Orcin's Story

[Orcin]

2004 Mid-Season Recap: Louisville Colonels
(courtesy of cbatraderumors.com)


The Louisville Colonels have won nine straight games to finally open some distance between them and the St. Louis Hawks in the Federal League Midwest Division. The Colonels are so loaded with talent that they haven’t even missed LF Dennis Morgan, their best player from last season who went down with a season-ending injury in April. It certainly appears that Louisville will get another crack at the post-season, and they just might have enough talent and momentum to finish the mission this time.

The offense is led by MVP candidate Chris Brown (.281, 26 HR, 62 RBI), who is making people in Louisville forget about Dennis Morgan. The unexpected high level of play from LF Hugh McGlone (.299, 11 HR, 41 RBI) is another key reason that the Colonels have overcome the loss of their cleanup hitter. The bench was weakened considerably when McGlone was pushed into the lineup, but GM Otto Orcin solved that problem in a hurry by acquiring versatile outfielder Jeffrey Jackson from arch-rival San Diego. Several other players are having sub-par years but the offense is still among the league’s best.

The Louisville starting rotation is considered the premier quintet in baseball since San Diego lost ace Kenny Lewis for the season with Tommy John surgery. The five starters are a combined 42-20 with a 3.27 ERA. The off-season signing of All-Star Brian Wilson is roughly equivalent to buying a Mercedes for the price of a Chevy. The bullpen has improved lately and seems to be over a rough start. All-Star closer Lucas Sanders is often the only pitcher needed because the starters frequently go eight innings.

The Colonels pitching makes them a formidable opponent in a playoff series. Louisville still has work to do in the regular season, but this could be the year that the franchise finally grabs the brass ring.

[Orcin]

July 16, 2004

Subject: Personal Message from CL Lucas Sanders

Dear Mr. Orcin,

I am very happy playing in Louisville. I'd like to stick around after my contract expires at the end of the season, but I need to know if you are willing to work with me on a new deal. Let me hear your offer. I really want to remain with the Colonels. I love playing here and living here. It's a great organization and a wonderful city.

Lucas Sanders

**********

I checked with Sanders' agent to see how his All-Star selection affected his negotiating stance. His demand increased to five years, $45 million. I was unable to afford the three years, $25 million that he previously demanded, and I won’t be meeting his new demand either. It was certainly nice having you here, Lucas. I hope you have a ring to take with you as a parting gift.

[Orcin]

July 19, 2004

Subject: Week 15 Notes

Record: 61-32 .656, - GB
Position: 1st place (7.5 game lead over St. Louis)
Runs Scored: 457 – 3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 359 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .692 – 11th in Federal
Power Ranking: 128.1 (1st in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 91/100 (+1)

• Last week (3-1): 1-1 at New York, 2-0 vs. New York
• The Federal League won the All-Star Game 12-6. Robert Westaway pitched a scoreless sixth inning. Brown got in as a pinch-hitter.
• 07/15: LOU 7, NY 5 – Brown 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
• 07/16: NY 5, LOU 2 – win streak ends at 10
• 07/17: LOU 1, NY 0 – shutout by Davidson 9 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 8 K (see story below)
• 07/18: LOU 4, NY 1 – Wilson 8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K (12-3, 3.09 ERA)
• This week: 3 vs. Salt Lake City, 3 vs. Indianapolis


Subject: New York Whitewashed by Davidson

Chip Davidson really wowed everybody at Colonels Field with his 1-0 shutout victory over New York today. The 21-year-old Louisville left-hander mystified the Monarchs in a strong performance. He gave up 4 hits and totaled 2 walks and 8 strikeouts. Manager Chad Byrne said, "Chip had them chasing a lot of pitches and talking to themselves. It was something special to watch."

Davidson has made 15 starts this season, posting 6 wins and 3 losses. Opposing clubs are batting .222 against him and he has 87 strikeouts in 98 innings with a 2.66 ERA.

[Orcin]

July 26, 2004

Subject: Week 16 Notes

Record: 65-34 .657, - GB
Position: 1st place (9 game lead over St. Louis)
Runs Scored: 495 – 3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 382 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .691 – 12th in Federal
Power Ranking: 124.2 (1st in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 91/100


• Last week (4-2): 2-1 vs. Salt Lake City, 2-1 vs. Indianapolis
• SS Howard Archuleta is ready to be activated from the 60-day D/L after a one-week rehab assignment.
• SS Matt Silver (.238/.281/.298) was placed on waivers to make room for Archuleta on the active roster.
• 07/20: LOU 8, SLC 5 – Brown 2-4, DBL, HR, 3 RBI
• 07/21: LOU 6, SLC 2 – John 2-3, HR, 4 RBI
• Tom John (.309/.392/.414) is auditioning as the leadoff hitter with Simon (.254/.307/.433) now batting seventh. The change was driven by OBP.
• The bullpen continues to improve since we gave less work to Head and more to O’Daniel. Sanders and De La Hoya get the bulk of the innings.
• 07/22: SLC 7, LOU 4 – Fletcher 5.2 IP, 5 ER, 7 R, 8 H, 3 BB, 4 K (7-7, 3.92 ERA)
• MR Edgardo Garza strained his oblique and will be unable to pitch for six days.
• Infielder Matt Silver cleared waivers and was assigned to AAA.
• 07/23: IND 5, LOU 4 – Martinez 3-4, 3 RBI
• St. Louis acquired 36-year-old SP Curt Stone (7-5, 3.33) from Sacramento in a desperate attempt to replace SP#1 Octavio Lopez (injured and out for the year)
• 07/24: LOU 12, IND 1 – Jaramillo 3-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI
• 07/25: LOU 4, IND 3 – Head (3 IP) and Brooks (2 IP) combined for 0 ER, 0 H, 1 BB, 8 K after rain delay in the 2nd prevented SP Alexander from continuing
• This week: 3 at Chicago, 3 vs. San Francisco

[Orcin]

July 28, 2004 (BNN)

Subject: Figueroa Beats Bombers for 300th Win

The Robins Jorge Figueroa wrote his name in the league history books by picking up career victory number 300 today against the Boston Bombers. In the Baltimore 5-1 triumph at Field of the Bombers, the 34-year-old hurler went 9 innings, allowed 6 hits and had 10 strikeouts and no walks.

"I won't forget this day," an emotional Figueroa told reporters. "It's hard to stay at the top for so long and to win 300 games is quite a feat." Figueroa has rolled up a 300-105 career record and he boasts a lifetime ERA of 1.95.

Figueroa is the CBA’s career leader in wins, shutouts (23), and strikeouts (4459). He won the Patriot League Outstanding Pitcher Award in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 (11 times). He is a 14-time All-Star.

[Westheim]

That's a pitcher that I'd like to have on my team ...!

Well, I guess, everybody wants to have them on their team.

[CecilCooper]

If there was ever someone to name a trophy after... he might be the guy.

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by CecilCooper

If there was ever someone to name a trophy after... he might be the guy.

Great idea! I am going to do it as soon as he retires and stops winning them every year.

[SandMan]

Originally Posted by Orcin

Great idea! I am going to do it as soon as he retires and stops winning them every year.

The only bad thing is that I think that when you rename the award it will change the name for previous winners also. So Jorge Figuera will win the award with his name to it in his earlier seasons. I am not 100% sure on this but I think I remember someone else brought this up at one point.

Congrats on win 300. Only 34 he has an outside chance of winning 400. That would be awesome. I have only had one 400 W player in over 200+ seasons played.

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by SandMan

The only bad thing is that I think that when you rename the award it will change the name for previous winners also.

Thanks for the warning. I'll check into this before I do it.

[Orcin]

August 2, 2004

Subject: Week 17 Notes

Record: 70-35 .667, - GB
Position: 1st place (10 game lead over St. Louis)
Runs Scored: 530 – 3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 399 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .692 – 11th in Federal
Power Ranking: 123.0 (1st in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 91/100

• Last week (5-1): 3-0 at Chicago, 2-1 vs. San Francisco
• 07/27: LOU 2, CHI 1 (11) – Simon 2-5, game-winning solo HR
• 07/28: LOU 14, CHI 1 – Simon 2-5, 4 RBI; bases-loaded triple in 2nd led to 7-run inning
• 07/29: LOU 7, CHI 5 – McGlone 3-5, HR, 3 RBI; first major-league win for Brooks
• 07/30: LOU 5, SF 3 (13) – Bland 5-6, game-winning HR, 2 RBI
• 07/31: LOU 6, SF 5 – Daniels 2-4, HR, 3 RBI (yes, that’s our backup catcher getting PotD on Bland’s day off)
• 08/01: SF 2, LOU 1 – Westaway was the hard-luck loser; win streak snapped at 7
• Silas Campbell was injured while running the bases – diagnosis pending.
• The trade deadline went by quietly for Louisville. We are too far over budget to make deals, and we don’t need no steenkin’ trades anyway.
• Our top draft pick, 3B Larry Marshall, tore a posterior cruciate ligament and will be out 10 months. He was hitting .353 in 133 at bats for the (Class A) Evansville Aces.
• The Colonels were 21-4 in July. Our Player of the Month was Duncan Bland (.358, 3 HR, 15 RBI, and 7 SB). Pitcher of the Month was Lucas Sanders (see below).
• This week: 3 at Dallas, 3 vs. San Diego


Subject: Federal League Best Pitcher for July

Lucas Sanders has been around the league long enough to know that relievers are often overlooked. That has never stopped him from doing what he does best -- and he did it extremely well in July and stole away with the Federal League Pitcher of the Month award.

The Colonels bullpen ace collected 11 saves and 25 strikeouts in 17.1 innings, holding the opposition to a .138 average and posting a 0.52 ERA and a 2-0 record. This season Sanders has recorded a 4-0 won-lost mark, pitched in 47 relief appearances, and has logged 30 saves. He has a 1.83 ERA and has allowed 29 hits over his 44.1 innings of work, struck out 54 batters and walked 8.

[Orcin]

August 4, 2004

Silas Campbell was diagnosed with a strained a groin muscle, suffered while running the bases last Sunday. He will be sidelined for 5-6 weeks. David Harris was recalled from AAA to replace Campbell on the active roster.

Campbell’s replacement had to be chosen carefully. There is always a possibility of relapse that could extend his injury beyond the end of the season. The replacement could then be on the playoff roster by default as the only eligible player. As tempting as it is to see the young kids (Rodriguez and Cruz), Dale Harris was the logical choice on the playoff roster, because he can be a valuable pinch-runner and versatile defensive sub. His offense at AAA has been great (.306/.398/.587 in 61 games), although I don’t expect that to translate to the majors.

Campbell’s vesting option is now officially mathematically dead. The question of his future with the team is looming. There is no way that we can offer him a big contract. We don’t even want to offer him a spot on the active roster. The easy way out for us would be his retirement announcement. He has given no indication of his intentions.

[Orcin]

August 9, 2004

Subject: Week 18 Notes

Record: 75-36 .676, - GB
Position: 1st place (14 game lead over St. Louis)
Runs Scored: 559 – 3rd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 413 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .695 – 11th in Federal
Power Ranking: 130.6 (1st in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 91/100

• Last week (5-1): 2-1 at Dallas, 3-0 vs. San Diego
• 08/03: LOU 2, DAL 1 – Fletcher 8 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 0 BB, 5 K
• 08/04: LOU 7, DAL 3 – Jaramillo 3-5, HR, 3 RBI, SB
• 08/05: DAL 2, LOU 1 (10) – Eddie Payne drove in the winning run for Dallas
• 08/06: LOU 10, SD 5 – Olivares 1-3, DBL, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2 R; his double was the key hit in a 6-run third inning
• The St. Louis Hawks have lost five straight games and appear to be in their annual summer swoon.
• 08/07: LOU 6, SD 2 – Westaway 8 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 8 K
• 08/08: LOU 3, SD 1 – Fletcher 6.1 IP, 0 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K, left due to rain delay
• All-Star 1B Chris Brown broke his foot in a collision at a base on Sunday.
• This week: 3 vs. Los Angeles, 3 vs. St. Louis

Brown is expected to miss four weeks, leaving a big hole in the lineup. Lucio Martinez will move to first base and bat fourth. Martinez is my best clutch hitter and he won’t panic in the cleanup spot. He is also a great first baseman. Juan Aponte will be recalled from AAA to take Brown’s spot on the roster and play third base. This is the best overall solution because it doesn’t require that I add anyone to the 40-man roster.

I really want to see Aponte play regularly for a month. This could be Aponte’s last shot to impress because he will be out of options next spring. He might have a shot as the utility infielder if he proves that he can play shortstop well. He hasn’t hit well enough to beat out John or Gonzalez at second base. He either convinces me to find a place to play him now, or he will be on the trading block over the winter.

Another option that I will try is to play Tom John at first base and Mariano Gonzalez at second base. This could be the lineup against right-handed pitching if Aponte does not start well offensively. If the offense really sputters without Brown, I can also put Jackson at first base and use a McGlone-Jaramillo-Olivares outfield.

[Orcin]

Friday, August 13, 2004

The subject of the meeting request was “Silas Campbell”. I didn’t think I was being summoned to the owner’s office to discuss the injury prognosis or his rehab regimen.

I arrived at Henry Cooper’s office a little early but I was not surprised to see team CEO and favorite son Gordon Cooper already there. I was surprised to see Ted Grant, the agent for Silas Campbell, sitting with Henry near the head of the table. I could tell from the look on Gordon’s face that he had not been advised of Grant’s appearance either.

Pleasantries were exchanged and we got down to business. Henry pulled the cover off the white elephant. “Ted would like to know if Mr. Campbell’s injury has changed our plans regarding a contract for next season. So would I.” I dodged the real question and gave a factual answer. “Silas has a 2005 vesting option that requires 135 games played in 2004. He probably would not have met that requirement regardless of the injury.”

Grant spoke next. “Yes, we understand that the option would probably not have vested. Presumably, there would have been a sense of urgency to negotiate a new deal after the season to prevent Silas from becoming a free agent. We want to know if the injury changes your view on the structure of a new contract.”

My response was a little too blunt for Henry’s taste. “No, my position has not changed. I never intended to offer Silas a player contract for 2005. His skills have declined and I think it would be in everyone’s best interest for him to retire.” Henry Cooper’s face was ashen and I continued to speak before he had a chance to interrupt. “I would like to offer Silas Campbell a coaching position in our minor league system, because I value his contributions to our organization and I want him to remain a part of it.”

Henry was about to lecture me on my promise to retire Campbell in a Colonels uniform when I reminded him of exactly what I had said three years ago. “I want to be clear that we have no intentions of trading Campbell or humiliating him. He will hopefully retire in a Colonels uniform and be inducted to the Hall of Fame someday as our first member. We will do our best to ensure that he goes out with his head held high.”

Turning to Grant, I said, “This is your client’s opportunity to go out with his head held high. Don’t make him sweat through spring training waiting for a one-year, $2 million contract. Let him have his farewell tour in September and play his last game with the Colonels instead of on some loser’s AAA roster.” The silence was very uncomfortable. Finally, Grant responded, “I will speak to my client and get back to you.”

Henry escorted Ted Grant to the lobby and they spoke in a hushed tone on the way. He returned and I was excused from the meeting. Gordon stayed. I have no idea what was discussed after I left. On my way out, I did hear Gordon say, “No, I didn’t know.” He had plausible deniability. I had actually planned to discuss it with him before presenting the idea to Campbell, but Henry forced my hand. The ball is in Campbell’s court now.

[Sal, The Barber]

Ahhh ... Sal leaves the fishes and returns to find exactly what he expected to find. His shop in ruins and the Louie-villes in the first place.

Still, it seems that Mr. Orcin could use a little help in the form of a better health care plan. The Colonels are going down one by one.

And still they are in first place. A tribute to Mr. Orcin's fine management.

But Sal now must let you in on a little secret. Sal does not make all his money from his barbershop. But you've seen the place, you must know that. Sal is not the manager that Mr. Orcin is. And, no, Sal does not make money from the fishing. No, no. Sal has other talents. Sal has knowledge, which he does not give away for free.

And so Sal has this suggestion for Mr. Orcin, and Sal says to take it with the grain of the salts. It is quite the obvious that the Louievilles are a good team. They win year after year. They make outstanding records and then don't quite live up to them in the playoffs. But what more can you expect? Sal is not unhappy. He likes the baseball; he gets the good baseball in Louieville. Sal does not have to have a World Series champion to feel good about himself and his life. No, no. Sal has the self-esteem all on his own. But Sal thinks maybe the rest of this town is not so lucky. And sometimes Sal is not so selfless.

Sal says put that Chad Byrne on the hot seat, Mr. Orcin. Come out and announce to fans that a good regular season record is not good enough and that this season is a referendum on Chad Byrne. If Mr. Byrne cannot bring home the World Series bacon, then he must find another farm. That's what Sal says. (Sal has never been much of a fan of Mr. Byrne, you see), and Sal even surprises himself with this grinding of the ax. But Sal thinks a little grinding is good sometimes for the soul. Give a try, Mr. Orcin. That is Sal's advice. Free. Except for a few tickets, please. Sal has nothing to do while he hires the neighborhood boy to fix the mess the boys made of the shop. The boys need to learn how to spell the respect.

[Orcin]

It's about time that you got back. Some of these beards are getting a little ridiculous.

Mr. Byrne has one more year on his contract after this one. I don't like to have a lame duck manager. So I will either offer him an extension before next season, or I won't. If I don't, well... I don't like to have a lame duck manager.

[Stromson]

Well now I'm actually anxious to see what comes of Silas Campbell. Brown going down is painful, but I have faith in the Colonels to see it through!

[Orcin]

August 16, 2004

Subject: Week 19 Notes

Record: 81-36 .692, - GB
Position: 1st place (19.5 game lead over St. Louis)
Runs Scored: 601 – 2nd in Federal
Runs Allowed: 429 – 1st in Federal
Defense: .696 – 10th in Federal
Power Ranking: 141.6 (1st in CBA)
Owner Mood: Ecstatic; Fan Interest: 91/100

• Last week (6-0): 3-0 vs. Los Angeles, 3-0 vs. St. Louis
• The Colonels have won 9 in a row and 21 of the last 23 games.
• 08/09: LOU 9, L.A. 3 – Aponte 3-4, DBL, 2 RBI; key hit in a big seventh-inning rally
• 08/10: LOU 4, L.A. 3 – Wilson 8 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 6 K
• Brian Wilson is now 14-3 (tied for #2 in wins) with a 2.71 ERA (3rd in the league). He is sixth in the league with 142 strikeouts.
• 08/11: LOU 4, L.A. 2 – Simon 1-2, HR, 2 RBI; game-winning pinch-hit HR in 7th
• 08/13: LOU 11, STL 1 – John 3-4, HR 5 RBI; Simon 3-3, TPL, HR, 4 RBI
• Olivares was benched after going 0-5 to drop his average to .206.
• Jackson will take over in left field and bat leadoff. McGlone has a slightly stronger arm so he will move to right field.
• 08/14: LOU 9, STL 6 – Jaramillo 3-4, HR, 3 RBI
• 08/15: LOU 5, STL 1 – Davidson 6 IP, 0 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 2 K, 100 pitches, left with 5-0 lead
• Bruce “Fat Cat” Brooks has pitched in 10 games. In 14 innings, he has a 0.67 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP with 15 Ks. Future closer?
• This week: 3 vs. Milwaukee, 3 at Phoenix

I usually begin to plan for personnel changes about mid-August. I have a lot of expiring contracts next year and more in 2006, but only two openings this year: Manager Rhett Thomas at Dayton (AA) and the Owensboro (Rookie) pitching coach. It has already been decided that the Owensboro PC will not return.

Thomas has managed Dayton for the past four seasons. He is 277-257 (as of today) and has made the playoffs twice. He is just under .500 this year in a tough division. He had a horrible year in 2002 and bounced back the following year to make the playoffs. Most importantly, he seems to consistently send good talent on to AAA. But… he wants a 44% raise for a three-year extension. I think that’s a bit steep, especially considering that other, more critical, personnel will require contract extensions in the next two years. I am going to pass and see what else comes on the market.

[Sal, The Barber]

Originally Posted by Orcin

Mr. Byrne has one more year on his contract after this one. I don't like to have a lame duck manager. So I will either offer him an extension before next season, or I won't. If I don't, well... I don't like to have a lame duck manager.

Who are these lame ducks? Do they play in this league?

81 and 36. This is not Sal's good haircuts versus his bad haircuts. This is the Louieville's wins versus the losses. You cannot lose in the playoffs now. Just say so. And if by some strange twist of fate you do, you must fire Byrne. Trust Sal. He knows about taking the financial hit to get rid of a problem. This was wife #2 and #3 and even the first one, too, now that Sal thinks of it.

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by Sal, The Barber

Who are these lame ducks? Do they play in this league?

Clever.

I just can't believe we've gotten this far with no comment on "Fat Cat" Brooks. There must have been at least one wife or cousin that you called "Fat Cat".

P.S. Jennifer is coming over with tickets for the Milwaukee series. She will bring a few extras for those neighborhood boys. It's always good to build young fans. I was one myself, and look where I ended up.