The Career of Julien Henri - A look back in time

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The Expedition land the 1963 MVP award.

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Nice to see our franchise getting active in the market.

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It looks like the GM is making a few offers for players who are not top tier, but, will bring added value to the team. Guys that are better than replacement players, and, have the added value of experience. Most of the guys I know think Kevin will help out the Diamonds at first base. He's a former Platinum Stick winner from 1961.

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We picked up a free agent from Oregon, USA, yesterday. He's 22 years old without much of a track record for organized ball. But, Scout Patrick Beal has a good friend who lives in Oregon who has seen Justin pitch on the sandlots. Says Justin, "Any pitcher who can find the plate, induce ground balls, and carries an effective change up pitch is worth an investment."

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I think when I retire I might want to be a Scout. I love talking to Patrick Beck about baseball. I always have lots of questions for him. He's more than happy to answer them, always imparting his knowledge.

He was telling me about Phillipe DaSilva the other day, and how he slipped through all the scouts (but one) falling to the 91st round of the FBL inaugural draft. That is pick #1086. All those players before Phillipe and how many can boast his stats? I'd guess only a few. He is the leader in shutouts in the league with 10. The very first year of the league he was the winner of the Pitcher of the Year Award.

Patrick Beck says that the guy is 'money'. One more thing that Beck pointed out to me is that the guy never misses a turn in the rotation. Not once.

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Apparently Roland achieved his career long goal of winning a championship with the Royals. At age 33, there appeared to be gas still in the tank. So, it was a surprise to all of us that he walked away from the FBL. Most observers think it was a case of 'a higher calling'.

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All the teams have gathered in Martinique as spring training kicks off tomorrow. Here is the official Le Diamant line up. Herve and I playing together, again!

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We win a close one. I went 1 for 4 with one stolen base. Herve 0 for 2. The GG third baseman committed an error. Sebastian Vautier a solid start...0 earned runs.

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Here are the standings for week one of Spring Training.

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There is lots of conversation revolving around Legendre and whether or not he is being looked at as a possible catcher for the Diamonds. Originally, not listed as a spring training invitee, he got the call just two days before the start with the message that he would be reporting with the other players.

His scouting line has tailed off from the days when he was 'can't miss' but his stats have not followed the reduced ratings. Le Diamant is clearly looking for catching help with no clear #1 guy at present.

Currently, SP Robert Bour at 19 is the youngest player in the FBL. He was called up in desperation 2 years ago at the end of the season because of injuries. Most players around here think he'll stay with the team. So, the battery of Legendre and Bours' combined ages might be less than some individual players.

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We (Diamonds) are on a 3 game win streak. Interesting to see the stars of the league close up. Herve Meyer of Giverny has averaged 26 homers of the past two years, having played for two separate teams. He's got a great eye at the plate and tremendous focus.

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A nice 4-3 week Le Diamant. Neither Herve or I are hitting a lick, right now. Frederick Legendre hitting just over .200. Cole Burke is clearly impressing the top brass with his showing. He was on the Parrots with me in AA this last year but no one would be surprised if he stuck with Le Diamant. He's a great option to have with his live arm.

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The buzz right now? Our pitching. Team owner Bruno Furcade has challenged the GM to acquire a Pitcher of the Year Award winner. That has not happened, but, there is sentiment that the Diamonds already have that pitcher. He just needs to win the award. We are boasting 4 strong SP's in spring training and remember Lepine (having a rough spring) was a very solid pitcher last season. Bour and Burke are young, but, unmistakable premium talents. Nobody is expecting them to make the team nor is any one is expecting them to not make it.

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Big final week for the Diamonds. A lot of players got hot!

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Hello Le Marin!

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Here are the players starting the season in Le Diamant. And, of course, our buddy Herve.

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I'm as surprised as anyone. All of a sudden the press is asking me all kinds of questions about my life. I might have preferred being under the radar but, out of my control, as we like to say around here. I'll just come to the park every day and do my best.
The Le Marin Pitching coach, Diego Berger, was relieved of his duties earlier today. There has not been an announcement on who will take his place. We still have about a week before AAA begins playing games.

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Sebastian Vautier will have the honor of throwing the first pitch of the 1964 season. The Diamonds take on the Artists. People ask me if you can see the Eiffel Tower from the park. The answer is no. With the park outside of the city limits, the landscape blocks the view.

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I like our odds with Sebastian on the mound.

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A big road win for the guys today. Sebastian Vautier leads the way on the mound going the distance. At the dish....everything Herve! A triple, two singles, a walk, and three ribbies.