Post by White Sox GM (Michael) on Jun 18, 2014 20:35:08 GMT -5
Thomas is a second-time General Manager in On-Deck Circle. After a leave of absence following his stint with Colorado, Thomas took over a shaky Mariners franchise in need of a rebuild. He has stepped up to the challenge, preparing his team for a run in a few years, as he still remains far out of playoff contention. I sat down with Thomas for a one-on-one conversation about the Mariners' future.
How do you think your franchise has progressed over the past year?
Obviously taking over a bad team, I needed to add talent; and feel I have done an applicable job. I have some 12ish specs I feel can have positive impacts in the major league level, a couple of very solid MLB pieces to build around in Rizzo, Davis, and possibly Odorizzi. I am excited to see many of my young guns continue to develop as time goes on, and my franchise steadily improve.
Recently you traded for star first baseman Anthony Rizzo. The league opinion was split on the deal. Why did you make the move?
2: Rizzo was a home run target for me, I had been thinking about acquiring him since I heard Cardinals may be open. He is under contract for the next 10 years, and is turning into an absolute beast at the ripe age of 24. Although the specs I gave, all the respect to Royce, are very solid; but Urias being so young/raw held him back from an MLB debut in the near future, and ALOT can happen to a 17 year old, as we all know. I view McCullers as a set up man/closer, which I should be able to find when I get to contending. Smith is a good spec, but falls under the category of Urias, being so raw. Schoop's K rate really worries me, and I was begging to question the power.
What is your strongest deal ever as GM of the Mariners? Most regrettable?
Strongest deal, Nick Franklin and Juereyes Familia for Jorge Bonifacio and pick 9 in the draft (which I turned into 10 picks, and upgraded in other areas) Franklin has been a no show this year, while Familia has turned into a solid reliever, relievers are relievers and there value is limited. Bonifacio I am big on, as he could turn into a 20-25 HR, prototypical right fielder, with a decent average, and a high OBP. Max Fried for Eloy Jimenez and 4mil coming in as a close second.
Regrettable: Overpaying for Mark Appel. Honestly think I overrated him at the time of the trade, as being an Astros fan and him going [HASH]1 lead me to overrated him and pay around 20 million for him.
How do you plan to spend all of your cap space in 2015 and beyond? Will you use it to acquire Major League players or other assets?
2015 is pretty tied up financially, as I plan to acquire some cap here and there, spend some hear and there. 2016 is going to be a HUGE year in free agency and for acquiring talent, in assets, and free agents.
Describe your general direction for the franchise moving forward.
Currently a rebuilding team, as everyone knows; with a solid farm, and chance to play huge in free agency/play with 2016 cap to the point I can re load, and hopefully be at least around a .500 team in the AL West, moving upwards as specs move through my minors.
Currently you're the GM of one of the worst teams in the American League. When do you see the Mariners in contention?
I say in 2016 my team begins to make some noise, the prospects coming up in 2016 I plan on (that currently are not in the majors) are Francisco Lindor, a corner stone at SS, Colin Moran, a solid third basemen in Miami, Stephen Piscotty; a foundation hitter who can bat around .300 year in, and year out, a prototypical power right fielder in Jorge Bonifacio, Jake Marisnick, a toolsy CF who has 20/25 potential, and Delino Deshields is a monster on the basepaths. Pitching wise, Justin Nicolino can be a solid [HASH]3, as can be said for Pierce Johnson, CJ Edwards has dynamite stuff and has TOR potential, and Rafael Montero, a solid pitcher with a great K rate. All this while Hoffman/Sims/Fried get closer and closer. Although I obviously don't expect all to work out, I plan on getting a nice boost in talent; paired with spending of 2016 money (and lots of it) to form a respectable, up and coming team.
If you could have a catch with any player in Major League history, who would it be and why?
George Springer, a great up and coming player with a great attitude and personality, would be a dream to play catch with.
Which mediocre Mariners catcher would win in a WWE-style fight, John Buck or Nick Hundley?
This for real? John Buck easy.
Why does it rain in Seattle so much?
I'm no weather man of course, seems to be the every day life in the North West.
What was your most recent meal? Rate it 1-10 and comment on its taste, presentation, and creativity.
Steak Sandwich on Toasted, buttered bread. 7.5, would have been a 9 if I was not out of cheese. Still, good regardless.
Any closing comments?
Thank you for this Mike, had a lot of fun sharing this with the league.
Thanks again to Thomas of the Seattle Mariners for taking the time to answer these questions.
How do you think your franchise has progressed over the past year?
Obviously taking over a bad team, I needed to add talent; and feel I have done an applicable job. I have some 12ish specs I feel can have positive impacts in the major league level, a couple of very solid MLB pieces to build around in Rizzo, Davis, and possibly Odorizzi. I am excited to see many of my young guns continue to develop as time goes on, and my franchise steadily improve.
Recently you traded for star first baseman Anthony Rizzo. The league opinion was split on the deal. Why did you make the move?
2: Rizzo was a home run target for me, I had been thinking about acquiring him since I heard Cardinals may be open. He is under contract for the next 10 years, and is turning into an absolute beast at the ripe age of 24. Although the specs I gave, all the respect to Royce, are very solid; but Urias being so young/raw held him back from an MLB debut in the near future, and ALOT can happen to a 17 year old, as we all know. I view McCullers as a set up man/closer, which I should be able to find when I get to contending. Smith is a good spec, but falls under the category of Urias, being so raw. Schoop's K rate really worries me, and I was begging to question the power.
What is your strongest deal ever as GM of the Mariners? Most regrettable?
Strongest deal, Nick Franklin and Juereyes Familia for Jorge Bonifacio and pick 9 in the draft (which I turned into 10 picks, and upgraded in other areas) Franklin has been a no show this year, while Familia has turned into a solid reliever, relievers are relievers and there value is limited. Bonifacio I am big on, as he could turn into a 20-25 HR, prototypical right fielder, with a decent average, and a high OBP. Max Fried for Eloy Jimenez and 4mil coming in as a close second.
Regrettable: Overpaying for Mark Appel. Honestly think I overrated him at the time of the trade, as being an Astros fan and him going [HASH]1 lead me to overrated him and pay around 20 million for him.
How do you plan to spend all of your cap space in 2015 and beyond? Will you use it to acquire Major League players or other assets?
2015 is pretty tied up financially, as I plan to acquire some cap here and there, spend some hear and there. 2016 is going to be a HUGE year in free agency and for acquiring talent, in assets, and free agents.
Describe your general direction for the franchise moving forward.
Currently a rebuilding team, as everyone knows; with a solid farm, and chance to play huge in free agency/play with 2016 cap to the point I can re load, and hopefully be at least around a .500 team in the AL West, moving upwards as specs move through my minors.
Currently you're the GM of one of the worst teams in the American League. When do you see the Mariners in contention?
I say in 2016 my team begins to make some noise, the prospects coming up in 2016 I plan on (that currently are not in the majors) are Francisco Lindor, a corner stone at SS, Colin Moran, a solid third basemen in Miami, Stephen Piscotty; a foundation hitter who can bat around .300 year in, and year out, a prototypical power right fielder in Jorge Bonifacio, Jake Marisnick, a toolsy CF who has 20/25 potential, and Delino Deshields is a monster on the basepaths. Pitching wise, Justin Nicolino can be a solid [HASH]3, as can be said for Pierce Johnson, CJ Edwards has dynamite stuff and has TOR potential, and Rafael Montero, a solid pitcher with a great K rate. All this while Hoffman/Sims/Fried get closer and closer. Although I obviously don't expect all to work out, I plan on getting a nice boost in talent; paired with spending of 2016 money (and lots of it) to form a respectable, up and coming team.
If you could have a catch with any player in Major League history, who would it be and why?
George Springer, a great up and coming player with a great attitude and personality, would be a dream to play catch with.
Which mediocre Mariners catcher would win in a WWE-style fight, John Buck or Nick Hundley?
This for real? John Buck easy.
Why does it rain in Seattle so much?
I'm no weather man of course, seems to be the every day life in the North West.
What was your most recent meal? Rate it 1-10 and comment on its taste, presentation, and creativity.
Steak Sandwich on Toasted, buttered bread. 7.5, would have been a 9 if I was not out of cheese. Still, good regardless.
Any closing comments?
Thank you for this Mike, had a lot of fun sharing this with the league.
Thanks again to Thomas of the Seattle Mariners for taking the time to answer these questions.
