What a difference a year makes. With Pubs's steady hand at the helm, The Cheese won 100 games in Season 5, and have won more than that many in every season since. Two pennants and a World Series title in Season 6 punctuate the resume of the Cheese's skillful owner, who has also deftly assembled one of the finest farm systems in baseball. Pubs was kind enough to sit down with this Gehringer P-D correspondent and answer a few questions on his highly successful franchise.
- Who is your team’s rival and why?
Rivalries are one of the best parts of this game. It makes things much more interesting for me to have rivalries going. I appreciate them, and I appreciate the owners of the franchises for making it interesting for me. There’s nothing like dueling it out in a battle of attrition and then shaking hands and congratulating the other on a job well done. The two teams I have the most rivalry with (and for that matter enjoy playing with the most) are the Richmond Spiders and the Los Angeles Blue Knights.
The Blue Knights have a classy owner in av84aal, who has been around since Season 1. He has made all the right signings, filled every one of his major league holes, drafted well, and has always gotten the type of player in a trade that will help his team each season. That has enabled him to be in the playoffs just about every year. Behind the scenes, av84aal and I have always complemented each other on our moves. We always enjoy playing against each other because the games are so tight. And much of the time we play, there’s something at stake. The one thing I have come to expect year in, is seeing a strong Blue Knights team. He’s a great owner for his franchise and for the league.
The Spiders and Cheese have very similar histories in this league. Both franchises were abandoned and had their talent deteriorating until the new owners stepped in and turned things around. Led by their Shrewd GM croutons, the Spiders have been slowly retooling to a powerhouse all the while sending out a strong competitive team each season. Every year the Spiders are right there battling the Cheese for the division. Their GM has lined them up and restocked the minors just about as well as anyone can. I expect us to have a long thriving rivalry for many years. Looking at the Spiders, I’m confident that their franchise will around for a long time, and that makes it enjoyable for me. To know the guy I’m competing against and to know that they aren’t just going to abandon their team. My hope is that Bigjc and Bigking (owners of the Stunners and Scouts who are the other teams in my division) steer their franchises the right way and someday become rivals as well. Nothing beats an intra-division rivalry. Bigking has started out nicely but lets see if he can keep things going every year. It will take more than just competing in one season to build a healthy rivalry.
- What is the best and worst part about living/playing in your team's city?
The heat. It's great for having balls fly out of the park and bikinis on the beach, but hurts the pitching staff and makes it too hot to bear sometimes.
- Who is your organization’s most highly anticipated prospect?
Osvaldo Franco is the up and coming center fielder and Benito Estalella is the Ace.
- What one contract/transaction do you wish you could undo and why?
None really.
- Which player do you consider your team’s MVP/indispensable?
Tough since they’re all very important. Probably Willie Mendez because he’s the table setter in a rebuilding offense.
- Which player is your team’s emotional/veteran leader?
Same guy. Willie Mendez has been with the squad every year and was one of the first players this franchise brought in to help turn things around.
- If you could move your franchise to any other city, which one would it be and why?
North east to Stanford CT. But the stadium would have to come.
- If your franchise wins the World Series, how will you celebrate/reward your players?
Ice cold case of beer.
- What is your team’s mascot and why is it significant?
Montgomery the Mouse. Cuz he always knows where to find the Cheese!
- Tell us one thing we do not know about your home stadium.
On days when it gets too hot, we allow our patrons to go topless. Hey its Mexico, anything goes..
(Ed. note: no link provided!)
- Who is the most overpaid player in your organization?
No one.
- Who will win the NL South? Where will you finish?
Although the Spiders started out slowly, they’ll be right there in the race. The Stunners have been playing well all year, they have a solid shot. The Cheese might have a shot as well if the offense starts hitting.
- How do you really feel about Detroit FC Dinamo?
From my first season, looking at their squad I recall thinking they would have a dynasty. They haven’t proven me wrong.
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