Post by White Sox GM (Michael) on Jul 15, 2014 17:52:23 GMT -5
My next guest is a man who needs no introduction; at the very least, he'll tell you who he is before you get the chance to ask. He's famous in ODC lore for enormous promises to bring the trophy to Washington. Although his team has not yet paraded down Pennsylvania Avenue, the Nationals find themselves in the middle of a tight NL East race. I sat down with Bryan to discuss the state of the Nats.
You've promised titles in the past but the team has not delivered. Do you have a response for those who doubt the Nationals?
Haters gonna hate! This year's Nationals team is just 5 games out of a 2nd wildcard a team that we beat by a good margin and have a nice 5 week nap with the next couple of teams I have. The teams doubting the team are behind the Nationals in Standings or just not very bright, when it comes to this team on the rise.
What's it like competing in the NL East against other strong squads?
A lot better than just winning in the AL East/AL West with no competition at all. We have the best division in the league hands down with players like Trout, Strasburg, Miggy, Donaldson and many other stars. No other division can keep up with the talent of players and general managers in the National League East.
Obviously, starting pitching is your strength. Why put such a focus on starters?
Because star starting pitchers which is what I have! Typically get a good amount of QS, low era, low whip, high k's, and good amount of wins depending on team. Which is an easy 5 wins. Then throw in a little bit of offense and play the right offensive players on the right day and you can get on a hot a streak, I think a lot better than great offensive hitters. Also most of my division teams have great offense's so no point in trying to beat an opponent at there own game.
There are quite a few large contracts on the books for the next few years. Any specific plans to deal with them?
Not over cap by a lot but it will be fixed and not shared with fellow general managers.
What do you expect out of Stephen Strasburg's pitching moving forward? Do you expect him to stay in Washington long-term?
Do not think the answer really matters to which Washington team but the answer is yes to both. He probably would not ever be traded out of Washington again unless a substantial offer is made to my liking.
What's your general plan moving forward?
Just like everyone else stay young, cheap, and talented for multiple years. Also to win the championship every year ain't got time for 2nd place.
If you got to spend one full day with a player of yours, who would it be and why?
Had to check out the roster but without a doubt Josh Hamilton. A former number 1 draft pick gone wrong, back to great? Who would not want to hangout with him for a full day. He has gone thru a lot in life seeing someone die in a very tragic way, having drugs do him wrong, get traded away from the team that took him 1st overall. He virtually lost everything he had and gained it back. Could learn a lot from him in just one day I would like to think.
Is Chase Utley as handsome as the pictures make him seem?
No question, Yes! He probably looks so handsome because of that sweeeeeeeet soul patch he has going on. The long balls also always make a player more attractive.
You're a superhero. What's your superpower?
hmm already got super speed
but I would probably like to be invisible and mess with people and act like a ghost or something.
Could you beat Eric Young Jr. down the first base line if he ran backwards and you ran forward?
Like I said I already got super speed, so no problem at all. I could probably beat him running backwards.
Any final thoughts?
Washington Nationals are 83 games away from a playoff and 3 months away from celebrating a championship and 1 year and 3 months away from celebrating a back to back championship.
Thanks again to Bryan and good luck this season.
You've promised titles in the past but the team has not delivered. Do you have a response for those who doubt the Nationals?
Haters gonna hate! This year's Nationals team is just 5 games out of a 2nd wildcard a team that we beat by a good margin and have a nice 5 week nap with the next couple of teams I have. The teams doubting the team are behind the Nationals in Standings or just not very bright, when it comes to this team on the rise.
What's it like competing in the NL East against other strong squads?
A lot better than just winning in the AL East/AL West with no competition at all. We have the best division in the league hands down with players like Trout, Strasburg, Miggy, Donaldson and many other stars. No other division can keep up with the talent of players and general managers in the National League East.
Obviously, starting pitching is your strength. Why put such a focus on starters?
Because star starting pitchers which is what I have! Typically get a good amount of QS, low era, low whip, high k's, and good amount of wins depending on team. Which is an easy 5 wins. Then throw in a little bit of offense and play the right offensive players on the right day and you can get on a hot a streak, I think a lot better than great offensive hitters. Also most of my division teams have great offense's so no point in trying to beat an opponent at there own game.
There are quite a few large contracts on the books for the next few years. Any specific plans to deal with them?
Not over cap by a lot but it will be fixed and not shared with fellow general managers.
What do you expect out of Stephen Strasburg's pitching moving forward? Do you expect him to stay in Washington long-term?
Do not think the answer really matters to which Washington team but the answer is yes to both. He probably would not ever be traded out of Washington again unless a substantial offer is made to my liking.
What's your general plan moving forward?
Just like everyone else stay young, cheap, and talented for multiple years. Also to win the championship every year ain't got time for 2nd place.
If you got to spend one full day with a player of yours, who would it be and why?
Had to check out the roster but without a doubt Josh Hamilton. A former number 1 draft pick gone wrong, back to great? Who would not want to hangout with him for a full day. He has gone thru a lot in life seeing someone die in a very tragic way, having drugs do him wrong, get traded away from the team that took him 1st overall. He virtually lost everything he had and gained it back. Could learn a lot from him in just one day I would like to think.
Is Chase Utley as handsome as the pictures make him seem?
No question, Yes! He probably looks so handsome because of that sweeeeeeeet soul patch he has going on. The long balls also always make a player more attractive.
You're a superhero. What's your superpower?
hmm already got super speed
but I would probably like to be invisible and mess with people and act like a ghost or something.Could you beat Eric Young Jr. down the first base line if he ran backwards and you ran forward?
Like I said I already got super speed, so no problem at all. I could probably beat him running backwards.
Any final thoughts?
Washington Nationals are 83 games away from a playoff and 3 months away from celebrating a championship and 1 year and 3 months away from celebrating a back to back championship.
Thanks again to Bryan and good luck this season.
