back to my house. We finally pull up to my house and i begin to tell him that Im really considering the offer. And he cuts me off and just says hey Roy, do what you feel is best, period. All i ask is that you keep coming to those Mavs games. We share a laugh and say our goodbyes. I go in the house and hit the sack

I wake up later on to see that i missed the game last night and the Angels have knocked off the Royals in tha ALDS. The RedSox sweep the A's, the Dodgers sweep the Mets and the Cardinals edge the Diamonbacks. I then decide i need to focus on my business and my drinking problems and will give my baseball addictiona break. No more ESPN for a lil while.

October 22, 2008
I have not watched any sports since the day i got out of jail. I do not know anything going on. During this time tho its make me want to not watch sports but get back behind the scenes of things. Im pretty sure my brother and Jose can handle the shop. Im going to give Cuban a call.

*RIIIIIING*
"hello"
"hey Cube, its Elroy"
"oh hey whats going on how ya been?"
"alot better, i've been trying to focus on my business so maybe mistakes wont happen"
"sounds great, soooo how can i help ya?"
"uhh, im callin u back, u said u had a position for me with the club"
"aww man, i guess u havent caught any sports news lately huh?"
"actually no, i have been trying to distance myself from baseball so i could focus on what i wanted to do with myself"
"well, im sorry to tell u i hired Dan Rohn to be our manager a couple days ago, i didnt think you were interested becuz i didnt hear from you. I had to hire somebody fast."
"awww man, im sorry. I hadnt been keeping up in the news, congratulations tho"
"thanks roy, im real sorry on the miscommunication, you were the 1st choice"
"well its ok, i still got my shop. Guess ill see you in a few weeks at the games"
"yea u probably wont see a whole lot of me tho since i got the new franchise"
"yea well ill be there"
"alright roy, be cool, ill be in touch"
*click*

I wanted to jump off a building. Just when i was sure of what i wanted to do it was too late. I cant blame him tho. Maybe UT-Dallas might want me back . I can throw my name back in the hat, im pretty sure somebody would like my services. And jus as i was going to head to cabinet and pour up a drink.

*RIIIIIIING*
"hello"
"Hey Roy, its Mark"
"oh hey Mark, whats the deal???"
"we got a manager already but how would think you could do at being the general manager? i know its not as hands on. but you know the game. i think you can do it."
"uhh ive never really thought about it"
"well im offering you the position, i have faith in you"
"well i have no idea what im getting into but Cube. you were there for me. do i accept"
"great, great, i had to have you on board somehow"
"well im down. what do you need me to do 1st?"
"well how bout i fly you out here and we can get started on what we are going to do with this roster"
"ok, sounds like a plan"
"alright im about to get on the horn and get you a suite at the MGM. Thas where the rest of us are staying at since we building the stadium on there lot."
"whoa? huh? MGM? ur losing me Mark"
"what do u mean im losing you? MGM Grand? right there on the strip. where did you think we would build the stadium? out in the desert somewhere???
"i thought you bought the florida marlins? what do u mean MGM Grand? thats in Vegas"
"Oh no you havent been keepin up in the news. We are moving the team to Las Vegas. Its taking to long and too much to get a stadium in Miami. There is no money there for us. We are going to play our 1st season at Cashman Field, Its being renovated as we speak to bring more seats in. Then 2010 we will be moving into a convertible stadium top of the line right next to the MGM Grand. Cool Right?"
"MARK!!! I cant live in Vegas!!! on the strip!!!. I am a recovering alcoholic, That is way too much temptation. The media and lights alone are too much pressure on me even tho im not the manager."
"Roy, you can do it. Your ticket will be waiting for you at the airport tomorrow morning. goodnight. see you then"
*click*

No drinks for me. Got to pack and then sleep

[Mr. Perfect]

October 23, 2008
On the plane i pick up the paper and go straight to the sports section and check out whats been going on in baseball since i have been seperating myself. Seems as tho the RedSox beat the Angles 4-1 in the ALCS and the Dodgers beat the Cardinals 4-1 in the NLCS. Now the World Series has started and its all tied up 1-1 with the next game coming tonight. Will Manny get sweet revenge against his old team? Or will the Sox show that they were just as good if not better without Manny. whatever. Im not a fan anymore. Only of the Las Vegas . . . uhhh. I dont even know the name of the team yet.

[Mr. Perfect]

Finally at the temporary office of Owner Mark Cuban we can handle business.
"So whats the team's name?"
"Oh sorry Roy, thought i told you. Its the Las Vegas Lions. To kind of go with the MGM theme since we have a 30 year lease here and there are paying for half the stadiums costs and have the naming rights."
"Ok so whats the contract situation looking like?"
"Ok we are going to offer you 3 years at $1.5 million a year with incentives. Hows that sound?"
"I cant complain, I was making $50,000 at UT-Dallas"
"Ok great well i have some building plans i need to go look at down at the site so Im leaving you here with our 2008 Rosters and you can go through and figure out who we should keep, and what we should do"
"Alright Cube, See ya in a bit"
*CLICK*

Players to Cut: Matt Treanor, Paul Hoover, Jacque Jones, Wes Helms, Alexis Gomez, Alex Sanchez, Mark Hendrickson, Logan Kensing, Bobby Keppel, Tim Corcoran

Players to Shop: Mark jacobs, Jorge Cantu, Cody Ross, Alfredo Amezaga, Dallas McPherson, Scott Olsen, Kevin Gregg, Doug Waechter

Players to Re-Sign: Josh Willingham, Jeremy Hermida, Justin Miller, Lee Gardner

Ill leave this list for him to go over while I go down to the lobby and check out the World Series

[Mr. Perfect]

October 25, 2008
Comes to find out that Manny and his Dodgers just didnt have what it took and lost all 3 games at home losing the World Series to the Sox 4-1. Josh Beckett wins the ALDS and WS MVP and seems to be the front-runner for the AL Cy Young.

Back to the Office:
With the season over now we can make some moves.
- Send P Scott Olsen and OF Alfredo Almezaga to the Dodgers for 3B Blake Dewitt and $3M
- Send 3B Jorge Cantu to Rangers for C Max Ramirez and $500K
- Send 1B Mike Jacobs and P Doug Waechter to Pirates for 3B Andy LaRoche
-Send OF Cody Ross and P Kevin Gregg to Braves for P Jacob Thompson, OF Jordan Schafer, P James Parr, and P Cory Rasmus
- OF Josh Willingham re-signs for 4 years $7.05M
- OF Jeremy Hermida re-signs for 3 years $3.20M
- P Justin Miller re-signs for 3 years $6.15M
- P Lee Gardner re-signs for 2 years $2.85M
- 2B Dan Uggla re-signs for 3 years $7.OOM
- P Renyel Pinto re-signs for 3 years $3.00M

Needs for the Off-season
- Starting LHP, CF, IF

Ill check back with the boss in a few days and see how much money he is willing to spend

[reflections]

You had me at Vegas.
But throwing in a recovering alcoholic as manager and a crazy like Cuban as owner.
Count me in.

[Mr. Perfect]

November 3, 2008
Being that the team is now in Las Vegas and not Miami the League announced today the new division alignments. We moved from the NL East to the NL West, the Diamonbacks move from NL West to NL Central, and the Pirates move from NL Central to NL East.

November 4, 2008
Friday morning i decide to head down to check out how the stadium was going. We were going to use Cashman Field this year until our mega Ballpark on the strip would be complete.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/cashman2.jpg

They were renovating the ballpark to be able to seat more people and added a upgraded scoreboard. Just enough to keep the fans happy until we got the real thing finished. The seating was upgraded from 9,000 to 26,500. In order for that to happen the field dimensions had to be changed from 328 in L and R, 364 in LC and RC, and 433 in center to 328 in L, 364 in LC, 433 in C, 374 in RC, 338 in R.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/cashman1.jpg

[Mr. Perfect]

November 6, 2008
The end-season awards have come in and non of our players are came away with any. But here they are:
AL Cy Young - Josh Beckett (19-4 2.52 ERA 213 Ks)
AL MVP - Dustin Pedroia (.314 25 HRs 116 RBIs)

NL Cy Young - Greg Maddux (19-1 3.47 115)
NL MVP - Albert Pujols (.324 49 119)
************************************************************
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/CubanDancing.jpg

Owner Mark Cuban is town for a few days to check on things and discuss our upcoming season's roster.

- I've been looking at starting LHP Chris Capuano (85.0 IP 3-2 3.81 ERA 81 Ks) who is seeking $5.3M for

3 years.
- In the CF position I've been looking at Melky Cabrea (.252 13 HR 70 RBI) who is a good defender but asking for a lot of money at $7.8M for 3 years. Also Ryan Spilborghs (.303 9 HR 42 RBIs) whos defense is not as good but seems to hit better for average but also at $6.4M for 3 years is a tad steep.
- We also could use a back-up infielder and Ronny Cedeno looks like he could fit in fine. Tho he has not played much over the last 2 seasons (74 AB in 07 and 60 in 08).

We will just have to see how Mark thinks about this when he comes on up.

"Yo Elroy what you got up your sleeve?"
"I'm unsure of how much we have to spend seeing as we just moved and we havent opened our stadium, but Melky Cabrera looks good at CF. He is asking for $7.8M for 3 years tho."
"Melky Cabrea?!?! starting CF?!?! and for that kind of money?!?! I dunno Roy, we are in Vegas. This is not your average baseball city. These people want full on entertainment. Now im dedicated to winning and i know you will do a great job. But i think we need bigger names, fan favorites, you know. Something to attract peope to the ballpark and away from stripclubs and Penn & Teller."
"Well i do kind of see where your coming from but Mark our stadium isnt even on the strip yet. I think we should build up with some quality players and not throw around the big bucks just yet."
"Yea well we can do that but i think in order for us to make some real money we need big names at the big positions. Shortstop we got Hanley Ramirez and im willing to throw everything he asks for at him. So we need a big name pitcher and a big name center fielder. U may not be able to go out and get that right now but at least scratch the surface. This is Vegas baby shake things up a lil. You got all the room you want and all the money you want if you can pull us some big names."
"Wow, all the money I want? are you serious? Your not Steinbrenner Cube. Seriously how much of a budget do i have to work with?"
"Well i cant get completely specific wit that. But dont be cheap, We have money and with our stadium coming next year we will have lots more. I want us to be the Yankees of the West Coast. Just dont go out and get A-Rod or Barry Zito or nothing too crazy. Just go check out some stuff and get back at me."

[Mr. Perfect]

So now im back at the drawing table. With no real big names free agents out there I'd have to start shopping for some big names who wanna come play in Vegas.

Lets start with BIG NAME pitching. We need a LHP and i was set on Chris Capuano but his name was not meant for a marquee. So going through the rosters of every major league team i finally come across the Mets. Johan? no way in hell. But Pedro i think could be a possibility. Recent injuries and not producing like they want, maybe we could land him. I think I'll call em up

*RING*
"Hello"
"Hey Omar, this is Elroy Bohagon new GM with the Las Vegas Lions."
"Ok, how can I help you?"
"I want Pedro!"
"Pedro huh, well what can you offer me?"
"We got plenty of prospects, I mean what do u need over there?"
"How bout Josh Willingham?"
"Oh no, no way we just signed him to an extension"
"Ok, how about uhhh . . . Daniel Barone and Renyel Pinto?"
"Not a problem, Ill fax over there paperwork."
"Pleasure doing business with you."

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/pedro-martinez053008.jpg

So now we had a BIG NAME pitcher, but he hadnt had a good season since 05'. Well good thing is he will be fairly cheap, we sign him to a 2 year extension for $4.8M.

[Mr. Perfect]

Back to Centerfield. Only big names i can realisticly see us getting are Kenny Lofton playing with the Angels who was 41 years old and played for 10 teams since 2002. And Jim Edmonds who was a free agent asking for $7.5M. Cuban wouldnt mind paying that to him since he was a fan favorite and still had some pop in his bat. I'll give Jim a call.

*RING*
"Yea"
"Uhh I'm calling for Mr. Jim Edmonds."
"Who is this?"
"Roy Bohagon, GM with the new Las Vegas team."
"Hold on a sec"
"This is Jim"
"Hey Jim I was wondering if you wanted to come to Vegas and play for the Lions."
"What you offering?"
"2 Years $6.6M"
"I wont go any lower then $8M, and i want a penthouse suite in the MGM Grand, I want 4 front-row tickets to the Roy Jones, Joe Calzaghe fight this weekend, 4 1st class tickets out there for the fight and i want a line-up spot between 3 and 6, no exceptions. Can you work that?"
"Uhhhh wow thas asking for a tad much dont you think Jim?"
"No, and if you cant do all of that then the conversation is over."
"Ok, Jim let me just talk to the owner Mark Cuban and make sure i can do all that, but Im pretty sure we can work that."
"Ok well you got 20 minutes, anything after that lose my number"
*click*

I called Mark and he immediately said get it done. Done deal, big name pitcher and centerfielder. Tho I'd much rather Melky Cabrera roaming out there for us.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/jimedmonds.jpg

But i did get to sign Chris Capuano at $6.15M for 2 years and Ronny Cedeno at $4.4M for 2 years.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/Chris_Capuano.jpg http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/ronnycedeno.jpg

[Mr. Perfect]

What a long day, I could use a drink. Instead I think I'll jus head downstairs and give the slots of couple bucks and maybe get a bite to eat

November 7, 2008
Now to get organized and have a rough draft of what our team will look like. I sat down wit Manager Dan Rohn and this is what we came up with.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/danrohn.jpg

Defense:
C- Max Ramirez
1B- Andy LaRoche
2B- Dan Uggla
3B- Blake DeWitt
SS- Hanley Ramirez
LF- Josh Willingham
CF- Jim Edmonds
RF- Jeremy Hermida

Line-up:
1- Hanley Ramirez
2- Blake DeWitt
3- Andy LaRoche
4- Dan Uggla
5- Jim Edmonds
6- Josh Willingham
7- Jeremy Hermida
8- Max Ramirez

Pitching:
1- Pedro Martinez
2- Andre Miller
3- Ricky Nolasco
4- Chris Capuano
5- Anibal Sanchez
Closer- Justin Miller
Set-up- Taylor Tankersley
Short- Lee Gardner
Short- Matt Lindstrom
Middle- Eulogio De la Cruz
Long - Josh Johnson

[Mr. Perfect]

November 23,2008
After a few weeks of no roster moves and no Mark Cuban(tending to Dallas Mavericks) I get my 1st trade offer from Jim Hendry of the Cubs. He wanted Pitchers Taylor Tankersley, Lee Gardner, Henry owens and OF Jai Miller. And he offered back Pitchers Rich Hill and Carlos Marmol. Dont think i could pass up on a offer like that. I could throw Rich Hill in the rotation and Carlos Marmol could be the set-up man. I think Cuban would like it because these guys are both high strikeout guys. I pulled the trigger.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/rich-hill.jpg http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/carlosmarmol.jpg

[dannymac910]

LOL @ Edmonds.

[Mr. Perfect]

December 21, 2008
With not a whole lot going on wit the baseball team over the last month, I went back to Dallas to check up on things at the shop. Everything was everything. I posted some Las Vegas Lions posters and stickers all over the shop. Also got a order to do Jim Edmonds Chevy pick-up truck. While I was here i decided to give my wife a ring even tho we hadnt talked in over 6 months. But I had quit drinking for going on 2 months and I had a high profile job.

*RING*
"Hello"
"Hey Lisa, its Elroy. I was just calling to see how you were doing."
"Well Im doing fine and the kids are too. Ive heard around that you arent doing so bad yourself."
"Well the shop is doing decent, but I just got another job in baseball."
"Oh really, congratulations."
"Thank you, Im in the majors now. Not coaching but Im the GM of the new Las Vegas team."
"Yea thats what i heard."
"So I was wondering if I could send you and the kids out to Vegas maybe one weekend and"
"No, just because your making big money in the majors doesnt mean Im going to just hop back into your life. We have started our own, it will take alot more than that. You can come see the kids whenever you want whenever you stop all the drinking."
"Well I stopped once i got this job, I havent had one drink. Its hard living in Vegas and not drinking but Im taking it one day at a time."
"Well thats good to hear. Ill think about letting you come around more, but Im not coming all the way to Vegas. You havent earned that yet."
"I understand, well call me and let me know when I can come by. Im headed back to Vegas tomorrow, but Ill be coming back often."
*CLICK*

December 28, 2008
After spending a Las Vegas summer all alone and getting plenty of trade offers not worth a 2nd thought, I finally get one worth scrathing my head over. Kansas City Royals GM Dayton Moore calls with and offer for relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez (94.2 IP 7-4 2.38 ERA 97 Ks) and Mark Grudzielanek (290 AB .269 4 HR 20 RBI) for minor leaguers Chris Volstad, Ross Wolf, and Brett Sinkbeil.

March 1, 2009
New year, new city. Time for Spring Training. Impress and you may win or lose a spot on the opening day

roster. LETS GO LIONS

March 31, 2009
Leaving Arizona headed to Vegas the only roster changes will be switching LaRoche and Willingham in the line-up from 3 to 6. And Mark Grudzielanek backing up Uggla. Pitching changes will be Rich Hill in the 5th spot in the rotation moving Anibal Sanchez to the bullpen and Josh Johnson sent down to the minors. Also Ramon Ramirez wins set-up spot over Carlos Marmol.

[Mr. Perfect]

April 1, 2009 - OPENING DAY
Washington Nationals - 2 @ LAS VEGAS LIONS - 8


Washington Nationals at Las Vegas Lions
April 1, 2009

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 + R H E
Nationals (WSN) 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 6 1
Lions (LVL) 1 3 0 0 3 1 0 0 x 8 8 1

WASHINGTON ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
E. Dukes (RF) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
W. Harris (LF) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
C. Guzman (SS) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
R. Zimmerman (3B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
J. Flores (C) 4 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 .250
D. Young (1B) 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1.000
F. Lopez (2B) 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
L. Milledge (CF) 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
S. Hill (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
L. Broadway (P) 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .000
S. Rivera (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
L. Ayala (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
R. Langerhans (P) 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1.000
S. Shell (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
TOTALS 32 6 2 2 2 2 5 0

HR: J. Flores (1), R. Langerhans (1)
GIDP: L. Milledge 2

WASHINGTON ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
S. Hill 4.0 4 2 0 4 3 4 71 6.75
S. Rivera 1.0 3 2 0 3 3 0 37 27.00
L. Ayala 2.0 1 1 0 1 1 2 38 4.50
S. Shell 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 12 0.00
TOTALS 8.0 8 5 0 8 7 7 158

LAS VEGAS ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
H. Ramirez (SS) 4 1 1 2 0 1 0 2 .250
B. DeWitt (3B) 4 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 .250
J. Willingham (LF) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
D. Uggla (2B) 4 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 .500
J. Edmonds (CF) 4 1 0 1 0 1 3 0 .250
E. De La Cruz (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
A. LaRoche (1B) 2 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 .000
J. Hermida (RF) 3 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 .333
B. Carroll (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
M. Ramirez (C) 4 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 .500
P. Martinez (P) 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .000
C. Marmol (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
A. De Aza (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
TOTALS 32 8 5 8 0 7 7 3

2B: D. Uggla (1)

LAS VEGAS ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
P. Martinez 7.0 6 1 2 2 2 4 111 2.57
C. Marmol 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 11 0.00
E. De La Cruz 1.0 0 1 0 0 0 0 25 0.00
TOTALS 9.0 6 2 2 2 2 5 147

WP: P. Martinez (1-0)
LP: S. Hill (0-1)

Temperature: 41F
Wind: 5 MPH (in from center)
Attendance: 21,920
Time: 2:52

1st game, 1st win. Pedro pitched a good 7 innings giving up 2 solo HRs and nothing else. Our star Hanley Ramirez chipped in with 2 SBs and 2 Rs. Jim Edmonds the BIG NAME has maybe been getting pampered a lil too much and forgot how to swing wit 3 Ks tho he did come through with a RBI. Looking good lets see if we can capitalize off a opening series at home and against one of the worst teams in NL.


April 2, 2009
Washington Nationals - 6 @ Las Vegas Lions - 11

Offense is rolling. Hanley Ramirez comes through wit a huge game (3-4, 3 Rs, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs). Uggla and LaRoche also chip in wit homers a piece. And Andre Miller goes 6 innings giving up 2 runs to get the win.

- switching Willingham to the 6 spot and moving LaRoche to the 3 after Willingham has started 0-8 in first 2 games.

WP: A. Miller (1-0)
LP: O. Perez (0-1)

Temperature: 62F
Wind: 8 MPH (out to left)
Attendance: 16,564
Time: 3:19


April 3, 2009
Washington Nationals - 2 @ Las Vegas Lions - 10

On a roll. Pitchers pitching good, hitters hitting good. World Series here we come! We had a great 3rd Inning with Dan Uggla hitting a Grand Slam. Ricky Nolasco pitches great going 8 innings and giving up 1 ER.

-On a sour note Willingham is still hitless, if he doesnt do something in this last game against Wash then I'll have to bench him.

WP: R. Nolasco (1-0)

LP: J. Bergmann (0-1)

Temperature: 54F
Wind: 6 MPH (out to center)
Attendance: 16,901
Time: 2:32


April 4, 2009
Washington Nationals - 1 @ Las Vegas Lions - 6

Now either the Nationals are horrible or we are pretty damn good. Chris Capuano goes 7.2 innings only giving up a run and striking out 12. LaRoche and Jim Edmonds go deep making our 3,4,5 hitters extremely dangerous.

- Willingham benched. Brett Carroll will start next game in LF
- Chris Capuano out 5 days with pinched ulnar nerve

WP: C. Capuano (1-0)
LP: T. Redding (0-1)

Temperature: 46F
Wind: 2 MPH (right to left)
Attendance: 17,266
Time: 3:24

[PotatoOfCouch13]

HANLEY!!!

I can only imagine what could've been....

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4310/hanleyramirezlo9.jpg

Still, I'm happy with the results of that trade, for now... :D

Great start, I'm following!

[Mr. Perfect]

* Beckett was rejected, because Hanley is more manly lol. Thanx for coming along the ride. I'll try to make it interesting.*

April 5, 2009
Las Vegas Lions - 4 @ Atlanta Braves - 1


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 + R H E
Lions (LVL) 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 4 7 0
Braves (ATL) 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 3 0

LAS VEGAS ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
H. Ramirez (SS) 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 .300
B. DeWitt (3B) 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .294
A. LaRoche (1B) 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 .467
D. Uggla (2B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 .333
J. Edmonds (CF) 4 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 .526
B. Carroll (LF) 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 .333
J. Hermida (RF) 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 .250
M. Ramirez (C) 4 1 0 1 1 2 0 0 .350
R. Hill (P) 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 .000
C. Marmol (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
R. Ramirez (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
J. Miller (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
TOTALS 31 7 3 4 1 4 7 1

2B: A. LaRoche (2), J. Edmonds (2)
HR: M. Ramirez (1)
HBP: B. DeWitt
CS: H. Ramirez

LAS VEGAS ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
R. Hill 6.0 2 2 0 1 1 4 113 1.50
C. Marmol 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 1 28 0.00
R. Ramirez 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 13 0.00
J. Miller 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 18 0.00
TOTALS 9.0 3 2 0 1 1 8 172

ATLANTA ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
K. Johnson (2B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .071
Y. Escobar (SS) 3 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 .250
C. Kotchman (1B) 4 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 .267
C. Jones (3B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .143
B. McCann (C) 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 .286
C. Ross (CF) 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .200
J. Francoeur (RF) 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 .286
M. Diaz (LF) 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 .077
J. Smoltz (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
R. Ring (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
M. Kotsay (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
R. Soriano (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
TOTALS 28 3 2 1 0 1 8 0

CS: Y. Escobar

ATLANTA ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
J. Smoltz 7.2 6 2 0 2 2 5 123 2.35
R. Ring 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0.00
R. Soriano 1.0 1 1 1 2 2 1 22 9.00
TOTALS 9.0 7 3 1 4 4 7 150

5-0. Mr. Perfect continues to be lossless. Rich Hill pitches 6 no-hit innings until giving up a leadoff single in the 7th. Max Ramirez hits a homer while Jim Edmonds has continued to kill over the last 4 games, I guess the fight tickets made him that much happier.

- Going to bring Willingham back in the line-up and hope he can produce

WP: C. Marmol (1-0)
LP: J. Smoltz (0-1)
SV: J. Miller (1)

Temperature: 56F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 50,091
Time: 3:06

April 6, 2009
Las Vegas Lions - 4 @ Atlanta Braves - 8

Perfect no more. Pedro shows his age as Tim Hudson shows he is still Tim Hudson. Pedro gets the lost after goin 4 innings, walking 4 and giving up 4 runs. Defense looking like little league with 6 total errors so far and 2 coming in this game we have the worst fielding % in the majors at .971.

- Starting Alejandro De Aza in RF instead of Hermida next game to shake things up a bit. Maybe Hermida will get his glove together while on the bench.

WP: T. Hudson (2-0)
LP: P. Martinez (1-1)
SV: K. Gregg (1)

Temperature: 55F
Wind: 3 MPH (in from right)
Attendance: 40,720
Time: 3:10


April 7, 2009
Las Vegas Lions - 6 @ Atlanta Braves - 4

Andrew Miller pitching great. 7 innings, 12 Ks and only 2 ER. No errors. Another HR for Hanley Ramirez as 3-4 wit 3 RBIs. Jim Edmonds goes 2-4 and is hitting .480 on the season. Willingham another stinker goes 0-5 with 3 Ks.

- Benching Willingham. Keep it up and he will be sent down.

WP: A. Miller (2-0)
LP: J. Jurrjens (0-2)
SV: J. Miller (2)

Temperature: 56F
Wind: 4 MPH (in from right)
Attendance: 42,617
Time: 4:00

[Mr. Perfect]

April 8, 2009
It's Friday and a travel day off. So I was thinking of heading to the Rio and watching Penn & Teller. But come to find out this is the only day they dont perform. =(

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/pennteller.jpg

So i guess I'll just catch up on what the rest of the league has going on. The last place teams are The Nationals, Brewers, Padres, Mariners, White Sox, and Orioles. Not suprising, but what is suprising is the Rays are in 1st place with a 7-0 record.

April 9, 2009
Los Angeles Dodgers - 1 @ Las Vegas Lions - 5


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 + R H E
Dodgers (LAD) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0
Lions (LVL) 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 x 5 7 1

LOS ANGELES ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
R. Furcal (SS) 4 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 .138
A. Ethier (RF) 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .333
M. Kemp (CF) 3 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 .222
M. Ramirez (LF) 3 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 .292
J. Loney (1B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .160
C. Blake (3B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
T. Abreu (2B) 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .444
G. Bennett (C) 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .200
J. Schmidt (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
A. Raglani (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
S. Proctor (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
A. Amezaga (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .333
J. Beimel (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
TOTALS 32 4 2 1 1 1 8 0

HR: R. Furcal (1)

LOS ANGELES ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
J. Schmidt 4.0 5 4 2 5 5 1 87 11.57
S. Proctor 3.0 1 0 0 0 0 2 40 2.57
J. Beimel 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 10 0.00
TOTALS 8.0 7 4 2 5 5 3 137

LAS VEGAS ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
H. Ramirez (SS) 4 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 .313
B. DeWitt (3B) 4 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 .300
A. LaRoche (1B) 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .346
D. Uggla (2B) 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 .276
J. Edmonds (CF) 3 2 1 1 1 2 0 0 .500
M. Ramirez (C) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .290
J. Hermida (RF) 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .273
J. Willingham (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .043
A. De Aza (LF) 2 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 .429
R. Nolasco (P) 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
R. Ramirez (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
TOTALS 29 7 4 5 2 5 3 0

2B: J. Edmonds (3), R. Nolasco (1)
HR: H. Ramirez (4), J. Edmonds (2)
GIDP: J. Willingham

LAS VEGAS ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
R. Nolasco 7.2 4 2 1 1 1 7 114 1.15
R. Ramirez 1.1 0 0 0 0 0 1 14 0.00
TOTALS 9.0 4 2 1 1 1 8 128

Saturday day game and the boss is in town to check out the team. Game starts bad with Ricky Nolasco giving up a leadoff HR to Rafael Furcal. Then Nolasco goes the rest of the inning not giving up anything. And just when it started bad it gets back good with a leadoff HR in the bottom of the 1st by Hanley Ramirez. Then a 2-run homer by Edmonds with 2 outs givin Nolasco a 2 run lead to start the 2nd inning. Nolasco ends up not giving up another run and going 7.2 IP with 7 Ks.

WP: R. Nolasco (2-0)
LP: J. Schmidt (0-2)
SV: R. Ramirez (1)

Temperature: 60F
Wind: 5 MPH (in from center)
Attendance: 21,820
Time: 2:32

Saturday Night

With this being a day game i thought Id try out Penn & Teller again since it was now Saturday. I asked Cuban if he had any connections over at the Rio.

*RING*
"Hey Elroy we're looking good ey?"
"Yea so far so good, this GM thing isnt half bad."
"Yea I knew you would be perfect for the job."
"I was calling you to see if you had any connections at the Rio, Ive been wanted to check out Penn & Teller's show."
"Naw sorry Roy, you know we are MGM strictly. Cant help you over there. I can get you some frontrow seats at a show here. Or better yet its a fight tonight. I can get you a ticket to that. I just had to get a few more for Jim Edmonds"
"Man, I really want to see those guys. But who is fighting?"
"Zab Judah vs Sugar Shane Mosely"
"Oh yea. Im down. Let me put my suit on. See ya down there."
*click*

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/cuban.jpg

April 10, 2009
Dodgers - 2 @ Lions - 3

This was a close one. Good relief pitching got us this one. Dan Uggla gets his 3rd HR and Jim Edmonds finally cools off a bit not getting a hit in this game. Chris Capuano gets the no decision goin 7.1 innings giving up 2 solo HRs and K'ing 8.

- Max Ramirez goes down for 11 days due to a stretched ankle ligament. John Baker comes up from the minors and Mike Rabelo will be behind the plate for us.

WP: C. Marmol (2-0)
LP: H. Kuroda (0-2)

Temperature: 64F
Wind: 4 MPH (in from left)
Attendance: 22,260
Time: 2:51

April 11, 2009
Dodgers - 2 @ Lions - 3

Win number 2 for Pedro and save number 3 for the tattoo man Justin Miller. Blake DeWitt hits his 1st major league HR while Jim Edmonds gets another HR and a SB. 40-40 maybe?

WP: P. Martinez (2-1)
LP: G. Maddux (0-1)
SV: J. Miller (3)

Temperature: 44F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 22,368
Time: 2:24

[reflections]

Something odd in Vegas. April and it's 44 degrees.

[Mr. Perfect]

Yea I was thinking the same thing. Maybe the game has the Sierra Nevada Mountains effecting the Vegas heat.

But according to wikipedia.org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Vegas,_Nevada#Climate

In April the average lows in Vegas are 46 degrees. I had no idea, so doesn't seem too ridiculous anymore

[reflections]

Hmm. True, and if there was baseball being played there, they more than likely would schedule a lot of night games to beat the heat.

[Mr. Perfect]

April 12, 2009
Lions - 7 @ Padres - 8

We start off the series with a bang. Literally. 3-run homer in the 1st by Jim Edmonds after a error by Brian Giles and single by Uggla. Then just that fast in the 2nd inning a tough one for Andrew Miller gives up 5 runs. Then in the 3rd, 2 more runs knocks Peavy out the game. Padres regain the lead in the 8th. Then in the 9th pinch-hitter Logan Morrison comes through with a 2-run HR giving Tattoo Man his chance for the 9th. He comes in and blows a save giving up a double to Will Venable driving in Brian Giles. Then after emptying the bullpen with Eulogio De la Cruz being the last soldier it all ends in the 13th wit a GW single by Drew Macias.

WP: D. Weathers (1-0)
LP: E. De La Cruz (0-1)

Temperature: 64F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 29,795
Time: 4:36

After this long loss which had me pulling hair out and gritting teeth. I get a phone call from the boss.

"Hello"
"Roy, we got problems!"
"Naw, I just think Andrew had a bad game. His 1st 2 starts he won."
"No not with Andrew, with Josh."
"Now that the Mavs are out of the playoffs i will be showing alot more attention to the club."
"Ok, so whats your exact issue with Josh?"
"Well for 1st, Im paying him $7 million a year and not only is he not playing well. He is not playing at all. Now i have already called Dan and told him i dont care how bad he is playing, get him in the game. Im not paying him to eat sunflower seeds."
"Ok. . ."
"So, Im coming to you now with this because if he doesnt start hittin the ball then I want you to start shopping him or send him down to the minors for a few weeks or something. Its ridiculous he has 1 hit all year! 1 F***ING HIT! and he was supposed to be hittin the 3 spot. Call him and see what his problem is and if you cant help out at all."
"Alright Mark, will do."
*click*

*RING*
"Hello"
"Josh, Its Elroy. We need to talk."
"Yea i knew this was coming soon."
"Whats the problem man, you sound depressed, your hitting like crap. We gotta get you back on track."
"Well Roy, I dont really like it here, I dont fit in. Im not used to it, I liked Florida better, Im a downsouth kinda guy."
"Well Josh I am too, but Im still doing my part. Now Cuban is pissed, he is saying if you dont perform he is goin to trade you or send you down to the minors."
"Well I like the team, my teammates, Its just taking some getting used to."
"Well is there anything i can help with?"
"Actually yea, I just sit around in my apartment, i dont go on the strip with the other guys, Im married. So I was wondering if you could get me some stuff to make it feel more like home here."
"Like what?"
"Can you get me some BBQ sent here from my favorite joint in Alabama. Its called Big Daddy's BBQ in Florence?"
"Are you serious Josh, Im your G.M, not your personal assistant."
"Well you asked, thats the only thing I can think of, Florida had good southern BBQ. Vegas just has these buffets with this funny food."
"Ok, well I will check into and see if they ship out to Vegas. But in the meantime can you please start hitting Dan's going to put you back in the 3-spot starting tomorrow night."
"Ill try, I think i should change my entrance music to Canned Heat's - On the road again. What do you think?"
"Sure, sounds great goodbye"
*click*

April 13, 2009
Lions - 9 @ Padres - 8

Good news. Josh Willingham gets a hit and RBI. And we win. Thats about it. Nalasco goes 4.1 innings giving up 6 runs then the bullpen slow the bleeding a bit with Tattoo Man getting the win.

- Sad News. Hanley is down for 7 days with a dislocated collar bone . Yikes! Ronny Cedeno will be covering short for him

WP: J. Miller (1-0)
LP: D. Weathers (1-1)

Temperature: 60F
Wind: 2 MPH (out to left)
Attendance: 31,896
Time: 4:51

April 14, 2009
Lions - 1 @ Padres - 3

Chris Capuano goes 7 giving up 3 runs. Offense just couldnt get it going tonight.

WP: A. Harang (2-0)
LP: C. Capuano (1-1)
SV: C. Hensley (1)

Temperature: 74F
Wind: 6 MPH (out to left)
Attendance: 31,121
Time: 2:38

Off to D.C

[Mr. Perfect]

April 15, 2009
Lions - 3 @ Nationals - 4

Rich Hill goes 4 throwin 98 pitches, striking out 9 but giving up 7 hits and 4 runs. Collin Ballester goes 8 aganst us only giving up one run. Chad Cordero comes in for the save and gives up 2 runs on a single by Mark Grudzielanek but then shuts it down to get the save.

- Josh Willingham has gone 4-14 since our talk. Maybe its the Canned Heat. Because i havent gotten any ribs for him just yet. Still working on it

WP: C. Ballester (1-1)
LP: R. Hill (0-1)
SV: C. Cordero (3)

Temperature: 46F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 28,009
Time: 3:31

April 16, 2009
Lions - 2 @ Nationals - 3

Pedro and opposing pitcher Shawn Hill battle it out both only giving up 2 runs. but in the 8th Ramon Ramirez gives up his 1st ER of the season making way for Chad Cordero to get the save.

WP: S. Hill (1-3)
LP: R. Ramirez (0-1)
SV: C. Cordero (4)

Temperature: 60F
Wind: 6 MPH (in from center)
Attendance: 28,699
Time: 2:46

April 17, 2009
Lions - 4 @ Nationals - 0

Andrew Miller goes 7.1 innings of shutout pitching giving up 5 hits and 8 Ks. Mike Rabelo goes 2 for 4 with 2 runs and Dan Uggla goes hitless for the 4th straight game.

- Giving Uggla a day off and starting Grudzielanek the next game in DC

WP: A. Miller (3-0)
LP: J. Lannan (1-2)
SV: M. Lindstrom (1)

Temperature: 54F
Wind: 2 MPH (out to left)
Attendance: 29,155
Time: 3:25

April 18, 2009
Lions - 3 @ Nationals - 1

Ricky Nolasco pitches 8 innings giving up 1 run with the Tattoo Man coming in for the close.

- Headed home. Hope Willingham's ribs have arrived . Also starting Robert Andino for Ronny Cedeno

WP: R. Nolasco (3-0)
LP: C. Manning (0-1)
SV: J. Miller (4)

Temperature: 51F
Wind: 6 MPH (in from right)
Attendance: 28,240
Time: 2:40

[Mr. Perfect]

April 19, 2009
Pirates - 2 @ Lions - 5

The LaRoche brother battle starts off with Adam of the Pirates hitting a HR in the 2nd right after Ryan Doumit. Down 2-1 in the 3rd, Jim Edmonds comes through like he has all month with a 2-run smash giving us back the lead. Then in the 6th Chris Capuano hits Adam LaRoche making the ump come out and give him a warning. lol. Slump no more Dan Uggla gets a RBI single in the 1st then a 2-run homer in the 6th. Capuano goes 8 only giving up the 2 solo HRs with again the Tattoo Man shutting it down in the 9th.

WP: C. Capuano (2-1)
LP: L. Munoz (1-2)
SV: J. Miller (5)

Temperature: 47F
Wind: 8 MPH (left to right)
Attendance: 19,578
Time: 2:29

April 20, 2009
Pirates - 0 @ Lions - 7

Rich Hill goes 8 shutout innings only giving up 1 hit. Im not too sure why Coach yanked in before the 9th. But none the less Josh Willingham comes through wit a 3 for 5 night with 2 RBIs after getting his BBQ rib delivery. Lets hope he starts playing like this everyday.

- Hanley Ramirez comes back. Sending Robert Andino back down to minors.

WP: R. Hill (1-1)
LP: P. Dumatrait (1-3)

Temperature: 47F
Wind: 7 MPH (in from left)
Attendance: 19,808
Time: 3:10

April 21, 2009
Pirates - 8 @ Lions - 10

Willingham hits grand slam while Pedro gets win going 5.2 giving up 6. Uggla starting to hit again going 3 for 4 with Tattoo Man getting his 6th save.

- Max Ramirez returns from injury sending Josh Baker back down.

[Mr. Perfect]

April 22, 2009
Lions - 7 @ Phillies - 3

Leadoff HR by Hanley. Collarbone seems fine. In the 2nd after a error by Jim Edmonds the bases load resulting in Andrew Miller walking in 2 runs. Dan Uggla continues to heat up going 3 for 4 again with a HR. Miller goes 6 picking up the win K'ing 7.

WP: A. Miller (4-0)
LP: J. Happ (2-1)

Temperature: 48F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 43,500
Time: 4:39

April 23, 2009
Lions - 4 @ Phillies - 5

Hanley goes 3-4 while Uggla keeps tha HRs coming tho not enough as Nolasco gives up 3 in 6 innings. Ramon Ramirez comes in to pitch the 9th with the gam tied and gives up the winning run.

WP: C. Durbin (1-2)
LP: R. Ramirez (0-2)

Temperature: 53F
Wind: 6 MPH (out to right)
Attendance: 43,500
Time: 2:59

April 24, 2009
Lions - 10 @ Phillies - 4

Capuano gets the W with tons of run support. HRs by Blake DeWitt and Jim Edmonds help out as De la Cruz comes in relief for 3 innings giving up zip.

WP: C. Capuano (3-1)
LP: R. Madson (1-2)

Temperature: 54F
Wind: 5 MPH (in from left)
Attendance: 43,500
Time: 3:47

April 25, 2009
DAY OFF - back to Vegas

With the day off we are back in Vegas for 2 series against the Rockies and Padres. So i decide to take a trip back home for a few days and check up on the shop. Maybe see if my wife will let me see the kids while Im gone. Ill have to make sure my blackberry is charged just in case anything happens with the team while Im gone. So ill flight out after tomorrow nights game.

- Rich Hill injured before his start with disloacated shoulder. Out 25 days. Anibal Sanchez will take his spot in the rotation and hopefully pitch another no-hitter with Dallas Trahern coming into relief from the minors.

[Mr. Perfect]

April 26, 2009
Rockies - 3 @ Lions - 0
Scoreless game all the way till Matt Holliday hits a 2-run homer in the 6th. Pedro goes 6.2 giving up 2 ER.
Not bad you say? Well Ubaldo Jiminez pitches a no-hitter until bottom of the 9th with 1 out. Dan Uggla gets the single. Ends just like that next play with Hermida grounding out for the DP.

WP: U. Jimenez (5-0)
LP: P. Martinez (3-2)
SV: B. Fuentes (4)

Temperature: 46F
Wind: 7 MPH (out to center)
Attendance: 19,232
Time: 2:45

April 27, 2009

Touched down in Dallas this morning. Business is doing great since Ive been gone. But its always good around this time. So after spending tha afternoon at the shop i head to my empty house and give my wife Lisa a ring. No answer i only get the voicemail so i let her know Im in town for the next few days. Hope I get a ring back. Let me check Sportscenter to see how the team did.

Rockies - 4 @ Lions - 7

Andrew Miller gets another win going 5-0 on the season while Hanley Ramirez takes care of the offense with 2 HRs.

WP: A. Miller (5-0)
LP: M. Herges (1-1)
SV: J. Miller (7)

Temperature: 54F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 18,755
Time: 2:54

April 28, 2009

I woke up early and went to breakfast with my old coach. We stayed close throughout the years and he always had my back in things.

I head back to the house and checkmy messages to see that my wife had no called. So I decide to head down to the shop.

I hadnt seen my dog in a good while. I had gave him over to Jose to take care of for me because I was staying in the MGM Grand and they didnt take dogs his size in the building. So he became kind of a shop dog. Got him a new chew bone and sat back watching the fellas work waiting to hear something from Lisa. No word all night. So me and the guys hit Applebees to have a bite and watch the game.

Rockies - 4 @ Lions - 1

Rookie Dallas Trahern gets his 1st start and 1st loss with Nolasco missing the start with a sore tricep. Josh Willingham gets 2 hits but thats about the only bright spot on the offense tonight.

[Mr. Perfect]

April 29, 2009

Still no word for three days. Its Friday and Im headed back to Vegas tomorrow so I hope she calls before then.

Padres - 3 @ Lions - 2

Hanley hits a leadoff HR giving Capuano a quick lead. Doesnt last long as he gives up a blast to Khalil Greene. The game continued to be tied up 1-1 then 2-2 all the way to the 13th inning when Will Venable knocks in Jody Gerut.

WP: J. Hampson (2-1)
LP: J. Miller (1-1)

Temperature: 45F
Wind: 8 MPH (left to right)
Attendance: 19,754
Time: 4:46

April 30, 2009

Still no word so I was headed back to Vegas. I would miss the game since it was a day game. So Ill fill you guys in when i touch down and get back to the MGM.

Padres - 16 @ Lions - 6

Horrible game. Annibal Sanchez only goes 1.2 innings giving up 10 hits and 8 runs. Turning off the TV. Going to gamble

WP: J. Geer (1-2)
LP: A. Sanchez (0-1)

Temperature: 54F
Wind: 3 MPH (left to right)
Attendance: 19,487
Time: 4:34

May 1, 2009

Another day game coming up but before that I will give you a update on whats going on with the team and the league.

NL WEST
Coloardo Rockies 19-10 --
Las Vegas Lions 18-10 0.5
San Diego Padres 15-11 2.5
Los Angeles Dodgers 11-16 7.0
San Francisco Giants 9-20 10.0

Las Vegas Lions
name avg hr sb r rbi oba
1. Hanley Ramirez .302 8 6 24 17 .396
2. Blake DeWitt .238 3 2 20 11 .328
3. Josh Willingham .181 1 0 10 10 .267
4. Dan Uggla .287 9 0 17 25 .374
5. Jim Edmonds .380 7 1 19 30 .426
6. Andy LaRoche .218 3 1 15 16 .317
7. Jeremy Hermida .235 3 0 13 13 .302
8. Max Ramirez .283 1 0 8 7 .328

name era ip k w l save
Pedro Martinez 4.34 37.1 34 3 2 0
Ricky Nolasco 3.15 34.1 19 3 0 0
Andrew Miller 3.11 37.2 42 5 0 0
Chris Capuano 3.07 41.0 44 3 1 0
Rich Hill 2.50 18 20 1 1 0

Justin Miller 1.74 10.1 9 1 1 7
Ramon Ramirez 2.25 16.0 17 0 2 1
Carlos Marmol 2.13 12.2 18 2 0 0
Matt Lindstrom 2.25 16.0 17 0 0 1
Eulogio De la Cruz 4.73 13.1 13 0 1 0
Anibal Sanchez 10.24 9.2 6 0 1 0

NL Leaders
Home Runs
Brad Hawpe 12
Adam Dunn 10
Ryan Braun 10
Casey Kotchman 9
Dan Uggla

Avg
Jim Edmonds .380
Matt Holiday .368
Casey Kotchman .365
Garrett Atkins .365
Clint Barmes .360

Wins
Ubaldo Jimenez 5
Andrew Miller 5
Johan Santana 5
Brandon Webb 4
Ben Sheets 4

Big Stories:
Yankess in last place in AL EAST by 5.5 games. Jeter 1,000th RBI. Pettitte gets 2,000th K.

Barry Bonds free-agent at 44. Refuses to go away.

With the month of April now over I will be only give detailed descriptions of individual games if something noteworthy happens. But weekly updates will be given and the basic game recaps(winner, loser, score, attendance, etc.).

Padres - 4 @ Lions - 1

4-game losing streak and Andrew Miller gets his 1st loss

WP: A. Harang (3-2)
LP: A. Miller (5-1)
SV: H. Bell (7)

Temperature: 69F
Wind: 3 MPH (out to center)
Attendance: 19,183
Time: 3:45

[Mr. Perfect]

May 2, 2009

My wife called while I was in the shower and left a message saying her and the Kids had gone out of town while I was in town. What a coincidence. At least she wasnt avoiding me. I returned her call and she explained the situation. :wipe sweat off forehead:

No game today

May 3, 2009

Free Agent Pick-Up - Nomar Garciaparra(1 year $1.6M) who will start at 1B in place of Andy LaRoche who is struggling.

Lions - 2 @ Mets - 0

Complete game Shutout for Rocky Nolasco

WP: R. Nolasco (4-0)
LP: M. Pelfrey (3-2)

Temperature: 48F
Wind: 5 MPH (in from right)
Attendance: 45,000
Time: 2:47

May 4, 2009

Lions - 5 @ Mets - 6

WP: B. Wagner (1-1)
LP: R. Tucker (0-1)

Temperature: 49F
Wind: 8 MPH (in from right)
Attendance: 45,000
Time: 5:08

May 5, 2009

Lions - 4 @ Mets - 6

WP: T. Armas (2-1)
LP: D. Trahern (0-2)
SV: B. Wagner (7)

Temperature: 62F
Wind: 3 MPH (in from center)
Attendance: 45,000
Time: 3:00

[Mr. Perfect]

May 6, 2009

Lions - 2 @ Giants - 1

Rookie James parr gets 1st win in 1st start

WP: J. Parr (1-0)
LP: P. Misch (0-4)
SV: J. Miller (8)

Temperature: 59F
Wind: 5 MPH (in from right)
Attendance: 28,380
Time: 3:29

May 7, 2009

Lions - 6 @ Giants - 7

WP: N. Lowry (2-2)
LP: M. Lindstrom (0-1)

Temperature: 75F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 27,646
Time: 3:52

May 8. 2009

Lions - 4 @ Giants - 6

WP: B. Zito (4-0)
LP: R. Nolasco (4-1)
SV: B. Wilson (7)

Temperature: 70F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 28,445
Time: 3:20

Weekly Update:
2-4, 2nd place 1 GB
Hanley Ramirez batting .414 with 3 HR and 7 RBIs
Josh Willingham starting to produce going .384 with 4 HR(all on consecutive days) and 8 RBIs
Andy LaRoche not producing, dont want to trade him but may have to go shopping for another 1B. Nomar not working.

[Mr. Perfect]

May 9, 2009

With the day off i decided to take in a little more of Vegas. So I checked out a little more of my new home the MGM Grand.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/mgm-hotel-address.jpg

Walking through the casino and lobby areas I see they have a version of Cirque de Soleil called KA. Couldnt hurt and I had nothing better to do.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/ka-cirque.jpg

Not bad. Maybe better if i was on shrooms watching it like in Knocked Up. Next time i think I'll just hit up a stripclub.

May 10, 2009

Rockies - 1 @ Lions - 7

Hanley and Willingham both go deep as Capuano goes 8 and gets the win.

- Ricky Nolasco injured 7 days and Andrew Miller injured 13. How this happened the same say im not sure . Now 4 of my starters are injured . Luckily Pedro will be back in 2 days.

WP: C. Capuano (4-1)
LP: J. Hirsh (2-4)

Temperature: 46F
Wind: 9 MPH (out to left)
Attendance: 17,743
Time: 3:09

May 11, 2009

Rockies - 7 @ Lions - 5

WP: L. Vizcaino (2-0)
LP: C. Marmol (2-1)
SV: B. Fuentes (9)

Temperature: 54F
Wind: 3 MPH (right to left)
Attendance: 18,906
Time: 3:56

May 12, 2009

Rockies - 11 @ Lions - 7

Carlos Marmol has gottn blown up his last 3 appearances giving up 3 runs in each. This game Rockies blow us up with 4 HRs. Matt Holliday hits a HR in each game this series giving him 6 straight games wit a homer.

WP: F. Morales (2-1)
LP: J. Parr (1-1)

Temperature: 65F
Wind: 9 MPH (left to right)
Attendance: 18,434
Time: 3:24

[Mr. Perfect]

May 13, 2009

Day off and I need a drink. Not going to do it but i sure do want one. Instead I have a meeting with the boss man Cuban. We go through the roster and i assure him we dont need any drastic moves. Hanley is playing great. His guy Jim Edmonds is really coming through. Even Willingham is playing alot better. One issue is 1B. Everybody we put there plays like they're dead. But i insist he let the players work it out before we jump the gun.

Also he gives me some input on the stadium. Its going to be called MGM Grand Field. For that they are paying us $200 Million for 35 years. The Park would have a retractable roof that would be close to that of Minute Maid Park. It would seat between 40,000 and 47,000. Daktronics would be providing the Video display screen which would be 160 feet wide and 60 feet high. The stadium would have 60 luxury suites equipped with 5-star chef buffet, bottle service, and party options before, during and after the game. The fans will be very close to the actions with the backstop only 50 feet away. The field dimensions would be created to accomodate the star of the team Hanley Ramirez with a short right porch. And a swimming pool equipped with slide will be installed. Cant wait for next year.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/mgmconstruction.jpg

May 14, 2009

Giants - 5 @ Lions - 7

Pedros back, gets the win and Justin "Tattoo Man" Miller gets the save. Willingham goes 3-4 with a HR.

WP: P. Martinez (4-2)
LP: B. Zito (4-1)
SV: J. Miller (9)

Temperature: 64F
Wind: 4 MPH (right to left)
Attendance: 18,138
Time: 2:48

May 15, 2009

Giants - 1 @ Lions - 2

Extra-inning game with Dan Uggla coming through with the GW RBI

WP: C. Marmol (3-1)
LP: V. Chulk (3-3)

Temperature: 70F
Wind: 2 MPH (out to center)
Attendance: 18,840
Time: 4:00

May 16, 2009

Giants - 4 @ Lions - 10

Big offense in the middle of the day. LaRoche hits 2 blasts and Garciaparra hits one of his own. 1Basmen coming up a lil.

WP: D. Trahern (1-2)
LP: J. Sanchez (1-2)

Temperature: 61F
Wind: 6 MPH (right to left)
Attendance: 19,093
Time: 3:35

[Mr. Perfect]

May 17, 2009

Lions - 11 @ Rockies - 7

Even bigger offense. Uggla and Ramirez come through wit homers a piece and Jim Edmonds knocks 2 over the fence in the thin air.

WP: J. Parr (2-1)
LP: U. Jimenez (5-2)

Temperature: 40F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 32,657
Time: 4:18

May 18, 2009

Lions - 1 @ Rockies - 5

No offense. Got cooked by Aaron Cook

WP: A. Cook (4-5)
LP: R. Nolasco (4-2)

Temperature: 48F
Wind: 4 MPH (out to right)
Attendance: 32,274
Time: 2:42

May 19, 2009

Lions - 6 @ Rockies - 5

Jim Edmonds 2 HRs

WP: J. Miller (2-1)
LP: T. Buchholz (0-1)
SV: M. Lindstrom (2)

Temperature: 53F
Wind: 2 MPH (in from left)
Attendance: 33,701
Time: 4:09

[Mr. Perfect]

May 20, 2009

Lions - 5 @ Padres - 6

WP: J. Hampson (3-1)
LP: J. Miller (2-2)

Temperature: 69F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 34,745
Time: 3:34

May 21, 2009

Lions - 7 @ Padres - 6

14 inning game

WP: C. Marmol (4-1)
LP: M. Adams (1-3)

Temperature: 70F
Wind: 6 MPH (in from right)
Attendance: 35,621
Time: 4:22

May 22, 2009

Lions - 2 @ Padres - 3

WP: C. Baek (5-2)
LP: R. Nolasco (4-3)
SV: H. Bell (14)

Temperature: 72F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 34,004
Time: 2:50

Weekly Update:
4-3 1st place .5 game lead
Nomar starting to hit better now hitting .282
Hanley batting very manly with 3 HRs and 2SBs this week
Pitching staff almost full healthy

[Mr. Perfect]

May 23, 2009

Day off. Team headed from San Diego to Kansas City. I wont be traveling with them. Im headed back to Vegas.

Ive been driving a rental around for a while and I think its time to get settled in a little more and start spending some of this new money.

So i need a nice ride. Something luxurious, big, and not horrible on gas. So after some internet searching and reviewing i compile a list of 5 whips.

Mercedes-Benz S600
5.5 liter 510 horsepower V-12 engine
MSRP $145,325
11 mpg city/17 mpg hwy
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/MB-s600.jpg

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
332 horsepower V-8 engine
MSRP $71,685
20 mpg city/ 21 mpg hwy
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/cadillacescalade.jpg

BMW 760
6.0 liter 438 horsepower V-12 engine
MSRP $124,100
13 mpg city/ 20 mpg hwy
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/bmw760.jpg

Chevy Tahoe Hybrid
6.0 liter 332 horsepower V-8 engine
MSRP $53,260
21 mpg city/ 22 mpg hwy
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/chevytahoe.jpg

Lexus LS600 Hybrid
5.0 liter 438 horsepower V-8 engine
MSRP $105,885
20 mpg city/ 22 mpg hwy
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e199/suaveallnight/lexusls600.jpg

I think Id go get the Lexus because it can park itself. Tho Im also loving the Escalade I always wanted one of those. I think I'll get both of em and send em to the shop in Dallas to get touched up better. Premium sound system. Custom interior. 22" rims on the Lexus and 24" on the Escalade. Yea thats it. Now I can ride around Vegas in style.

May 24, 2009

Lions - 7 @ Royals - 5

WP: P. Martinez (5-2)
LP: J. Patterson (4-2)
SV: J. Miller (10)

Temperature: 57F
Wind: 3 MPH (out to right)
Attendance: 27,877
Time: 3:11

May 25, 2009

Lions - 4 @ Royals - 3

WP: A. Miller (6-1)
LP: R. Oswalt (3-6)
SV: J. Miller (11)

Temperature: 58F
Wind: 3 MPH (in from left)
Attendance: 27,260
Time: 3:12

May 26, 2009

Lions - 4 @ Royals - 10

WP: Z. Greinke (5-3)
LP: C. Capuano (4-2)

Temperature: 61F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 26,950
Time: 3:16