OSR:You managed the Royals for 10 seasons, including 3 straight 100 win seasons with a World Series appearance in 2018. That has to be one [...]]]> OSR: Joining us today is ScheckDiesel, former GM of the Kansas City Royals and currently with one of the new expansion teams, the Las Vegas Desperados. Thanks for being here.
ScheckDiesel: You’re welcome.

OSR:You managed the Royals for 10 seasons, including 3 straight 100 win seasons with a World Series appearance in 2018. That has to be one of the best runs ever for a small market team. Can you tell us a little bit about why you decided to move to an expansion team?
ScheckDiesel: My whole goal with the Royals was to make a run, which I did, and then build them back up until I felt they could contend again. If you look at the Royals system, they have a LOT of good players coming up. Brislin,Burkill, Dawson, and Oskwarek will be dangerous for the next 5 years. And that’s just the rotation! If you look at the lineup, names stand out like Scaparo, Clark, Snavely, Harris, Volkman, McCrury. It’s a team that has a LOT of potential.

OSR: I agree…but what exactly made you decide it was time to move on?
ScheckDiesel: The reason I moved on was because I wanted a team I could truly call my own. KidCavalier largely drafted the team I took to the WS and I wanted to see if I could compete as quickly as thenation is in Montreal. I also liked the idea of having a larger market to work with.

OSR: I’m sure that the NL West being a tad less difficult than the AL Central had nothing to do with it. Anyway, let’s move on to the initial draft. This was a 4 team expansion, compared to our 2 team expansion previously…so it was probably a bit more competitive of a draft. How do you feel you drafted compared to the other teams involved?
ScheckDiesel: Well, for the short term, I think Vancouver did the best out of anyone. However, my view towards the draft was getting the best pitching available, and then grabbing prospects I liked. This offseason I flipped first and second pick Jamie Torresola and John Watson for 2 solid spects and 2 2nd round picks. My 3rd pick Joe Trotter has great potential, and I just flipped Glenn Weaver for two amazing spects in Luis Chapa and Mike Neale, who I have loved since he was drafted.

OSR: I notice you qualified your statement on Vancouver with “for the short term”–overall, both short term and long, out of the 4 teams, how would you rate your draft? Simple answer, first through fourth.
ScheckDiesel: Wow, bringing out the tough questions. I feel like it is hard to really rank 1-4 right now, because we are only in the 2nd year of the expansion teams. If I HAD to rank the teams I would say Las Vegas, Vancouver, Monterrey, San Juan. I put myself because I feel like I have the best chances for the future with my farm system, Vancouver 2nd because he won the AL West, and Monterrey and San Juan I would tie because both of them have a decent farm, but the ML teams are struggling right now

OSR: Let’s move on to your current team…you have a couple of star players with big contracts. 3B Kevin Ilderton who you signed to a 4 year, $56 million deal, and RF Carlo Maderros who was signed by SFG this last off season for a 4 year, $64 million deal. How do these guys fit into your plans–are they part of your future or just potential trade bait?
ScheckDiesel: As of right now, they are part of my future, when you can have those two guys in the middle of your lineup, you know you are going to score runs. However, if the right deal comes along with some close to ML-ready spects, I will be willing to deal them. As of right now, the NL West should start loading up, because it looks like 2028 is the year that I feel I can make a run at the division, which is also the year that Maderros and Ilderton’s contracts are up

OSR: Onto your pitching, you definitely have some diamonds in the rough. Ian Vaughn and Matt Constantine have both been solid in the rotation, and Araki Yamamoto, a former top Japanese IFA is having the best season of his MLB career at 39 years old. Also of note is your closer, Phil Speirs, who you drafted as the 47th overall pick in the expansion draft. What’s the key to your ability to scout these underrated pitchers?
ScheckDiesel: Performance Enhancing Drugs.
OSR: : We legalized those in 2018 though, so drugged up players are the norm.
ScheckDiesel: LOL. In all seriousness, Ian Vaughn was a guy that I loved with the high control/movement numbers, and he has always been decent. Yamamoto was more of a shot in the dark, evidenced by his 1yr 600k contract. Constatine was a decent SP with an arb contract, and I felt a move to the NL would help him. Speirs is an 81 overall closer who performs way above that. My “scouts” think he is a clinch for 30+ saves a year. Overall, I love my high control/movement pitchers, especially in the hitters park that I have.

OSR: Any big names in your farm system we should expect to see in future All-Star Games? Scouts have always raved about SP Joe Trotter, but he’s already 27 years old and hasn’t hit the majors yet.
ScheckDiesel: Trotter could have a few years where he impacts, but he won’t be in the league very long. I feel that SS Mike Neale and C Luis Chapa have a very good chance to be an all-star. In the long term, I really like the potential of OF Bobby Clements and OF Gregory Lee. Those two could become my new Ilderton and Maderros when all is said and done.

OSR: Okay…now onto the future of the franchise. When do we expect to see a division title from the Desperados? Or even a championship? I heard you mention something about 2028 earlier in the interview…
ScheckDiesel: I feel like 2028 is definitely could be a cornerstone year for us. Luis Chapa, Marc Downes, Scott Seth, Mike Neale, Carlo Villegas all will be peaking…I will still have Kevin Ilderton and Carlos Maderros, and oh, Bryan Heseltine will be peaking in CF as well. My pitching staff could be suspect, but there is always FA. I can always count on a diamond in the rough, finding that low 80′s SP who will perform like a 90, a so-called “Sanji Cheater Pitcher”.

OSR: Let’s wrap it up with the 60 second drill. Who do we see in the WS this season, and who wins?
ScheckDiesel: Montreal vs Baltimore, and Montreal finally gets over the hump.

OSR: The OSR is picking Minnesota, so we’ll disagree there. Favorite player in Outahere not on your team?
ScheckDiesel: [Minnesota SP] Josh Gartner.

OSR: Great pick! Teams to watch out for 5 seasons from now?
ScheckDiesel: The Chicago White Sox and the Las Vegas Desperados,

OSR: Okay, one last question, who’s your biggest rival in Outahere? Team, GM, other league, whatever. Which team do you just really want to beat?
ScheckDiesel: Wow, tough question, back in the day, cfeedback (wink), now, thenation.
OSR: I’ve heard about that first guy. No one can beat cfeedback it seemed.
ScheckDiesel: Except the Royals between ’17-’19.

OSR: Thanks for being on the show, and good luck with the remainder of this season!
ScheckDiesel: Thanks, and also the Desperados are announcing free Topperstix night at Mandalay Bay Park, free Topperstix for all in attendance!

With that, we march onward to the free agency period where we ALMOST had our [...]]]> Congratulations to the Baltimore Orioles on defeating the NL Champion Montreal Expos in the World Series in a seven game series.  It was Baltimore’s 5th championship and the first time that Montreal has made the World Series in its seven year history.

With that, we march onward to the free agency period where we ALMOST had our second 40 million dollar pitcher. Troy Greer was signed to a 2 year, 39 million dollar deal by the Houston Astros.  Do I think it’s worth it? No.  However, at least it’s only two seasons.  With that being said, Wayne is definitely a lot better than Greer, who is a year older and a lefty.  All in all, like I say every year, free agency just isn’t worth it for pitchers. You want to find a nice steal with some good vitals who’s going to give you a 3.5 ERA out of your pen or rotation, go for it.  But other than that, you’re getting yourself into a long term commitment like Wayne, or Greer’s first contract, or Woolhouse, that down the line just isn’t going to pay off.

And even more fun, this means that the offseason is officially upon us, along with free [...]]]> Tonight, the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Washington Nationals in an epic 7-game series, one in which the Nationals once lead 3-0. It’s Baltimore’s first championship since 2012, when they also came back from 3-0. Fun stuff, and congratulations to the Orioles.

And even more fun, this means that the offseason is officially upon us, along with free agency! Make sure to check for the updated file tomorrow so free agency can begin.

[21:29] Rangr288: Hey mlb, and thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for the Outahere Sports Review.[21:29] mlb06showleague (Pirates): Glad to be here[21:32] Rangr288: First question is regarding your young SPer [...]]]> Earlier tonight I sat down and was able to talk to the Pirates’ GM mlb06showleague on various topics relating to their team. Enjoy.

[21:29] Rangr288: Hey mlb, and thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for the Outahere Sports Review.
[21:29] mlb06showleague (Pirates): Glad to be here
[21:32] Rangr288: First question is regarding your young SPer Josh McRuer. You’ve got to like what you’ve seen so far, what are your future plans for him?
[21:34] mlb06showleague (Pirates): We are are really excited for him to be a part of our changing pitching staff. We gave up a first round pick for him and we believe that he can anchor our starting rotation very soon.
[21:34] Rangr288: You’ve build up a very strong farm system, but which prospects are you specifically looking forward to the most?
[21:36] mlb06showleague (Pirates): Our farm system has improved dramatically recently with a lot of trades. But, we are really looking forward to 2B Tom Berryhill who could make his way to the majors next season as our starting second baseman. 1B Frederic Mertinez is also in the same category.
[21:38] Rangr288: Since Outahere began, the Pirates have had eleven consecutive losing seasons, with their best season coming in 2012 with 74 wins. When are you hoping this will improve? This year? Next year?
[21:40] mlb06showleague (Pirates): It has been a tough time since 2012 when I took over. But, honestly, I see us competing for a winning record next year or maybe even this year. We really upgraded our pitching staff this year which was a problem for us the last couple years. Our offense will be a lot better next year with Mertinez and Berryhill. But, we really want to put together a winning baseball team for our great fans.
[21:41] Rangr288: Well, speaking of the fans, it’s been rough on them. The Pirates’ fan loyalty is down to 59. You’re surely looking to improve this, but how? Possibly with a new stadium?
[21:44] mlb06showleague (Pirates): Yes, well a new stadium will not be built any time soon. PNC Park is already one of the best in the game and I dont see a need for it. We have spent more money this year than any other years since 2012. Next year, probably even more money will be spent. We have plenty of cash available and are waiting for the right time to use it. Relocation is always an option but we do not want to leave Pittsburgh without a winning ballclub. The fans deserve more than that.
[21:45] Rangr288: Gabriel Wallace – he was a first rounder a few years ago, but his progress has been a bit slowed, maybe even disappointing so far. Would you agree?
[21:48] mlb06showleague (Pirates): In my opinion, Wallace has met expectations so far. He did hit .316 in AA last year with 36 homers and 117 RBIs. However, he also struck out 141 times. We need to get that number down but he will likely move up to AAA very soon if he succeeds down in AA. He is blocked by Mertinez in AAA right now and he should be up soon to free that space. Wallace is still young at 21.
[21:49] Rangr288: You acquired Herb Hertel from Baltimore this offseason, and plan to use him as a starter. He had been a reliever his entire career since last year, what are you looking for from his this year? Any predictions?
[21:52] mlb06showleague (Pirates): We are very excited to bring Herb into our organization. He had a great ERA last year with Baltimore and we expect that out of him again this year as a starter or reliever. If he struggles, we may send him to the bullpen if needed but I do not see that as an issue. His endurance continues to grow as he seems to be developing into a starting pitcher. He is the kind of arm we needed as a lefty power pitcher.
[21:53] Rangr288: One last question, regarding your closer Shinjo Imura. He’s been proven as a great short reliever in his recent years in Washington, do you think he’ll maintain the same type of success being a full time closer?
[21:56] mlb06showleague (Pirates): He is another guy we were really happy to acquire. In my tenure with Pittsburgh, we have never had a stud reliever in my opinion. He fits that bill and we expect him to do well as a full time closer. We really wanted to add more lefties this year and we did that this offseason. Imura should be here for years to come.
[21:57] Rangr288: Thanks mlb for answering a few questions regarding the Pirates. We appreciate it, and good luck this year.
[21:57] mlb06showleague (Pirates): Thank you and I appreciate the opportunity. Hope to do it again in the near future.

A few tidbits:

- The Twins have made an offer for [...]]]> Word around Detroit is the Oakland Athletics (due to their no money state) and the Chicago White Sox (due to rejected offer) are out of the Cody Johnson sweepstakes. Though, the Twins stay interested and now the Florida Marlins and the Baltimore Orioles may possibly be involved.

A few tidbits:

- The Twins have made an offer for Johnson, but it could have been interfered with when SP prospect Nathan Christie was moved to the Reds.
- The Marlins have reportedly been in on Johnson, and the Tigers have been known to be interested in their young pitching, specifically SP Ted Potter.
- The Orioles have not yet made an offer, but are known to like Johnson in the past.

Once again, the asking price for Johnson is known to be three good things, most likely involving a first round draft pick.

Update, 4:30: The Marlins and Tigers deal seems to have fallen apart due to Johnson’s NTC.