Post by Commish KC-GM on Nov 11, 2008 15:57:16 GMT -5
The Gateway City Explored
By: Jayson Stark
As a part of our continuing coverage of the Major League Baseball 2000 season, I have toured around the country interviewing GM’s from several teams. Recently I had a sit down with the St Louis Cardinals brass.
Stark: So what is the state of the franchise here in St. Louis
Cards: We're pleased with the number of fans that has showed up to the park this year, and hopefully that will continue for a long, long time. Hopefully in the next few years we can reward the fans with a brand new stadium, but that will certainly have to wait awhile.
Would you say you are pleased with your season to date? You guys have a very imposing record.
Cards: Extremely pleased, we have the best record in baseball, along with the most runs scored and least runs against. However, once the playoffs start, everything is thrown out the window so we have to stay focused and win ten more games in the postseason to bring the world championship back to St. Louis.
With everything going the Cards way this year, what goals do you have for the season?
Cards: We just want to continue to play good baseball Jayson, avoid injuries, secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs, and ultimately, win the World Series, no matter who that may be against.
With 2000 going so well, let’s look into the crystal ball. What do you foresee over the next 3 years?
Cards: We expect to compete for the next three years, and I really don't see many changes being made one way or another. We have a very nice young core that should be able to play good baseball for a long time.
And how exactly do you plan on implementing your strategy?
Cards: Be patient, don't make trades just for the sake of making trades, and continue to allow the young prospects to develop rather than just throw them away if they start to struggle at any time.
Who have been your key players this season? Any surprises?
Cards: Albert Pujols, Jim Edmonds, and Greg Maddux have been our three most valuable players this year, and their stats speak for themselves. However, the key to our record thus far is having every single member of the team contribute. We have been surprised at the relative ease with which we have mowed through the NL.
Clearly you guys are the team to beat!
Any disappointments this year?
Cards: No one really, we'd like to see Eli Marrero step it up with the bat a little bit, but other than that, there's absolutely nothing to complain about without nitpicking.
Any major changes on the horizon? What about next season?
Cards: We'll have to wait and see. I don't expect much to change, but if we see a possible deal that could help us improve, we're not afraid to pounce on it.
What is the state of the farm system?
Cards: We're very satisfied with our farm system. We have some total studs in it, such as 1B Nick Johnson (72/97), Johnny Peralta (71/93), and Rafael Perez (71/97). Overall, we're happy with the depth.
Any potential challenges coming out of the NL this year? Or am I reaching?
Cards: As of right now, the Pirates seem to be our biggest rival. They have a great team and are really pushing to win it all this year. The regular season series has been tight this year, with St. Louis winning 11, and the Pirates winning 8, so if these two teams meet up in the playoffs, it could be an outstanding series.
Any pressing issues you plan to explore at the winter meetings this year? Any subjects that need attention?
Cards: No real pressing issues, just sit back and pursue anything that we think might be able to help our team. Otherwise, sit back and await the start of the next season.
Well thank you for your time. The Cardinals clearly look like the team to beat this year. Similar to the ’98 Yankees except with more star power. We’ll have to have another sit down in the playoffs.
Cards: Thanks Jayson, we’re crossing our fingers.
Be sure to check our next installment, team to be announced….
By: Jayson Stark
As a part of our continuing coverage of the Major League Baseball 2000 season, I have toured around the country interviewing GM’s from several teams. Recently I had a sit down with the St Louis Cardinals brass.
Stark: So what is the state of the franchise here in St. Louis
Cards: We're pleased with the number of fans that has showed up to the park this year, and hopefully that will continue for a long, long time. Hopefully in the next few years we can reward the fans with a brand new stadium, but that will certainly have to wait awhile.
Would you say you are pleased with your season to date? You guys have a very imposing record.
Cards: Extremely pleased, we have the best record in baseball, along with the most runs scored and least runs against. However, once the playoffs start, everything is thrown out the window so we have to stay focused and win ten more games in the postseason to bring the world championship back to St. Louis.
With everything going the Cards way this year, what goals do you have for the season?
Cards: We just want to continue to play good baseball Jayson, avoid injuries, secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs, and ultimately, win the World Series, no matter who that may be against.
With 2000 going so well, let’s look into the crystal ball. What do you foresee over the next 3 years?
Cards: We expect to compete for the next three years, and I really don't see many changes being made one way or another. We have a very nice young core that should be able to play good baseball for a long time.
And how exactly do you plan on implementing your strategy?
Cards: Be patient, don't make trades just for the sake of making trades, and continue to allow the young prospects to develop rather than just throw them away if they start to struggle at any time.
Who have been your key players this season? Any surprises?
Cards: Albert Pujols, Jim Edmonds, and Greg Maddux have been our three most valuable players this year, and their stats speak for themselves. However, the key to our record thus far is having every single member of the team contribute. We have been surprised at the relative ease with which we have mowed through the NL.
Clearly you guys are the team to beat!
Any disappointments this year?
Cards: No one really, we'd like to see Eli Marrero step it up with the bat a little bit, but other than that, there's absolutely nothing to complain about without nitpicking.
Any major changes on the horizon? What about next season?
Cards: We'll have to wait and see. I don't expect much to change, but if we see a possible deal that could help us improve, we're not afraid to pounce on it.
What is the state of the farm system?
Cards: We're very satisfied with our farm system. We have some total studs in it, such as 1B Nick Johnson (72/97), Johnny Peralta (71/93), and Rafael Perez (71/97). Overall, we're happy with the depth.
Any potential challenges coming out of the NL this year? Or am I reaching?
Cards: As of right now, the Pirates seem to be our biggest rival. They have a great team and are really pushing to win it all this year. The regular season series has been tight this year, with St. Louis winning 11, and the Pirates winning 8, so if these two teams meet up in the playoffs, it could be an outstanding series.
Any pressing issues you plan to explore at the winter meetings this year? Any subjects that need attention?
Cards: No real pressing issues, just sit back and pursue anything that we think might be able to help our team. Otherwise, sit back and await the start of the next season.
Well thank you for your time. The Cardinals clearly look like the team to beat this year. Similar to the ’98 Yankees except with more star power. We’ll have to have another sit down in the playoffs.
Cards: Thanks Jayson, we’re crossing our fingers.
Be sure to check our next installment, team to be announced….