Setting up DC; Expos 2003

[Chin Music]

In 2003, MLB could see the writing on the wall. Baseball must leave Montreal. With ownership in doubt, MLB stepped in to take the reigns and "babysit" the club until a new home could be found. Historically, they did a fair job... keeping some solid fan favorites like Jose Vidro while keeping down payroll. But could they have set up DC for an immediate winner in their first season by trading for youth and stockpiling resources?

Montreal Expos 2003

Goals:
1) To make the World Series within 5 years (by the end of 2008).
2) To be over .500 in 2005 (1st year in DC).
3) Don't end any season in the red financially.
4) Try and stay away from purely cash trades (The real league probably won't allow a player to be traded for nothing but cash. Cash as part of a trade is OK).


League Settings: Revenue +10%, Salary Demands -10%, Injury frequency -40%.

Sim notes: I will sim one month at a time. I'm not into starting a day-by-day dynasty only to see it die out after one season. I'm into trades and Free Agency as more of a GM role, not day-to-day lineup changes.

NEXT... Meet the revamped 2003 Expos as they battle a tight payroll and the NL East!

[Chin Music]

With the Expos I obviously begin in a big financial hole. My accountant welcomes me to the job and tosses me the spreadsheet. Our revenue is estimated at 24.5 Mil., while our Expenses are estimated at 58.5 Mil! Our payroll alone is currently 53.5 Mil! I immediately cancel free coffee and donuts for the office and institute a 50 cents per cup rule while I scan the roster:

Orlando Cabrera SS (79) 5.6 mil
Fernando Tatis 3B (79) 1 mil
Brad Wilkerson CF (90) 316K
Vlad Guerrero RF (95) 12.8 mil
Jose Vidro 2B (86) 7.7 mil
Wil Cordero LF (80) 1.65 mil
Michael Barrett C (80) 2.35 mil
Jeff Liefer 1B (71) 316K

Javier Vazquez SP (88) 4.6 mil
Livan Hernandez SP (88) 4.3 mil
Tony Armas Jr. SP (87) 3.1 mil
Tomo Ohka SP (80) 3.7 mil
Jose Mercedes SP (73) 780K

Scott Stewart CL (82) 316K
Joey Eischen Setup (83) 2.95 mil
Chad Cordero Short (82/85) 316k
Zach Day Middle (82) 316K
Luis Ayala Long (81) 316k
T.J. Tucker Alt. (79) 316K

WOW! I need to cut 30 mil to try and break even. Time to earn my now reduced salary! I set ticket prices at $11.50, six bucks below the next lowest team in an effort to fill the stadium. I also pump 1 mil each into my Farm System (8th), Scouting (8th), and Medical Staff (9th), further setting myself towards a financial crash.

PRE-SEASON TRADES

MONTREAL GIVES: Joe Vitiello 1B (63), Val Pascucci RF (62/74), Jose Macias CF (77), and Scott Downs RP (61)

CHI WS GIVE: Joe Crede 3b (74/75)

Analysis: This was a pure salary dump as I jettisoned nearly 3 mil in salaries for a young 316K per year 3B. I hope Crede can man 3b for a few seasons until some more talent can be aqcuired.


MONTREAL GIVES: Jeff Liefer 1b (71), Michael Barrett C (80), Fernando Tatis 3b (79), Dan Smith RP (71), Josh Labandeira SS (56/69), and 1 mil cash

CLEVELAND GIVES: Travis Hafner 1B (86)

Analysis: Once again finances played a role with nearly 3.5 mil being saved. I need some pop in the lineup and hopefully Hafner can provide it. Both Barrett and Tatis were in their walk years so it would have been unlikely I could have re-signed them anyway.


MONTREAL GIVES: Orlando Cabrera SS (79), Henry Mateo 2B (67/69), and Ron Calloway LF (67/70)

STL GIVES: Kerry Robinson LF (67)

Analysis: Man, nobody wanted Cabrera's 5 mil contract. I played baseball with Kerry in college so I'm a little biased, but I hope to plug him in LF and move Cordero to SS. His 67 rating is a little deceiving as well, since he has no power or arm in the outfield, but his offensive ratings are solid.


MONTREAL GIVES: Tomo Ohka SP (80)

CHI Cubs GIVE: Mark Grudzielanek 2B (75)

Analysis: Tomo's in his walk year and I needed to hack the 3.7 mil salary. Grudy provides solid 2B play at a low salary (970K).


MONTREAL GIVES: Tony Armas Jr. SP (87)

MINNESOTA GIVES: Joe Mays SP (81), and 1 mil. cash

Analysis: Ok, I really didn't want to swap an 87 rated pitcher for an 81 rated one, but once again Tony was in his final season and wanted 4 mil per year to re-sign. Mays should hold down a spot in the rotation for a few years at a bargain basement price.


MONTREAL GIVES: Jose Vidro 2B (86), Tim Drew RP (64), Joe Horgan RP (64/73), Julio Manon SP (73), Eric Knott (58), Joey Eischen RP (83), Sun-Woo Kim SP (73), and Bryan Hebson RP (69/72)

PHI GIVES: Brett Myers SP (71/81)

Analysis: Nobody wanted Vidro and his remaining 30 mil contract. I couldn't afford 7.7 mil per year, nor Eischen's 2.95 mil. I saved over 10 mil and grabbed a young top notch starter. I think his 81 may go up as he's still very young. The rest of the traded pitchers were deadwood taking up a roster spot.

My accountants claim I'm still due to lose 7 mil this season, but I'm hopeful that my insanely cheap tickets will bring in the fans and bolster the coffers.

NEXT... OPENING DAY 2003 ROSTERS and Will April Bring Success?

[Chin Music]

I nervously scanned my roster wondering how to answer the reporter's question. "I think we have a solid team that's going to be fun to watch," I replied. "With Vlad still on the squad and two top notch stud pitchers at the top of the rotation in Javier and Livan, we should remain competitive this season."

The Roster didn't support my statement, though.

Brad Wilkerson CF (89)
Mark Grudzielanek 2B (74)
Travis Hafner 1B (86)
Vlad Guerrero RF (95)
Joe Crede 3B (74/75)
Wil Cordero SS (80)
Brian Schneider C (77/78)
Kerry Robinson LF (67)

Kerry moves to Left and Cordero will attempt to move back to SS. This may be a temporary move.

Javier Vazquez SP (88)
Livan Hernandez SP (88)
Zach Day SP (80)
Joe Mays SP (81)
Brett Myers SP (71/81)

Chad Cordero Closer (80/86)
Scott Stewart Setup (80)
Luis Ayala Short (81)
T.J. Tucker Middle (78)
Britt Reames Long (78)
Jose Mercedes Alt. (71)

Staff looks solid and the bullpen should hold up well. I hope!

APRIL 2003

The season starts with a thud as we are swept by the Marlins.
RECORD: 10-14 (5 games back of Philly)

April MVP: Vlad .344, 10HRS, 27RBI
Most Surprising: Will Cordero .383, 2HRS, 12 RBI, solid defense
Worst: Kerry Robinson .198, just 5 SB's

Pitching MVP: Chad Cordero 0.00 ERA in 9.2IP, 3 saves
Most Surprising: Cordero
Worst: Livan Hernandez 1-3, 5.57 ERA

April Moves: My low ticket prices and even lower concession prices are bring the fans in at an amazing rate of 40,700 per game! My accountant now says I'm due to make 8 mil this season so I raise ticket prices to $12.50 to keep the cash flowing.

Current ranks: Farm System (10th), Scouting (10th), Medical Staff (9th)

MONTREAL SIGNS: Free Agent Zeke Street RF (72) to two years at 400k per year with a No Trade Clause. This allows me to send Termel Sledge LF (70/87) to AA for some more seasoning.

NEXT... MAY 2003

[Chin Music]

I was already sweating from the unusually warm May sun when I received the cell phone call from the team Owner, "I hope you know what you're doing. You realize you only have a five year deal, right?" "Yes, sir, things are on track," I replied. The Owner continued, "I want to see a National League Banner hanging from the rafters within five years, got it!"

MAY Record: 11-17; Total 21-31 (9.5 games out of first)

Things got ugly this month as Hafner broke his wrist. Even worse was the fact that my head trainer tells me it will never get totally healed and will probably reduce his skills (ratings went from 86 to 84). That bad news was followed by a sweep at the hands of a powerful Cardinal team.

MAY AWARDS (WIth total cumulative stats listed)
MVP: Vlad .337, 17HRS, 44 RBI
Most Surprising: Grudy .282, 2HRS, 19 RBI from the number 2 hole
Worst: Kerry Robinson .229, 12 SB's

Time to move Kerry out of LF as Wilkerson moves over to Left and Endy Chavez (74) takes over CF and leadoff duties. Vlad continues to crush the ball, but at 12.8 mil per, he had better keep it up.

Pitching MVP: Chad Cordero 1.85 ERA, 24.1 IP, 9 saves
Most Surprising: T.J. Tucker 1.85 ERA, 24.1 IP
Worst: Brett Myers 4-2, 6.99 ERA, 20 ERs in last 22 IP

Myers is struggling, but what better team to work through your problems than the Expos?

FINANCES: The rest of league is pumping more cash into their system so I add 1 mil to Farm System (15th to 12th), 2 mil more to Scouting (13th to 6th), and keep Medical the same (12th).


JUNE 2003

It's time to narrow that 9.5 game deficit with a solid month. After being swept by the A's, the Expos sweep the Mariners, but its not enough.

JUNE Record: 12-14, Total record: 33-45 (13 games back)

June MVP: Will Cordero .312, 10HRS, 43 RBI, good D at short
Most Surprising: Joe Crede .240, 6HRS, heads to the bench
Worst: Termel Sledge .219, 1 HR in first full month in the lineup.

I tried to rush Termel (70/87) to the bigs to take over Left while Wilkerson went to 1B to cover for the injured Hafner. Didn't work, but I committed to keeping him in the lineup.

Pitching MVP: Joe Mays 6-6, 4.66 ERA as the #4 starter
Pitching Most Surprising: Luis Ayala 1-6, 6.99 ERA UGLY!
Worst: SEE AYALA

JULY 2003

It's tough to come to the ballpark these days as the team seems mired in the muck of the basement of the NL East. I'm hopeful that the teams doesn't see through my smiling outside as I greet them prior to the first game in July. "Keep working hard and good things will happen," I lamely tell them.

JULY RECORD: 14-13 ; SEASON RECORD: 47-59 (12.5 games back)

July MVP: Vlad... really the only guy worth going to the game for. I didn't do any other awards as even with the over .500 record for the month, no one shined aside from Vlad.

TRADING DEADLINE TRADE:

MONTREAL GIVES: Britt Reames RP (78)

TAMPA BAY GIVES: B.J. Upton SS (55/90)

I know he is a long way away from being ready for the bigs, but this was a steal in my book. Reames was up for Arbitration and I was unwilling to give him a raise for next year.

AUGUST RECORD: 14-14 ; SEASON RECORD: 61-72 (13 games back) At least I'm treading water with the rest of the league. I did manage to take 2 of 3 games from Philly knocking them forever out of 1st place. No MVP's of the month for the previous month's reason. Even Vlad is starting to slow in the summer heat.

SEP/OCT RECORD: 16-13 ; SEASON FINAL RECORD: 77-85 (12 games back) The Braves continue their NL East dominance as they make the play-offs again. The Cardinals take the NL pennant and the World Series over the evil empire of New York.


NEXT... SEASON STATS AND ARBITRATION TIME

[Chin Music]

As the players wearily pack their bags and depart the locker room, I head up to the GM suite to grab a Jack Daniels and Coke and review the final season stats. I purposefully take the phone off of the hook so the Owner doesn't call to ask me what I intend to do about the team.

TEAM AVG: 265

LINEUP:
NAME ABs / BA / OBP / HR / R / RBI / SB

Endy Chavez CF 502 / .269 / .315 / 5 / 73 / 25 / 25
M. Grudzielanek 2B 570 / .288 / .326 / 3 / 62/ 45/ 8
V. Guerrero RF 598 / .333 / .424 / 41 / 109/ 121 / 16
B. Wilkerson 1B 607 / .292 / .400 / 29 / 113 / 118 / 8
W. Cordero SS 490 / .286 / .365 / 17 / 54 / 79 / 4
J. Crede 3B 478 / .243 / .303 / 15 / 42 / 68 / 1
B. Schneider C 539 / .258 / .329 / 7 / 45 / 47 / 2
K. Robinson LF 217 / .230 / .283 / 0 / 17 / 10 / 16

Best Bench player:
J. Carroll 3B 366 .284 .355 0 57 37 10

Hafner hit only 5HRs in about 274 ABs and Termel was awful at .216, 4HRs in 255 ABs. I've got to look to upgrade LF if Termel won't take the spot.


PITCHING TEAM ERA: 4.32
NAME W - L ERA IP K's SV

J. Vazquez SP 13 - 9 / 3.57 / 201.2 / 178 / 0
L. Hernandez SP 10 - 17 / 4.49 / 220.2 / 165 / 0
Z. Day SP 8 - 17 / 5.03 / 205.2 / 116 / 0
J. Mays SP 15 - 7 /3.89 / 205.2 / 115 / 0
B. Myers SP 10 - 7 / 5.16 / 129 / 91 / 0

C. Cordero RP 1 - 5 / 3.25 / 69.1 / 61 / 32
T.J. Tucker RP 3 - 3 / 3.36 / 75 / 48 / 1
S. Stewart RP 6 - 7 / 4.60 / 74.1 / 70 / 0
L. Ayala RP 3 - 7 / 5.76 / 65.2 / 53 / 2
R. Biddle RP 0 - 0 / 2.21 / 20.1 / 14 / 2
J. Mercedes SP/RP 8 - 5 / 3.58 / 125.2 / 77 / 0

Overall, pretty solid. Livan can't be that bad two years in a row? The bullpen could use a few studs, but I have at least a solid base coming back next season.


Expos Free Agents: None

Expos Arbitration Cases: Brian Schneider C, Kerry Robinson OF, Rocky Biddle RP.

On a side note, while I like the newly added arbitration figure, its frustrating to scan your roster at the trading deadline to see that no players are up for arbitration, just to have a few reach the minimum amount of service by the end of the year. Gone are the days that a player could toil for the league minimum for 6 shining seasons. I usually am only able to get about 2 solid seasons from a player before arbitration strikes.

OFFSEASON GOALS:

1) Add some talented young pitching through the draft and post-draft trades. I want two stud starters and a solid reliever.

2) Add a bullpen pitcher to strengthen the pen.

3) Pick up a few inexpensive Free Agents to solidy the bench and possibly take over at 1B, so I can move Wilkerson back to CF and trade the ever-declining Travis Hafner.

4) Keep payroll under control. Just one more season in Montreal, so I need to keep finances in the black.


NEXT... OFFSEASON MOVES AND THE ALWAYS EXCITING DRAFT! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!

[Chin Music]

Another day at the office. Even though its November and the rest of the league's GMs are hitting the links for a few days of rest, I drive on with trying to make Montreal a winner. The spreadsheets laid in front of me are daunting. Before I can call the accountant to discuss a suspicious charge for "live chickens" in the locker room, the phone rings. "It's official, the team is heading to DC at the end of next season," the representative from MLB says. "Great, does that mean I get more cash to make this team into a winner?" "No," the exec says, " same parameters. You have to stay in the black."


I made 12.2 mil last season and drew an amazing 34,987 per game with my ridiculously low ticket prices. It might also have been due to the Local TV blackout I had in place. Since my fan loyalty is still at F, I sign a Pay TV contract. I also tweak the finaces: Farm system +3 mil. (20th to 15th), Scouting +2 mil. (8th to 6th), Medical +1 mil. (14th to 11th).

ARBITRATION:

1) B. Schneider C wants 3.75 mil

EXPOS Offer 3.35 mil. EXPOS WIN

2) R. Biddle RP wants 400K

EXPOS Offer 350k EXPOS WIN

3) K. Robinson wants 550K

EXPOS Offer 450K ROBINSON WINS

4) S. Stewart wants 2.05 mil

EXPOS Offer 1.75 mil EXPOS WIN

ANALYSIS: Arbitration is often pure luck. You have to decide before hand whether the player fits into your future plans. If you plan on trading the player, you may as well try and really low ball him. If you want to keep him, you should probably try and just squeeze a few bucks out of his offer to lessen the financial hit. These four are all actually up on the block immediately as I can't afford to keep playing this escalating payroll game with them.

FREE AGENT SIGNING: Aramis Ramirez 3B (87), 6 yrs, 4.9 mil. per year. Team Option for 1 yr at 5.9 mil; Player Option at 1 year for 5.2 mil.

I need a better 3B. Point blank, I think that Ramirez can add some pop to the lineup and is still young enough to be successful throughout his contract.

DRAFT:

My scouting team sits down with me to show me all of the young power hitters available in the draft. I remind them that we only have four more years to turn this thing around. I don't have time to wait three years for a young hitter to develop. We have to draft big league ready players. They look disappointed, but they know I'm right.

1st Round (#13 overall): Luis Icaza SP (82/93)
2nd Round (#43 overall): Bruce Schuler RP (78/83)
3rd Round (#73 overall): Kevin Lawson 1B (51/93)
4th Round (#103 overall): Travis Robertson RP (60/77)
5th Round (#133 overall): Albie Breckinridge RP (47/76)
6th Round (#163 overall): Andreas Salvador RP (45/72)

ANALYSIS: Icaza and Schuler are ready now for the bigs. There was some greater potential out there, but I wanted ready made players. Lawson is a major project, but to grab a 93 rated player in the 3rd round was too much to pass up. The rest of the relievers will hopefully develop into a bullpen role within two years.

TRADE: I love to grab a top-notch starter for an immediate rotation spot, but the price is high. A few guys were even rated at 92/97, but they were out of my range. So I got what I could
while dumping some payroll.

MONTREAL GIVES: B. Schneider C (83), K. Robinson LF (68), A. Salvador RP (45/72), Ray Corcoran RP (71), S. Stewart (83), and 5 mil. cash

TAMPA BAY GIVES: Will Williams SP (85/98)

I dump over 5.7 mil and grab a future ace and a current solid pitcher. Will is the real deal. I hated to give up my starting C and a top notch reliever in Stewart, but they were both in their arbitration years.

FREE AGENT SIGNING: A.J. Pierzynski C (83), 6 yrs, 2.15 mil per year, NO TRADE Clause

Analysis: Man, this guy was tough to sign. I usually never go for a no trade clause, but this guy's agent wasn't budging. A.J. was really the only legitimate choice, as I didn't have enough depth to trade for a C and the other FA's left were horrible (Einar Diaz and Ramon Hernandez).

FINANCES CHECK:

Farm System 6 mil (12th)
Scouting 10 mil (6th)
Medical Staff 4 mil (12th)

Expected Revenue 49.9 mil
Expected Expenses 54.6 mil

I hope that I can remain competitive and break even this season, but if not, I can always dump Livan and his 4 mil plus salary before he's up for Free Agency this season.

NEXT... THE 2004 MONTREAL EXPOS

[Chin Music]

Spring Training is a time for optimism. As I watch the Expos infielders field grounders, I scan the roster with hope. Maybe we can make some noise this season and roll into DC with a chance at the title? Maybe.

LINEUP:

Brad Wilkerson CF (91)
Mark Grudzielanek 2B (77)
Vlad Guerrero RF (95)
Aramis Ramirez 3B (86)
Travis Hafner 1B (86)
Termel Sledge LF (76/86)
A.J. Pierzynski C (83)
Macier Izturis SS (62/79)

Bench
Joe Crede 3B (80)
Endy Chavez CF (78)
Zeke Street RF (72)
Edwards Guzman C (73)
Jamey Carroll INF (77)
Wil Cordero LF (81)

Starters
Javier Vazquez SP (89)
Will Williams SP (86/98)
Livan Hernandez SP (90)
Zach Day SP (83)
Joe Mays SP (81)

Relievers
Chad Cordero CL (86/89)
Luis Ayala Setup (83)
T.J. Tucker Short (80)
Bruce Schuler Middle (78/83)
Rocky Biddle Long (72)
Brett Myers Alt. (79/83)


Analysis:

I like the lineup. There are still a few holes and/or question marks at SS and in LF. I'll give Termel another opportunity to win the LF job, but if he falters, I can stick Wil Cordero there or move Wilkerson over and insert Chavez in CF. I'm concerned about Izturis at SS, but if he doesn't hit, Cordero could go back to SS. B.J. Upton is still a long way from making the bigs (60/89).

The pitching looks really solid as well. Livan is in his walk year and wants an additional 1 mil per year. Day is on a short leash after going 8-17 with a 5.03 ERA. Icaza (80/93), may not stay in AA long and would be a replacement option in the rotation. The bullpen just needs to be passable as my rotation featured four 200IP starters last season. I hope that Schuler can take the spot of Stewart and keep a solid 4.50 ERA in the middle relief role.

NEXT... 2004 SEASON BEGINS

[Chin Music]

It's just hours from the first pitch in the 2004 season and I meet with all of my club's top scouting folks to map out the future of the club. I'm not sure whether they are really paying attention to me or the players taking pre-game Batting Practice, but it's time to think about the future.

1B - Travis Hafner (86) rebounded from last seasons injury well and I'm hoping for a monster season this year. He's not due to hit Arbitration until after next season, so we should be set. Kevin Lawson (51/93) is just 17 years old (I thought you had to be 18 to be drafted?), but he'll step in for Hafner when Arbitration hits. This, of course, assumes that Hafner can improve on his .219 BA he posted last year.

2B - Grudy (77) is in his final season and I'll probably have to deal him at the trading deadline. If I can grab a solid replacement, great. If not, I may just plug the economical Jamey Carroll (77) into the slot. This is a position in need of upgrade next season.

SS - Will Izturis (62/79) play well enough to hold onto the job for a few seasons? If so, B.J. Upton (60/89) should be ready by 2006. If not, Free Agency may be a short-term option next season.

3B - A. Ramirez (87) is the long-term option here and is backed up this season by a much improved J. Crede (80). Crede will be up for Arbitration at the end of the season, but if he goes for around 1 mil. I may keep him around.

C - A.J. (83), the hard negotiator is locked in place with his no-trade clause. I still don't like his lack of pop and horrible eye at the dish, but he'll be serviceable for a few seasons. E. Guzman (73) can back up for a few seasons, but I'm keeping my eye open for a young future C.

LF - Termel (76/86) has every opportunity to hold down this position. If he fails this season, I'll have to explore a trade to man this slot. I still don't see him as the LF in two years as I'm sure a trade will fill this hole soon.

CF - Wilkerson (91) is a stud, but he is approaching a very rich payday in the future. I'll probably have to deal him prior to him walking and take my chances with Endy Chavez (78).

RF - Vlad (95) has two years left on his huge salary and will probably have to be dealt next year when he goes asking for 16 mil plus. I'd like to trade him for a hot prospect from next year's draft, but his salary will scare alot of GM's off.

SP - The staff is solid, and I'd like to re-sign Livan (90) as he's a major innings eater. If I start to lose a lot of cash this season, he'll be the first to go. Zach Day (83) will also probably go to make room for Luis Icaza (80/93). Next season will see Vazquez's (89) contract expire and I'd like to trade him for a young, newly drafted power pitcher.

RP - The bullpen is young and will be facing big salary raises at the end of 2005 (maybe some this season!). I'll probably have to rely on some minor leaguers to fill the temporary voids. Anthony Ferrari (72), Chad Bentz (64/10), and Travis Robertson (60/77) had better grow up down on the farm, as one of them will be expected to fill a bullpen role next season.

Overall - My depth, as to be expected with a low payroll team, is thin. I only have two positions with legitimate future stars (SS and 1B). The starting staff is in pretty good shape with three possible replacements waiting in the wings (Myers, Mercedes in AAA, and Icaza in AA). The bullpen lacks depth but a few starters can be thrust into emergency duty.

NEXT... 1st Pitch of 2004

[Chin Music]

I just don't need this curse. As 2004 sets to begin, Peter Gammons is on ESPN claiming that the Expos could be a surprise team this season. He's maintaining that the team's pick ups of Ramirez and young phenom Will Williams may put them in contention. I can feel the jinx settling in.

APRIL 2004 11-13

MVP: A. Ramirez .333 8HRs, 24 RBI in the #4 hole
Surprise: Termel Sledge .310, 3HRS, 14 RBI
Worst: Grudy .208 in the leadoff position

Pitching Best: Will Williams 3-1, 2.83 ERA
Worst: Joe Mays 0-2, 13.86 ERA in 3 starts

Under .500... AGAIN! Will Williams has adjusted nicely to his first big league action and Termel is finally earning the LF role. Joe Mays heads to the bullpen and Brett Myers jumps back in. M. Izturis has struggled at SS with a .200 BA, so Wil Cordero slides back in to the lineup.

MAY 2004 13-15 (24-28) 3rd Place in NL East, 10.5 games back of Philly

MVP: Sledge .330, 8HRS, 30 RBI
Surprise: Wilkerson .254, 8HRS, 45K's
Pitching Best: Vazquez 3-6, but a 2.76 ERA

Another losing month and the Philly's have sprinted to a large lead. Will Williams gets hurt throwing between starts and its up to another rookie, Luis Icaza to make the jump up from AA.

I'm set to lose 5.5 mil this season after adding 1 mil to my Medical staff, but I need healthy players.

Farm System (10th)
Scouting (6th)
Medical Staff (9th)


JUNE 2004 14-12 (38-40) 9 games back of Philly

I manage an over .500 month, but Wilkerson (.251/ 11HRS/ 37 RBI) now comes due for Arbitration and he wants a four year deal at 6.95 mil per. A little too rich for the Expos so I'll begin scouring the trade rumors. I've managed to draw 32,400 per game, and have 10.5 mil on hand. The accountants still claim I'm going to lose 3 mil this season, so some trades must be made.

NEXT... Will the Expos get back in the hunt this season?

[Chin Music]

The packing vans are already circling the parking lot preparing to move the Expos from Canada to the capitol of the U.S. I try and focus on the team and the rest of 2004, but I can't help but see dollar signs in my head. D.C. should allow me to add 10-20 mil in payroll next season alone. I glance at my messages and see that another player agent left a message. They see dollar signs in D.C. as well.

JULY 30 2004 (13-12; 51-52 overall, 14.5 games back of Philly)

Just two days from the trading deadline and its time to pare some fat from the team. For those interested, Manny Ramirez dominated the Home Run derby, but the NL won the game.

Free Agent Signing: Kevin Millar (88), 1b/OF, 5 years at 1.7 mil per, Team Option for 1 year at 2.2 mil.

Analysis: Why was Millar still available in July? Because he's 32 and refused to back off of his 5 year request. I know that he won't be around in 5 years because this move was made solely to add some immediate punch to the lineup. I have some moves to make and it would be nice to add a solid bat at 1st where Hafner is clearly over-matched.

Mid-Season stats:

B. Wilkerson / CF .251 / 11 hrs / 37 RBI
T. Sledge / LF .301 / 9 hrs / 51 RBI
V. Guerrero / RF .337 / 23 hrs / 92 RBI
A. Ramirez / 3b .284 / 17 hrs / 64 RBI
A. Pierzynski / C .298 / 10 hrs / 50 RBI
T. Hafner / 1B .208 / 7 hrs / 24 RBI
M. Grudzielanek / 2B .223 / 1 hr / 21 RBI
M. Izturis / SS .252 / 3 hrs / 23 RBI

Bench Contributors
W. Cordero / SS .318 / 10 hrs / 38 RBI
J. Crede / 3B .298 / 13 hrs / 40 RBI
Z. Street / OF .272 / 6 hrs / 26 RBI in only 81 ABs

Analysis: It's time to end the Hafner experiment as I can't keep going on with a 1B that can't hit his weight. I'll move Millar there, but keep Hafner as trade fodder for the off-season. Cordero is hitting well, but I need Izturis' defense at SS. Wilkerson is asking for big money, so he'll be a trading deadline cut as will be Crede since he's up for Arbitration and 2 mil per year. Grudy is also a Free Agent to be and I'll look to trade him and allow Jamey Carroll to man 2B for the time being.

Looking to Trade: Grudy 2B (75; wants 1.3 mil for 5 years); Wilkerson (87; wants 5.8 mil for 4 years); Crede (81; wants 3.1 mil for 4 years); Z. Street (71; wants 400K for 5 years); E. Chavez CF (79; wants 3.1 mil for 4 years).

PITCHING STATS

SP: J. Vazquez (7-10; 3.73 ERA; 144.2 IP)
L. Hernandez (10-8; 3.74 ERA; 142 IP)
W. Williams (7-4; 3.98 ERA; 115.1 IP)
L. Icaza (5-3; 3.36 ERA; 75 IP)
B. Myers (8-5; 5.05 ERA; 123 IP)

Bullpen: C. Cordero (2-5; 2.60 ERA; 50 IP; 23 sv)
B. Schuler (2-3; 4.05 ERA; 46.2 IP)
R. Biddle (0-1; 3.62 ERA; 37.1 IP)
T. Tucker (1-3; 5.84 ERA; 37 IP)
L. Ayala (2-2; 7.98 ERA; 29.1 IP)
J. Mays (2-2; 7.52 ERA; 40.2 IP)

Analysis: The starting staff has been pretty consistent, which is hard to do with two rookies on the staff in Icaza and Williams. The bullpen has some major holes, but is serviceable.

Looking to Trade: I have to decide whether to re-sign Livan or not. (90; wants 4.6 mil for 6 years) He is a top notch starter, but even assuming negotiations go well, I'm looking at a 2 mil raise per year. That added to the Millar contract and my already estimated 3 mil loss this season puts me at 7 mil down. That leaves only about 10 mil in Free Agent acquisitions next season. Tucker (81), Biddle (72), and Jose Mercedes (66; making 780K per year in AAA) are also trade candidates. I want to keep some players I can deal for a great starting pitcher in the rookie draft.

Overall Thoughts: Being a small market team means always looking ahead. Guerrero's contract will be up next season and I probably can't afford the 15 mil per year price tag. Vazquez is also up next season and will probably want something in the 6-7 mil per range. These mid-season moves are critical. I have to get young stars in exchange for my outgoing personnel. I can't settle for a temporary fix. I'll only be able to add 2 starters through the draft (one in my first round, one via trade) and maybe one position player and a some bullpen help via Free Agency (10 mil. total cap).

NEXT... 2004 Mid-season deals and the moving fans start packing!

[Chin Music]

As I eat dinner in my favorite Montreal joint, I scan the Expos lineup and try and figure out who to trade at the trading deadline. The other people eating glance at the stack of papers lying on my table and wonder what would possess someone to sit alone at diner and pore over stats. It's a man who knows his job is on the line. Already this week, the owner called twice to complain that the Expos seem mired in another "also-ran" season. "Where's the improvment... Where's the break out," he lamented.

TRADING DEADLINE:

Expos Give: Grudy 2B (75), Jose Mercedes SP (66), Endy Chavez CF (79), and 1 million cash

Seattle Gives: Jeremy Reed CF (79/89)

Analysis: Reed is my CF of the future. He has speed and a good eye. All of the players I had to give don't figure in my future plans.

Expos Give: Anthony Ferrari RP (65/71), R. Biddle (72), and 1 mil. cash

KC Gives: Zack Greinke SP (69/86)

Analysis: Greinke is a solid starter that should be a fixture in my future rotation. I gave up nothing to get a future #4 starter.

Expos Give: J. Crede 3B (81)

STL Gives: Yadier Molina C (71/83)

Analysis: Crede has good skills, but is due for a big payday at the end of the season. Molina provides a solid backup C for many years.

Expos Give: B. Wilkerson CF (87)

Detroit Gives: Chad Gaudin SP/RP (69/78) and 2 million cash

Analysis: Wilkerson was wanting a BIG Raise! I was glad to simply unload him for a possible Alt starter. The cash helps balance my previous trades as well.

RE-SIGNINGS:
Livan Hernandez SP (90); 6 yrs at 4.3 mil per; PO for 3 yrs at 4.75 mil per.

T.J. Tucker RP (81); 4 yrs at 950K per year; TO 1 yr at 1.15 mil.; PO at 1 yr at 950K.

Analysis: Tucker is a solid reliever at a cheap price. Livan ended up re-signing for the same amount he was currently making. Pitching is always at a premium so it was worth re-signing him. He wanted the PO for a total of 9 years contract, but we all know he'll be traded before then.

AUG 2004: 15-13 (66-67 total) 15 games back of New York

The big news this month is that the youth movement took over. I gave Hafner another shot at 1B and B.J. Upton moved up from AA to man SS on the big league level.

SEP/OCT 2004: 19-10 (85-77 total) 16 games back of New York

I managed to have a great month and I'm hopeful that 2005 will be the year that we make the play-offs. I made 1.3 mil this season with a 35.1 mil. payroll. According top the accountants, I can probably add 15 mil to the payroll next season in DC.

Farm System - 6 mil. (8th)
Scouting - 10 mil. (5th)
Med. Staff - 3 mil. (11th)

Cash on hand: 11.6 mil.

2004 End of Season Stats:
BA HRS RBI SB
J. Reed CF .233 / 4 / 22 / 5
T. Sledge LF .292 / 16 / 79 / 6
V. Guerrero RF .349 / 41 / 141 / 13
A. Ramirez 3B .299 / 33 / 109 / 3
A. Pierzynski C .285 / 13/ 72 / 3
K. Millar 1B .263 / 8 / 28 / 0
M. Izturis SS .226/ 6 / 33 / 12
J. Carroll 2B .267/ 0 / 15/ 3

PITCHING
W-L ERA IP K SVs
Williams 10-6 / 3.53 / 201.2 / 166 / 0
Vazquez 12-15 / 3.76 / 220 / 225 / 0
Hernandez 14-14 / 4.19 / 219 / 185 / 0
Icaza 9-7 / 5.80 / 127.1 / 102 / 0
Myers 13-8 / 4.81 / 204 / 138 / 0

Cordero 6-5 / 3.87 / 79 / 77 / 34
Tucker 5-4 / 3.65 / 74 / 43 / 0
Schuler 5-6 / 5.83 / 80.1 / 69 / 1
Ayala 3-2 / 5.92 / 51.2 / 41 / 2
Mays 2-2 / 6.06 / 62.1 / 38 / 1
Day 4-5 / 6.37 / 65 / 38 / 0

Analysis: The lineup was solid. I'm still going to try and keep Wil Cordero in at SS as Izturis was woeful with the bat. Millar should solidy the lineup in a full season. The starting staff is solid, but the bullpen needs either a little help or better performances by my current personnel.

NEXT: Off season moves and the move to DC

[Chin Music]

As the first moving fan heads into the RFK stadium parking lot I can't help but smile a little. It helps that I see major dollar signs in the future with this move. After two years, the Expos have been floundering around .500, but I'm hopeful that the many moves I have made will pay off this season. I plan on going to the playoffs this season. Point Blank. I don't know if we can win the NL pennant in 2005, but the playoffs are a definite goal. I said as much to local media guru Tony Kornheiser and he's been calling me "delusional and stupid" all week. I tape the radio shows just so I can gloat when this season turns into a hit. I hope...

2004 Final Team stats: BA .269; ERA 4.65; Runs Scored 767; Runs Allowed 801

Off-Season Moves:

I release backup catcher E. Guzman (66/71) and decline to offer him arbitration. With the Molina deal, I have a backup and don't need a third C on the big league roster.

Free Agent Signing: Luis Rivas 2B (83) 4yrs at 3.15 mil per; TO for 1yr at 3.65 mil. NO TRADE CLAUSE.
Analysis: I hate signing players to no-trade deals, but I need a second baseman and he comes cheap. He's still young and should be able to man second for the length of his contract.

ROOKIE PLAYER DRAFT:

#1/16 - Vern HeyGlass RF (69/98)
#2/46 - Carlos Cuebas SP (63/90)
#3/76 - John Gold C (60/84)
#4/106 - Wes VanPatten SP (47/85)
#5/136 - Jeff Cunningham SP (47/79)
#6/166 - Brad Albert 2B (52/64)

Analysis: HeyGlass is a legitimate star, but still a few years away. The interesting thing is that this was the draft of RP's. No starters were drafted in the first round as a big group of stud closers were available early on. I'm talking closers with (95/100) ratings! Cuebas is a few years away as well, but should be a staff fixture in three years. Gold is a solid C prospect, while the 4 and 5 picks are major projects.

NEXT... Off-season continues.

[Chin Music]

The press conference is buzzing with TV crews and reporters. As Vlad Guerrero models the new Nationals gear, I glide to the podium to announce some player moves. Before I speak, Vlad gives me a sly smile suggesting that he's thrilled that the team is in a better home with a chance to win. All I can think about is unfurling a shiny "NL Champ" pennant to waive in the background of the Capitol.

Re-sign Javier Vazquez SP, 6yrs at 4.6 mil per; TO 1 yr at 5.9 mil; PO 1 yr at 4.7 mil.

Vazquez wants to be a part of the DC move and re-signs for the same salary he had before. He's still young and the recent draft's lack of starters has me concerned enough to lock up solid starting pitching for a while.

Free Agent Signing: Austin Kearns (82); 3yrs at 2.2 mil per; TO 1 yr at 2.5 mil; NO TRADE CLAUSE

I need a solid backup OF and with the influx of additional revenue I have the luxury of spending big for one. He should be a legitimate big bopper off the pine.

Nats Trade: J. Mays SP (75/79) and 2 mil. cash

CHI Cubs Trade: Bryan Sparks RP (80/93)

Sparks was one of the many top notch relievers to come out of last season's draft. I didn't want to trade enough to get one of the amazing top draft closers with 95/100 ratings, but Sparks should help out the pen immediately. Mays was making 1.7 mil to be a 6th or 7th starter, so he was expendable.

2005 Opening Day

Farm System 10 mil. (5th)
Scouting 11 mil. (4th)
Medical staff 7 mil. (7th)

Projected 86 mil. profit with 66 mil. projected expenses!

LINEUP

Reed CF (79/89)
Sledge LF (88)
Guerrero RF (95)
Ramirez 3B (87)
Cordero SS (86)
Hafner 1B (86)
Pierzynski C (83)
Rivas 2B (83)

PITCHING STAFF

Williams (89/98)
Vazquez (89)
Hernandez (90)
Icaza (83/93)
Myers (81)

Cordero (86/87)
Tucker (81)
Ayala (83)
Sparks (81/93)
Schuler (79/80)
Day (81)

The Nats lineup is fearsome. With speed at the top, power in the middle, and good average at the bottom, it is a balanced attack. The Pitching staff is solid throughout as I immediately throw Sparks into a bullpen role.

NEXT... OPENING DAY 2005 DC STYLE!

[Chin Music]

The stands are packed with fans decked out in hats emblazoned with a "W" or an interlocked "DC". The stadium is literally rocking as the 2005 season begins. I normally catch the games from an office overlooking the field, but today I take the opportunity to quietly sit in the corner of the dugout. As I watch the players gather at the top step of the dugout preparing to take their positions, I know I've made a winner. Will injuries or a prolonged slump keep the Nats from becoming an immediate winner? I hope not.

APRIL 2005 14-10; 1st Place in the NL East by .5 games.

MVP: A. Ramirez .333, 3hrs, 11 RBI
Worst: L. Rivas .258, 0hrs
Pitching MVP: J. Vazquez 3.49 ERA, 2-2, 38.2 IP
Worst: C. Cordero 7.71 ERA, 9.1 IP

Nats Re-Sign Vlad Guerrero RF (95) to 7yrs at 12.95 mil. per year, PO for 1 years at 13.4 mil.

The first month was pretty solid as we raced to a slight lead in the NL East. I also made the decision to re-sign Guerrero as he will only receive a 150K per year raise. Hardly enough to give up a player of that talent level. Plus, the fans of DC are pouring into the stadium so the cash is flowing.

MAY 2005 20-8 (34-18 total, 1st place in NL east, up 3 game son the Phillys)

Nats sign free agent Randy Johnson SP (71) to a 1 year deal for 1.65 mil. with a TO for 1 year at 1.75 mil. NO TRADE CLAUSE.

The Nats began to dominate in May as they posted a spectacular 20-8 record to start to run away with the lead. I had to sign the 41 year old RJ to solidify an injury-depleted staff. This was the month of key injuries as well. Livan, RJ (1 week after he was signed), and most importantly Jeremy Reed, went down with injuries. The Reed injury placed me in a pickle that all Mogul owners must deal with. No one on my team, minors or big leagues, played CF besides Reed, and he was injured for 2 weeks. Do you trade for a CF and further deplete your farm system in making the deal? Or do you plug a RF or LF slugger in the lineup in Center and hope that the defense remains solid? I went with option number 2. Kearns took over CF and hit well while playing solid D.

JUNE 2005 15-11 (49-29 total, 5.5 games up on Philly)
I managed to increase my lead despite playing only 4 games over .500 for the month.

MVP: K. Millar .346, 12hrs, 34 RBI
Worst: Hafner .228, 5hrs, 25 RBI
Pitching MVP: Vazquez, 8-4, 3.69 ERA in 119.2 IP
Worst: None

I'm now expected to bring in over 23 mil. in profit this season. My team is also hitting at a .290 clip, tops in the NL!

Nats Trade Chad Bentz RP (72) and 1 mil. cash

Philly trades Carl Burkatova RF (66/89)

Nats Trade Shawn Hill RP (61/62) and Claudio Vargas RP (71)

Hou Trades Adam Everett SS (72)

Analysis: Kevin Lawson 1B (60/94) was good buddies with Burkatova and he was easy to acquire, so I pulled the trigger. Everett provides depth at SS. I also wanted to get rid of some dead weight on my team. None of the pitchers we traded will ever see the big-league roster in DC.

NEXT... Will the Nats make the play-offs in their first season?

[Chin Music]

I'm lounging in the my General Manager suite before an early July game savoring the moment. Peter Gammons of ESPN now calls me on a daily basis to talk baseball. This from a guy that barely knew my name when I was in Montreal. But the new town and a 1st place record changes things. I'm day dreaming about the post season when I notice the coaches running towards a kneeling Aramis Ramirez. As he walks off the field his arm is hanging. Just an hour later my medical staff relays me the bad news. He suffered a torn rotator cuff and will miss 250 days! Can the Nats survive that long? Can they make the playoffs without their cleanup hitter?

Nats Trade: Aramis Ramirez 3b (87)

KC trades: Eric Chavez 3B (90)

Analysis: Chavez is the better (and healthier) player, but the huge contract difference is what made this trade. Ramirez is making 4.9 mil., while KC was giving Chavez 9.6 mil. per year. Almost a 5 mil. difference. But I had the cash and I needed the player. I was sorry to see Ramirez go, but I needed a slugger at 3rd. Even though I'm paying more cash to Chavez, the way I look at it, its better than paying a player nearly 5 mil. to rehab.

July 2005 (19-8) 68-37 Overall; 8 games up on Philly.

Coasting to the play-offs! Behind solid pitching and timely run support the Nats are headed to the play-offs in 2005.

August 2005 (13-15) Overall 81-52; Still 8 games up on Philly.

Too Much Coasting! I can't believe that I go two games under .500 for the month and the Phillies fail to gain ground. Hopefully we can get focused on the post-season in September.

SEP/OCT 2005 (17-12) Overall 98-64; Win the NL East easily

DC managed to draw 3,375,782 fans! This contributed to earning over 34 mil. in profit!

2005 Stats entering Play-offs (Lineup)

Name AB HR RBI Avg OBP SB

J. Reed CF / 374 / 6 / 30 / .302 / .389 / 10
T. Sledge LF / 612 / 32 / 120/ .307 / .368 / 0
V. Guerrero RF / 605 / 36 / 122/ .294 / .378 / 15
E. Chavez 3B / 637 / 35 / 125/ .287 / .360 / 1
K. Millar 1B / 475 / 24 / 88/ .295 / .386 / 0
A. Pierzynski C / 581 / 8 / 74/ .315 / .363 / 0
W. Cordero SS / 484 / 16 / 65/ .269 / .318 / 2
L. Rivas 2B / 564 / 9 / 76 / .309 / .356 / 24


Pitching
Name W - L ERA IP K SV OBA

J. Vazquez SP / 18 - 7 / 3.32 / 233 / 197 / 0 / .224
W. Williams SP / 11 - 10 / 4.09 / 156.1/ 121/ 0 / .250
L. Hernandez SP / 6 - 8 / 4.88 / 129 / 110/ 0 / .265
L. Icaza SP / 10 - 7 / 4.15 / 134.1/ 110/ 0 / .225
B. Myers SP / 12 - 6 / 4.37 / 191.2/ 139/ 0 / .268

C. Cordero RP / 5 - 2 / 2.00 / 72 / 56 / 33/ .203
L. Ayala RP / 4 - 4 / 2.55 / 84.2/ 63 / 0 / .249
T. Tucker RP / 10 - 7 / 4.13 / 89.1/ 58 / 1 / .260
B. Sparks RP / 3 - 4 / 3.51 / 51.1/ 26 / 0 / .284
Z. Day SP/RP / 8 - 5 / 4.32 / 110.1/ 48/ 0 / .256
R. Johnson SP / 6 - 1 / 3.73 / 70 / 84 / 0 / .264

My lineup carried me through the season as my pitching staff was a little suspect. Randy Johnson still looked effective and may grab a post-season start. I'm happy with my bullpen and I have some depth in the minors, but my staff needs major overhaul in the off-season.

NEXT... Nats Playoffs 2005

[Chin Music]

2005 Round One NL Playoffs
vs. San Diego Padres (91-71)

Gm 1: Lose 10-3
Vazquez and the bullpen get shelled as the Padres take an early series lead.

Gm 2: Win 4-0
Will Williams throws a complete game shutout and Tivas and Reed homer to even the series.

Gm 3: Win 8-4
Icaza keeps us in the game with 8 strong innings and Vlad and Wil Cordero homer to provide enough offensive punch.

Gm 4: Win 8-7
The Randy Johnson start experiment was a disaster as he gives up 7 ER in 5.2 IP. He does strike out 7, but the RJ years in DC are clearly at an end. Millar and Wil Cordero homer to give the series to the Nats by a 3 to 1 margin.

2005 NL Championship Series
Vs. LA Dodgers (103-59)

Gm 1: Lose 2-1
Millar's homer provides the only offense as Vazquez pitches a solid game.

Gm 2: Lose 8-5
Tucker comes in on relief and throws gasoline on the fire by giving up 5 ERs in just one third of an inning.

Gm 3: Lose 9-2
Icaza pitches horribly. Vlad homers, but we're still facing a 3-0 hole.

Gm 4: Lose 3-2 and swept!
Ayala is unable to hold the lead in relief and gives up 2 critical runs in the 8th inning.

The Dodgers have spent well to acquire a top notch lineup, (Pujols, etc.) The Nats need to make some more moves to try and knock off this magnificent squad. In an all-LA World Series, the Dodgers beat the Angels in seven games.

Next... The off-season begins and get ready for 2006.

[Chin Music]

I'm disappointed by the outcome of the Nats first playoff experience, but I also realize that the better team won. I know we have to get better if we want to raise that NL Pennant in the next two years. I get good news when the accountants tell me I can add 20 mil. to the payroll next season. But as with most things in baseball, that news is quickly followed with bad news. A number of players are now up for arbitration and want big raises. (On a Mogul sidenote: I wish the game could tell you by the trading deadline who might be up for arbitration if they stayed in the bigs the rest of the year. I know you can find a players big league service time and compute it on your own, but thats not convienient.) The 20 mil. I have may be swallowed up by arbitration eligible players.

2005 Off-season moves:

Nats re-sign Chad Cordero RP (88) to a 4yr deal at 4.75 mil. per with a TO for 1 yr at 5.2 mil. and a PO at 1 yr for 4.8 mil.

Analysis: Cordero has been lights out as a closer the last few years. With my team on the cusp of big things I didn't want to mess with a good thing.

Nats re-sign Luis Ayala RP (84) to a 2 year deal at 1.9 mil. per year.

Analysis: 1.9 mil. per for a reliever with an 84 rating is a good deal. I don't want Ayala in the setup role, but he's a passable middle reliever.

ARBITRATION:

T. Sledge LF (88); PO - 6.9 mil.; TO - 6 mil. (Team wins)
T. Hafner 1B (86); PO - 2.75 mil.; TO - 2.05 mil. (Team wins)
A. Everett SS (73); PO - 1.15 mil.; TO - 800K (player wins)
J. Carroll 3B (77); PO - 850K; TO - 700K (Player wins)
Z. Day SP (83); PO - 2.7 mil.; TO - 2.2 mil. (Team wins)
B. Myers SP (84) PO - 3.4 mil; TO - 2.4 mil. (Player wins)

Well, there goes that 20 mil. increase as I spend over 20 mil. in re-signing players. The only good news is that some of these players will probably not be here when the season opens. Hafner, Day and Myers will probably be shipped. Sledge could also be shipped if I can find a more talented LF.

I also want to grab one big name free agent to help catch up with the Dodgers. But will the payroll allow it? I don't mind being a few million in the hole this season if it brings a championship since I have over 45 mil. in cash on hand.

NEXT... Free Agency and the Draft

[Chin Music]

The ringing phone jars me awake and I glance angrily at the alarm clock. 6:30 am! I know I'm sleeping in a little, but I was at the office till midnight last night looking over free agent lists. To make matters worse, it was the owner on the other end of the line, probably fresh after a morning cup of coffee. "Great season last year," he gushed. "Just remember that you have two more years to bring me that pennant." He didn't seem upset... it was more of a reminder. But I was still stressed into jumping out of bed and heading to the office, determined to grab a big name free agent.

FREE AGENT SIGNING

Justin Morneau 1B (88/89); 4 yrs at 5.2 mil. per year, TO for 1 yr at 5.6 mil., PO at one year for 5.3 mil. NO TRADE CLAUSE

I know Millar (86) hit well for me last season (.295, 24 HRs, 88 RBI), but Morneau is younger and had a monster season last year with a .300 BA and 30+ homers. Millar also turns 34 this season and I'm worried about his availability down the road. The no trade clause hurts, but these free agents won't budge. If Morneau continues to hit like last season, 5 mil. will be a steal. Sledge is also asking for a 7 mil. dollar extension, so Millar may be the replacement in LF.

DRAFT:

1/28 - Nick Turner RP (81/86)
2/58 - Hal Lewis CF (65/85)
3/88 - Josh Gold LF (66/78)
4/118 - Werner Andrew SP (47/82)
5/148 - John McAtee SP (51/71)
6/178 - Matthew Satterlee RP (48/70)

Analysis: The pickings were slim in the #28 slot of the draft, so I grabbed a reliever who should be an immediate impact. The rest of the draft is a few years away, so they will probably be trade fodder.

NEXT... 2006 Season begins

[Chin Music]

I wasn't happy with our draft results. I usually try not to lose my cool, but I spent a full hour chewing out our scouting team. I give them 10 mil. a year and they provide me with a relief pitcher, a future CF, and a bunch of ****. It's time to take matters into my own hands and trade for a good draft pick.

NATS Trade: T. Hafner 1B (86); B. Myers SP (84); M. Saterlee RP (48/70); B. Albert 2B (61/62); A. Everett SS (73); J. McAtee SP (51/71); J. Cunningham RP (48/77) and 10 million in cash

Pitt Trades: Teddy Carrera SP (91/100)

Analysis: The Owner nearly passed out when he heard that I traded 10 mil in cash for a rookie. But Carrera, the number one overall pick this year, was no ordinary rookie. He was by far the best player any of the recent drafts had produced. I was happy to unload Hafner and the trade of Myers freed me from his 3+ mil. contract. Carrera immediately moves into the rotation and should be a star for many years. I also wanted to unload Everett so B.J. Upton could get a spot on the big league roster. The 4 minor leaguers didn't have enough peak to ever help me out.

NATS Trade: I. Macier SS (80), A. Breckinridge RP (61/72) and 2 mil. cash

Cubs Trade: Kevin Shamber RF/LF (79/93)

Analysis: With Upton moving up, Macier was obviously not happy. But while Macier's glove was ready for the show, his bat was not. The cash hurt a little, but Shamber could be ready for the show next season, giving me a replacement for Sledge and his big money demands.

I now have an estimated expense account of 94 mil., with revenue estimated to be 87.3 mil. I also have 28.6 mil. of cash on hand, so I should be fine financially. Fan Loyalty rests at C+, tied for second highest in the league.

2006 Opening Day Lineup
Reed CF (83/84)
Sledge LF (88)
Vlad RF (94)
Morneau 1B (88/89)
Chavez 3B (90)
A.J. Pierzynski C (84)
Cordero SS (84)
Rivas 2B (83)

Pitching Staff
Williams SP (90/97)
Vazquez SP (89) Last year's NL Cy Young!
Livan SP (90)
Carrera SP (91/100)
Day SP (82)

Cordero RP (87)
Ayala RP (84)
Sparks RP (82/91)
Tucker RP (81)
Schuler RP (80)
Greinke SP/RP (71/79)

The lineup is solid and has few holes. I need Livan to step up this season, else he'll be gone by 2007. He's had three straight seasons of an ERA in the 4's. The bullpen is solid, but with two youngsters in Sparks and Schuler, this could be an area of concern.

APRIL 2006 (15-9); Tied for 1st place with New York

MAY 2006 (22-6); 1st Place by 3 games over New York

Best Hitter - Vlad (.329, 12HRS, 54 RBI)
Worst Hitter - Chavez (.214, 7HRS, 21 RBI)
Best Pitching - Zach Day (4-3, 3.02 ERA, 62.2 IP in #5 slot)
Worst Pitching - Cordero (only 9.2 IP due to two injuries)

My pitching has kept us on top of the NL East. Cordero has been injured for much of the season, but Ayala filled in nicely. What happened to Chavez? He was hurt for three days for a minor injury and dropped 5 points to an overall 85 rating. Not good for a guy who is 29 and slated to earn 37 mil. over the next four years. Nobody wants him either. I tried to swap him for Aramis Ramirez, hoping the Royals would want to reverse this trade. They were willing... if I added 15 mil. to the deal! Do I stick with him and hope he gets back on track? 9.4 mil. a year is a lot to pay a player rated 85. I guess I'll give him until the trading deadline and then re-evaluate him at that point. Sledge is also proving that last season was a fluke and is hitting .260. He's been moved down in the order, but I still need to find a way to trade him for something.

NEXT... The dog days of summer are upon us... 2006 Continues!

[tramfan]

wow! great dynasty you have going there! :) I've really enjoyed reading your updates. I look forward to seeing your Nationals win the world series! :)

[Chin Music]

As I munch on a ballpark frank and watch the Nats pound out a thrilling 12-11 win over the hotly pursuing Mets, I notice that the team has plenty of endurance for the long haul. But I also don't want the team to get soft and expect that the division is already won. I can't help but wonder how good this team would be without having to run Chavez and Sledge out there every day. Chavez is clearly limping as he departs the field after the victory. And Sledge seems content to reap big money and exert little effort. It's that part of a season when tinkering with a winning club may prove disasterous. Like the cook who over spices the dish, sometimes its better to leave a good thing alone.

JUNE 2006; 17-9; 54-24 overall; 4 games over NY

Two big wins started the month as we beat the Mets 12-11 and 11-10 in two big slugging games. Chavez continues to fester in the lineup and Sledge already seems content to cash his big checks and coast along. The pitching staff remains a strength, though.

JULY 2006; 16-11; 70-35 overall; 3 games over NY

For those who care, Wily Mo Pena easily won the All-Star Home Run Challenge and the NL took the mid-summer classic. Wil Cordero was the starting SS and Williams managed to throw a scoreless inning.

I've decided to not rest on my laurels and make some moves to help us reach the big dance.

Nats Trade:
T. Sledge (88) (.264; 6 hrs; 36 RBI), E. Chavez (85) (.208, 15 hrs, 42 RBI) and 2 mil. cash

Boston Trades: Scott Rolen 3B (92) (.293; 15 hrs, 66 RBI)

Analysis: I managed to slash over 5 mil. in payroll and picked up a star at third. Rolen is also spectacular with the glove and should help out the pitchers.

Nats Trade: J. Carroll 3B (77)

Mil. Trades: Alex Preito 2B (74)

Analysis: Carroll was due for another year in Arbitration and was asking for over 1 mil. Preito can man a utility infield role for a few years.

AUGUST 2006; 17-11; 87-46 overall; 5 games up on NY

The dog days of summer saw the Mets stay in the hunt and our team endure two big injuries. Justin Morneau 1B (92/93) (.273; 28 hrs; 86 RBI) ruptured a knee ligament and will miss the remainder of the regular season. Kevin Millar, a solid veteran, will step up and take over at first. T. Carrera SP (93/100) (8-7; 4.26 ERA; 160 K's in 148 IP) stretched his ankle and will miss three starts. He was having a solid rookie campaign and had begun to string together some solid starts, so this loss hurts. Icaza (83/92) is called up from AAA and will resume his rotation stay.

SEP/OCT 2006: 18-11; 105-57 overall; win NL East by 6 games over NY

With the Nats coasting to the play-offs, I instructed the manager to get a few youngsters into the lineup. I wanted to give them a taste at starting full time and also ensure some key starters wouldn't end up injured for the play-offs. Upton (71/96) took over at SS and looks ready for the big leagues next season. Yadier Molina C (71/81) gave A.J. some rest and handled the bat well. I also kept Carrera in the minors to ensure he was fully rested after his injury.

The Play-off matchups are set. We play the pesky Chicago Small Bears (90-72) in the first round while the Dodgers (103-59) get a shot at the Mets (99-63).

NEXT... Season ending stats; Postseason Lineups and the Hunt for a Winning October begins.

[Chin Music]

I grab a comfy seat in the front of the team's charter flight back to DC and the first round of the playoffs. The back of the plane is somber as the players are concentrating on the task at hand. This isn't the same team that was simply happy to be in the postseason last year. This is a team with one goal in mind. A Championship for DC. I take a look at the year's stats and the playoff roster with a mind towards next season. Regardless of the outcome this year, I have to stay focused on making us better.

2006 Playoff Roster with stats

Name Pos. Avg AB Hrs RBI OBP SB

Reed CF / .322 / 609 / 10 / 71 / .404 / 22
Rivas 2B / .299 / 638 / 15 / 77 / .352 / 28
Guerrero RF / .316 / 627 / 33 / 145 / .384 / 14
Morneau 1B / .273 / 447 / 28 / 86 / .377 / 0
Rolen 3B / .300 / 619 / 31 / 117/ .396 / 4
Kearns LF / .267 / 375 / 18 / 54/ .398 / 2
Cordero SS / .281 / 520 / 17 / 77/ .333 / 1
A.J. C / .324 / 534 / 9 / 71/ .365 / 1

Bench
Millar 1B-OF/ .312 / 231 / 8 / 47 / .382 / 0
Upton SS / .331 / 151 / 1 / 14 / .348 / 2
Molina C / .264 / 144 / 0 / 8 / .312 / 0
Preito 2B / .241 / 79 / 1 / 7 / .310 / 3
Church LF / .271 / 59 / 0 / 10 / .377 / 1
Shamber RF / .200 / 50 / 1 / 5 / .259 / 0

Pitching Stats
Name Starts W - L ERA IP K SV OBA
Williams 32 / 15 - 6 / 3.43 / 220.2 / 155 / 0 / .236
Vazquez 31 / 12 - 8 / 3.84 / 203.2 / 158 / 0 / .247
Hernandez 32 / 20 - 6 / 3.77 / 222 / 184 / 0 / .231
Day 30 / 16 - 8 / 2.92 / 213 / 122 / 0 / .218
Carrera 25 / 8 - 8 / 4.65 / 158.2 / 173 / 0 / .246

Cordero 0 / 4 - 5 / 5.40 / 43.1 / 30 / 14 / .295
Ayala 0 / 7 - 4 / 3.05 / 76.2 / 45 / 17 / .252
Tucker 0 / 9 - 10/ 2.83 / 76.1 / 41 / 0 / .255
Sparks 0 / 5 - 0 / 3.69 / 70.2 / 46 / 0 / .282
Icaza 10 / 4 - 2 / 4.44 / 71 / 53 / 0 / .275
Greinke 1 / 2 - 0 / 3.39 / 58.1 / 42 / 1 / .258


Fantastic Offense this season! Day stepped up in a walk year and delivered. Chad Cordero's numbers were off, but he was injured for a major part of the season. I'm hopeful he can maintain his past season's dominance come playoff time. With Schuler available in the minors, I'm confident that the bullpen will be fine come next season, but I did notice that Williams is due arbitration. I'll have to give in for one year, but hopefully Icaza is ready to be a big time pitcher in case Day has to walk. I'm also more willing to take a financial hit since I grabbed 15 mil. in profit this year. Oh... and the fact that my contract is up after next year! For now, though, I want the playoffs to be painted in Nats red.

NEXT... 2006 Playoffs!

[Chin Music]

2006 playoffs Round one vs. Chicago
Gm 1: Win 4-2
Kearns finds his name on the lineup card in CF as Reed is battling a minor injury. He responds with a big three run homer to lead us to a game one victory.

Gm 2: Win 4-3
The offense fails to give us a big cushion and Cordero grinds out a tough ninth inning save.

Gm 3: Win 4-3
Morneau slams a homer and drives in all four runs. Cordero once again slams the door shut in the ninth. the Nats sweep the Cus and find that they face the mighty Dodgers in the NLCS.

NLCS v. Dodgers (swept Mets 3-0)

Gm 1: Lose 11-7
We lose in 11 innings as Albert Pujols smashes a big homer in extra frames.

Gm 2: Win 8-5
Vlad provides the offensive punch with a big home run.

Gm 3: Lose 6-0
Ivan Rodriguez homers for the Dodgers and our offense goes silent.

Gm 4: Win 6-4
Zach Day pitches solid and gives up just one run in 6 IP.

Gm 5: Win 3-1
Williams throws a CG gem and Morneau homers to put us one game from the World Series.

Gm 6: Lose 9-4
Bagwell is one of four Dodgers to homer. How does LA have a lineup featuring Pujols, Pudge, and Bagwell... oh and Beltre as well?

Gm 7: Lose 4-2
A clutch two out double by Beltre in the fifth breaks a 2-2 tie and we are unable to respond. We lose 4-3 in the Series and watch the Dodgers clobber the Red Sox 4 games to 1.

NEXT... 2007; The Final year of my contract