Over the Allstar break, ESPN was granted an exclusive interview with Quackers’ Majority Stake Holder and GM Butch Horowitz.
Q: Take us back to Day One after you bought the majority of the team. What were your first steps as GM?
A: Well, right off the bat, it was clear we had the talent to compete. The next decision was if we were content with competing this year, waiting for some of our prospects to develop, or if we wanted to make a push for the division. After talking it over with the minority share holders, it was decided that unless we thought we could make a serious push into the post season, we would be content with waiting around a season or two.
Q: That obviously isn’t what happened. What changed?
Well, as a GM, you have to explore all possible options. Some very talented players became available, and we were able to put together some solid offers. Once it became clear that we were going to make that push, we went all out. We traded away, reluctantly, the majority of our higher-ranked prospects, but only because we felt as though we were getting equal or better value in return. After some of these trades went through, I went back to the investors, and we decided to increase our payroll to the highest it has ever been.
Q: Can you tell us about some of those players you aquired?
A: Absolutely. We were extremely active in the trade market, picking up 13 players, of which 6 were position players and 7 were pitchers. Of those 6 position players, 4 are starting in our everyday lineup, while one of them (Jeremi Sheffield) is being groomed as the future third-basemen of our team. 3 of the 7 pitchers aquired account for half of our pitching rotation (after the early season switch to a six man rotation).
Q: You also picked up a few players from the waiver wire, correct?
A: Yes, Homer Kirk and Yamid Villa. Homer had an impressive bat, and we had the financial flexibility to take on his contract. While he is behind two players at 1st on the depth chart, we have managed to get him ABs at the DH spot quite a bit, which he has handled quite nicely. Yamid Villa was a steal for us. We were desperate to complete our rotation, and he has been a fantastic #2 starter, going 8 – 5 with a 2.72 era up to this point.
Q: Tell us about Charlie Webb.
A: We had to overpay to get him, but we needed that ace at the top of the rotation, especially since we weren’t certain what Yamid would give us. But he has produced thus far, notching 11 wins, which could very easily be 12 or 13 if not for the spotty bullpen.
Q: Speaking of which, your guys’ bullpen started out the first few months as one of the best in the league, and has since dropped off significantly. Can they pull themselves together?
A: Good question. It’s hard to say right now. They account for almost 1/3 of our losses thus far, which is not very encouraging. But on the otherhand, they are all extremely expierienced, and we have a lot of ball left to be played.
Q: What move are you most proud of?
A: Hands down, the aquisition of Buddy McDowell. We went into Spring Training not terribly certain whether he was ready for the big league level, and kept our trade options open, but about midway through it was clear he was going to be our catcher. Many GM’s didn’t think he could produce, one even asking “Who is that promising young catcher you think you have?” But we had faith, and have been rewarded. He is in the top 10 in the league in homers, and is on track to hit over 60, which would be amazing for a 22 year old kid with more room to grow. We overused him a bit in the first half, but plan to give him some more breaks in the coming weeks.
Q: We are at the halfway point of the season now. Are you happy with the product on the field?
A: Extremely satisfied. When you look at the history of the ballclub, there hasn’t been much success. We have had one playoff appearance, as the wild card team, exiting in the first round. Granted, we had a 93 win season two years later, but it wasn’t good enough to make it into the post season. We have already achieved more wins this year than last, which is what matters to us.
Q: Sure, that improvement is all gravy and whatnot, but it doesn’t mean much if you dont make it into the postseason, right?
A: True. Which is why we feel very fortunate to be 10 games in front of the second place team, New York, who recently stated that they are prepared to trade away any and all players making above the minimum, a good sign for us. We actually made a play for two of those players, but that didnt work out.
Q: Any more trades in the making?
A: Perhaps, we would like to move our starting 3rd baseman and one of our first baseman to replenish some of our farm system, but only if the perfect deal comes along. Otherwise, this is probably what the roster will look like for the rest of the year, with Sheffield getting a couple more ABs at first and in the DH spot, and maybe a call-up or two, especially to relieve our bullpen.
Q: One final question. We have talked a lot about the deals you made, shipping off many highly ranked prospects. Where does that leave your team in the coming years?
A: We feel we have a fantastic young hitting core, especially with McDowell and Emi Gil, both guys who have 60+ homer potential while hitting above .280 or so. We have a solid outfield that will be in place for the next few years. We went to a lot of trouble to lock up all of the guys we wanted to stay a part of this team, and with the exception of James, we have come to agreements with everyone. The one major concern is our bullpen; with the only young talent 3- 5 years away, and the current guys getting older and losing effeciancy and close to retirement, we may have to work a few more deals. But we think we have a few more seasons of 100-win ball in us, and then we will start the process all over again.
ESPN: Thank for your time, and good luck to you and your ballclub for the rest of the year.
