S48 Hall Recap

 Eli Cash - contributing reporter

Hall of Fame Voting Recap

Eli is behind the times but we had yet another season where the Hall of Fame voting comes and goes without a new member being elected. So much talent on the ballet but not quite enough votes. 

Raul Galvez inched closer and now only 3 additional votes away from securing his plaque in the Hall. With three years of eligibility left, I'm liking his chances. Edinson Hernandez has the numbers but appears to have an uphill battle; he needs 8 more votes with only two years remaining. Wiki Unamuno is also slowly winning the hearts of the voters, but still needs 10 more in the next 3 years. Interesting tidbit about Wandy Guillen. He owns the top 5 single season records for fewest strikeouts. In four straight years he struck out no more than 32 times. In Season 36's 560 at bats he had 178 hits, 107 walks, and only 27 strikeouts. No easy outs there! But just because he didn't strike out often, doesn't mean he's hall worthy. The numbers, just like the Pittsburgh's owner's hips; don't lie!

Al Gore must have pressed pause, because the internet searches are not showing how many seasons Wand Guillen, Don Sparks, Ernie McEnerney, Rubby Javier, Dorssys Tatis, or Alving Palmerio have left of eligibility. This could have been their last season, and if it is; be bid them farewell! We also extend the offer to join the Dizzy Leonard Hall of Dizzy. 

The only starters worth talking about are Armando Merced, Braeden Abercrombie, and Midre Tavarez. Merced is the closest but still 5 votes away and not sure how many years he has left on the ballet; very well could be his last year or still has 2 years remaining. Abercrombie made a huge jump, gaining 6. If only had hadn't dropped 5 votes the year before he might be much closer. Tavarez's support seems to be wishy washy about him getting into the Hall. 

No love for the relief pitchers, that's for sure. If you didn't reach 300 wins or 3000K, don't even bother applying for the Hall! Hayashi was a fantastic relief pitcher that if his early manager preferred closers; he'd likely be the All-Time leader in Saves but he starts out his first year with 4 votes. Artie Strone's #1 fan holds out hold that he'll get into the Hall one day. 

Until next voting season, good luck the rest of the way!

Meet the Owner - cwiddoes

  Catherine Trammell - Contributing Reporter

Catherine Trammell: Good morning once again Cobbfather faithful! Time to me another new owner, this one looks to be very competitive; making the playoffs 37 of his 72 storied seasons. 25 of those being division titles, and ended up going all the way in 4 of those seasons. He owns a career (at least this career) .526 lifetime record, though his Huntington Tropics are definitely not helping the case this year. So cwiddoes, why the move to Huntington?

cw: I don't know why, but I was feeling a very Flint Tropics vibe from this team; I'm a big fan of the movie Semi Pro. Since Flint wasn't an option, I found another blue-collar town to make our home. 

CT: I'll check the rulebook to see if there is anything in there about playing drunk. Who do you consider the cornerstone of your franchise and your favorite player? 

cw: For a while there, it was Koyie Ward, but after deciding it made sense to move him and look toward the furture, I'd have to say Grayson Lowry, Who doesn't love a 3B prospect that mashes righties? Maybe not a future MVP, but a solid piece to build with. 

CT: How do you feel about the pulse of the franchise was when you took over? 

cw: Probably the least desirable situation I've ever taken over, but I love that challenge. Bloated contracts, no flexibility, no comp picks, didn't even have many roster spots to work with. Fortunately most of the contracts expire this offseason, but it was clear right away that this would have to be a transition year. 

CT: Appears you transitioned right into the free agent market. Your signing of Ward in the offseason was questioned by some media outlets, but you flipped him for 3 players; which are you most excited about and why? It's a wash this year and next on contracts, but saves some money for future spending the three following years.  

cw: Can I just say I'm still unclear on the skepticism of that signing? I was happy to get him at less than $20M per, and I've seen lesser pitchers get the full max plenty of times. I get that it's a big number and 5 years for a pitcher over 30, but he's awesome and has great makeup so figures to be awesome for most, if not all of that contract. Plus, I had no other use for the money I gave him because I couldn't get into the IFA market and didn't see other great options in this FA class. So yeah, I signed him thinking he either helps me compete or I can trade him for future value. On the return, the two RP prospects are fine, and McKay can help me next year or bring back comp picks if he opts out. 

CT: We'll keep an eye out on McKay and if he sticks around long-term. Let's talk about the four trades you've made. Which are you happiest with and which do you wish you could get a do over?

cw: I was definitely happy to acquire a prospect like Lowry (from Atl) given the dearth of veteran trade assets I inherited. Clearing some salary for next year and landing Charles Loewer (from Dover) felt good, although we'll see how effective he can be with such poor pitch quality. Hard to say I'd want a do over on my deals, aside from maybe the stress of the Atlanta deal fiasco. 

CT: I'm sure Atlanta owner ekoontz appreciated the extra money sent his way in that deal as well. How do you feel about the Rule 4 draft this year, give us your thoughts on #7 pick Jeremi Diaz.

cw: Totally solid pick. Maybe not a star, but a nice piece to start building with. Picking in the top 10, I'd prefer to have 20/20 scouting, but I'll take Diaz and keep moving forward. 

CT: It took a lot to sign him, but congrats! Thinking ahead, what's your game plan to continue building? Will you dip into the IFA market, sign FAs, or continue to build from the draft. As it stands it appears you'll have a top 2 pick next year.

cw: Not quite sure, to be honest. I am looking forward to a clean cap sheet this offseason and will definitely be aggressive looking to improve the roster through trades and FA. Those who know me, know that I love to trade; so Huntington will be open for business. Will also invest in the draft with that top pick. IFA is always tricky, so will have to wait and see how things shake out on that front. Going to do my best to build a winner quickly, rather than bottoming out for a prolonged stretch. 

CT: What does the owner of the Huntington Tropics like to do in his free time?

cw: Any time I don't spend on HBD and my three-month old daughter goes to my day job, which is running content and social media for an NBA team. But let's be honest, it's all about my daughter and HBD. 

CT: Well hopefully in that order too. Knowing your tie into Semi-Pro, what position would you play Will Ferrell on the Tropics? 

cw: Great question. Jackie Moon is....creative...offensively, so I'm sure he'd find some ways to get on base. I'd probably stick him in RF despite his lack of mobility. 

CT: There you are folks, another new owner in the books. Good luck this season!

Draft Round Up S48

Gabrielle  O. Alvarez-Tillman - Contributing Reporter.

It seems the Goat Curse might be broken! Did we just jinx ourselves, perhaps so. 

1. Washington DC - Olmedo Nunez (C) - The 4th straight high school selected #1 overall but will phlsfan regreat this decision in the future? Considering his fitness regiment and durability, if he does end up behind the plate, he should log plenty of innings but can't say the pitchers will be happy with his pitch calling as he's been known to signal for an underhand pitch before.  But where he really shines is at the plate. With 75 grade power, he hit his share of home runs as a kid over State Highway 48 into Old Man Kellar's cornfield. 70 Grade power and his mastery of the righty will definitely translate well into the majors. DC shells out nearly $6M for Nunez to sign. 

2. Florida - Juancito 'Mamacito' Martin (2B) - The North Carolina State star 2B was the prize of many in this year's draft, yet he fell to the second pick. His Range, Glove, and Accuracy should let him play anywhere on the diamond; just watch out if he develops some arm strength. 75 grade contact, splits, with 65 grade eye and speed. He'll get on base plenty and with the right bats behind him, has the potential to set a few run records. Similar to Nunez, his health and durability should keep him on the field. 

3. Philadelphia - Fred Carter (SP) - First High School pitcher off the board whose wicked slider is only topped by his 75 grade sinker. Shows great control, even with someone like the #1 pick Nunez behind the plate. Doesn't have the best speed on his pitches but manages to keep most balls on the ground; likely due to that sinker of his. 200 innings isn't out of question during his prime years

4. Washington DC - Albert Tomlin (P) - DC's second pick of the first round for not signing HS SS Kennedy last year. Where have I heard that before?!? Oh, happened to New Orleans the year before. You just can't trust High School Shortstop's mothers! Surprised he hasn't signed, as a Type D pick DC won't be compensated next year if he fails to sign this one. Time will tell. 

5. Atlanta - Player (Position) - Due to last year's overwhelming media response, we have been advised by our lawyers to not comment on this pick. 

6. Wichita - Wil Johnston (3B) - bjschumacher goes with the hot corner in the S48 draft, comes in with 65 grade power, hits lefties and righties equally, could probably use an eye test and potentially glasses. But really it's that 40 grade contact scouts will be keeping an eye on to see if he can further develop it. For a 22 year old out of the University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, we'll see if he can make the change from metal bats or not. 

7. Huntington - Jeremi Diaz (RF) - The Sooner slips down the draft board, rumor has it a few teams had him in their top 3. The Tropics pick up a lefty masher. His glove likely sees him shifting to first base, unless he gets traded to Chicago then he'll man Centerfield. His tools are good, but scouts doubt his makeup and if he'll live up to the potential. he also cost cwiddoes a pretty penny, $5.4M. We'll see if he can help turn that franchise around in then coming years. 

8. Los Angeles - Mike Sappelt (SP) - Yup, curse has to be lifted. Haven't seen this much talent this late in the draft since I started covering Cobbfather. Third pitcher off the board, Mike 'Sappy' shows great control, has a 70 grade movement on his pitches. Armed with a 4-seam and curveball he's ready to attack hitters in AA. Luckily he's pitching for Los Angeles, that should help hind the fact that he's a flyball pitcher with weak 3rd and 4th pitches. 

9. Chicago - Leo Newcomb (SP) - The first of six first round picks (+ supp) for slash, and what a draft for pitchers this year. This Floridian should show good signs of control, keep the ball on the ground, but won't strike out too many hitters. Throws a great sinker but might struggle a bit against lefties at times. This pick cost slash a whopping $7.4M, top bonus this season. 

10. Milwaukee - Avisail Gonzales (RF) - With the first of back to back picks, jbburner goes with Right Fielder, AG out of Calhan High School in Colorado. Should hold steady in RF and packs quite a bat with him. If he managed pitchers a bit better, he would have gone top 3 without a doubt. Healthy, durable, has a good eye and 60 grade speed that will help him move around the base paths. Fantastic pick for being so late in the draft. 

11. Milwaukee - Guillermo Tavarez (RP) - With his second pick, jbburner goes with the college reliever. Keone Webster looked alright last year, this sure was the year to not sign a pick from the previous year.  With a 75 grade curveball, he should trick enough hitters to a swing and a miss. His pitching coach better keep an eye on him that he doesn't become a lefty specialist as he's shown to struggle a bit against righties. 

12. Anaheim - Pascual Mijares (SP) - This guys throws his 4th best pitch, a slurve, better than some pitchers throw their best pitch. Will be fun to watch this guy mix up his pitches. Imagine an at-bat where you see a 4-seam, slurve, 4-seam, change-up, and then slider. Balls moving all over the plate! Next thing you are going to tell me is he throws a gyroball. Could use some improvement on his control which would give him a better chance with the htiters but he'll lean on those 4 pitches to get him through the inning(s). 

13. Dover - Curt Spencer (SP) - drichter grabs the starting pitcher out of New Century High School in Chapel Hill. Curt won't give away many free bases and for those lucky enough to get a hit off him, it will likely stay on the ground. Owns three 60 grade pitches (screwball, change up, and a cut fastball. Might struggle with righties but he'll lean on the defense behind him to get the out. At the plate, he's been known to lay down a bunt or two; not that he'll get the chance in the AL. 

14. Houston - Bennie Serra (SS) - With his position scarcity and power, it's interesting to see him fall this far to  Houston with the 14th pick. Struggles a bit to make contact, but when he does; you better watch out with that 80 grade power. Lefty pitchers might as well walk him or get pulled by their managers. Some scouts question his makeup, but the Bennie likes to smash! He might shift off Short due to his range but with that power he'd likely win a gold glove or two if he's moved to the hot corner. We saw many mock drafts that had Serra going #2 to New Orleans but then Martin fell to them after DC shifted directions last minute. 

15. Austin - Ernest Clements (CF) - Should easily stick at 2B with solid power and great speed. A bit slower than one would hope around the base paths and struggles against lefties even with that great eye of his. But boy can he lay down a sweet sweet bunt. If he plays his cards right, he might even be able to compete in the Korea Bunting Derby!

16. Boston - Jim Randall (C) - Even Grandma Alvarez-Tillman has more range then this guy! I think we all know that 200 lbs of muscle on that 5'-7" frame. Drafted as a catcher but will surely Should make good contact against both lefties and rights and won't cost his team a lot of easy outs. But for a DH he doesn't have a ton of power. You don't find an on base guy like this one at this point in the draft very often. Health could be a concern but that make-up is on point. But seriously, don't put him in the field. 

17. Colorado - Matt Tanner (CF) - At quick glance this is a great pick, he'll make plenty of contact and has a great eye, but can't promise he puts in play more than he doesn't. He also likely shifts to 2B before he reaches the majors. has shown great speed and healthy as can be. 

Let's go prospects, it's nearly your time to shine!!

S48 - Mid-Season Power Rankings

 Richard Castle - contributing reporter

Mid-season rankings checking in. No movement at the top, Colorado Springs still sits at #1 with New York right on their tails. Buffalo moves up to the #3 space even though they trail their division lead by 4 games. Pittsburg drops out of the top 5, slipping all the way to #8. Fun fact, the AL South ranks in at #16, 28, 31, & 32.

• Movers
• Austin (welcome back) climbs 10 spots to #14. 
• Atlanta up 7 spots to #18
• Witchita moves 5 slots to #17. 
• Sliders
• Jackson falls 7 spots to #16. 
• Boston spirals down 6 to #22
• Santa Fe & El Paso slip 5 to #24 and #28 respectively - or as respectable as they can. 

How They Were Built!

  Jessica Fletcher - contributing reporter

Starting a new series on how Cobbfather teams were built. I'm not sure how often we'll see these, but thought they'd be fun. We'll start with the defending AL (Colorado Springs) and hope to get to the defending NL (Oklahoma City) Champs next time around. Both teams belong to the 100M+ payroll club. The defending World Champ Barons have struggled a bit this season and are currently looking up at Salt Lake City & Vancouver in the standings within their division while From My Loins are leading the league with the second highest payroll in the league by 7 games and have recently been ranked as the #1 overall team in the latest power rankings. So, let's start with them. 

Colorado Springs is looking for their third AL Title in 4 years, unfortunately always a bridesmaid, never a bride has been the case; losing the Barons in both of their World Series appearances. They've only been the playoffs the last 4 seasons but are looking strong for at least another 4 seasons without question. They lead the league in run differential at 127 (4th best in the league is only 68, shows how well they are playing). Their pitching has the second best team ERA only to Vancouver. League best batting average against with .228. Their bats are not giving up many strikeouts. The defense is 2nd most in plus plays and they catch the 4th most stealers. How exactly was topfotheworl(d) get here? Let's see (hopefully I get these right).

• Finances - 8 straight seasons (36-43) he kept payroll down to below $56M, allowing the extra bump in Prospect spending, with 7 years spending more than $38M building a young core. Come the Rule 4, they focused practically solely on teenage kids out of High School. Trivia time, how much will Colorado Springs budget for their coaches? Answer, the same they've budgeted the last 29 years. Might as well make it an even 30! One has to appreciate consistency. 
• The Good (starters as of writing) 
• Vic Nova (RF) - $15M IFA signing back in Season 44 (of his $36M prospect budget)
• Don Stubbs (CF) - drafted by topoftheworl back in Season 35 in the first round, 6th overall selection out of High School. Currently on the back end of his first extension signed just before his 3rd year of arbitration. 
• Lonnie Mills (DH) - Pre-season 46 trade with Tunaphsyh (former owner of LA Summers). At the time it looked like a steal; looking back it looks like an even bigger steal. Tuna's return only one has made it to the show as an LRB. 
• Jair Hernandez (C) - Originally a free agent signing with topoftheworl back in Season 45 but had his option declined this past offseason, only to sign a new 2/$8.4M deal that expires after next season. 
• Cyrus May (LF) - Season 46 max contract free agent signing of 5/$110M.
• Jorge Johnson (1B ) - Mid-season 41 trade with tonicawf (former owner of Salt Lake City). Prospect swap. Tommy Duke is still with SLC but has slipped a notch or two it appears the last two seasons and is currently sitting at the back of the rotation in the 5th starter role. 
• Francisco Bonilla (SS) - Acquired this season from Ploppie's El Paso Ploppies as they try to shed contracts from their previous owner. Bonilla is currently signed through Season 50 @ $20M  per. But how did he make this trade? Carlos Concepcion ($15M IFA S38 signing - $41M spent that season), Reynaldo Franco (acquired in the Lonnie Mills deal), and Pedro Rosa ($1.2M IFA S45 signing - $31M spent).
• Dane Javier (3B) - $8M IFA signing during Season 39 ($33M spent that season), currently on the first of a 5/$32.5M deal signed prior to his last year of arbitration. 
• Josmil Iquierdo (2B) - drafted by topoftheworl as the #24th overall during the Season 40 Rule 4 draft out of High School. 
• The Bad (bench)
• Julio Moya (C) - Originally acquired from Jackson in Season 36, but now playing on year to year contracts - the latest one being worth $2.2M. I'm sure that 96 pitch calling skill of Moya's has something to do with him sticking around Colorado Springs for this long. 
• Alexi Julio (SS) - Great deal on a backup defensive shortstop for $750k on a one year deal, though he hasn't seen the field yet this season. With the defensive prowess of the most recent addition, Bonilla; he might not all season - at least at shortstop. 
• Oswaldo Sierra (SS) - $5M IFA signing back in Season 34 (of $23M), with 14 years of pro ball, he's only been lucky enough to have 2+ years of major league service time. At 33 years old, he's at league minimum for 2nd year players. 
• Stefen Cruz (SS) - Signed with CS on a 1/$1.1M deal this offseason. Plenty of shortstops in the Colorado Springs systems.
• The Ugly (injuries)
• None
• The Mound
• Arismendy Costilla (SP1) - $35M IFA signing during season 40 ($39M spent), on the first year of a 5/$38.8M deal that expires after Season 52. 
• Midre Benavente (SP2) - $22.8M IFA signing during season 42 ($46M spent), on his first year of arbitration this year. 
• Tony Lim (SP3) - $29M IFA signing during season 43 ($41M spent), on the third year on league minimum, enters arbitration next year. 
• Sergei Griggs (SP4) - Acquired via trade by the former owner of the Ottawa O Faces during season 42. Used Gabby Lunsford (Diamond - #233 overall pick in S38 draft) & Doug Cornelius (#3 overall pick in S39. Also received Ender Vargas, who was released 3 years later. 
• Fausto Cruz (LRA) - $21M IFA signing during season 41 ($38M spent), entering second year of arbitration. 
• Javier Park (SuA) - $15.9M IFA signing during Season 36 ($43M spent), currently on the first of a  2/$10M deal. 
• Starlin Burns (SuB) - Claimed off waivers this season from Helena. 
• Karim Sanabia (SuB) - Acquired from the New Orleans franchise this season for Pedro Encarnacion ($3.6M IFA in S46). 
• Alex Lee (SuB) - Drafted during Season 37 as the #246 overall pick out of High School. 
• Gaylord Butler (ClA) - Acquired via trade in S44 with Scranton for Will Roth (Acquired via trade in S42) and Armando Zapata ($11.9M IFA signing in S41)
• Yasmani Zapata (P) - Acquired via trade with Vancouver, on last year of his contract. Used David Hyun (S38 - #104 overall pick), Louis West (S42 - #189 overall pick), and Tommie Russell (S42 - #31 overall pick)) as trade bait - all out of High School. Interesting tidbit, only Hyun is still with Vancouver after a year. 
• Dustan Wells (P) - Acquired via trade with Ottawa franchise in S37. Trade bait only lasted 4 years combined in the league. 

Team's position players were acquired from just about every facet of the game. But his pitching staff was mostly IFA spending and trades. Running total - for this purpose we will note how the player was first acquired by the team:

• 4 players acquired via Free Agency
• 3 players acquired via Rule 4 Draft
• 0 players acquired via Rule 5 Draft
• 8 players acquired via International Free Agency
• 8 players acquired via Trade. 
• 1 players claimed of Waivers

S48 - Power Rankings

 Richard Castle - contributing reporter

A quarter of the way through the season, it's time to update our power rankings. Colorado Springs holds steady at the top, but are they built for the post season? Can they claim the title* of Season 48? A few shuffles in the top 5 with OKC shifting out and Pittsburgh in. On the other end of the spectrum Philly and Houston switch spots, rounding out the bottom five with them are: Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and Huntington. 

• Movers
• Cincinnati making some big strides, moving up 12 slots to #17
• Jackson and Ottawa both climbing up 9 slots to #9 and #21 respectively. 
• Sliders
• Dropping more than a DJ's concert are Atlanta (9 slots), Los Angeles (8 slots) and Colorado (7 slots).

Meet the Owner - Napoli

 Catherine Trammell - Contributing Reporter

Catherine Trammell: Good morning once again Cobbfather faithful! Time to me another new owner, this one has little experience under his belt, or so it appears. So Napoli, are you as green as we've heard or is there a Clark Kent to your Napoli? 

Napoli: Great to be here Catherine. I'm more like Jimmy Olsen than Clark Kent. Jimmy's new in town, and Jimmy is sweet on you. But before I get in trouble, to answer your question, Napoli is my only WIS account. I have a lot to learn.

CT: Well good luck, I know many of owners have tried. What is your gut instinct on your roster this season? 

N: Well Catherine, this roster isn't a World Series contender, but it's also not empty. Davy Oliver could be an all star and we've got other isolated areas of strength and potential. Had a great IFA signing this weekend, a 23-year old 5-pitch pitcher at 74 overall now with 84 potential. We have a lot of weaknesses, but we're rarely getting blown out so I don't think we're that far away from making a little noise.

CT: Making noise is good! After all, it's 4th of July weekend. And that 84 potential, seems like a good signing! We'll see how he shakes out versus righties. If he can improve there, he should seem fairly useful; especially since he induces so many groundballs, even with a great 4-seam fastball. He's a healthy buck too. Well the fans are to too familiar with the short stint in Seattle for your franchise, which player is your current worse contract?

N: I don't know a thing about the past owners, but I'll send them nothing but love. This is a complicated game and a lot of contract gambles won't pay off, as I'm already learning. All that said, worst contract winner is Don "Soul Train" Cornelius, he's making $5.6 million this year to pitch underhanded for my AA team. Sadly that's where he belongs. The good news is most of the really bad contracts are done after this season, so I just set a high payroll this year and we'll ride it out as the roster turns over.

CT: Soul Train better be paying for bus upgrades for his teammates at that much for money for AA ball. I still can't believe the Lonnie Mills deal from a few years back. What a steal for Colorado Springs. Should be interesting to see what you do with the team next year. On the flip, what is your team's greatest asset?

N: Our concessions? Our cheerleaders? Our high draft position? I mean, we're a bad team. We've got payroll flexibility after season 49, so I guess that counts as an asset?

CT: Definitely counts, just too bad you it wasn't this year when you could pick up Alex Tarraga, Gary Strandridge, Koyie Ward, or Nick Ferrell. Since wins might be limited, what will you call a W this season? 

N: We're trying hard to win every game, but I'm not measuring success strictly by Ws and Ls this season. It's about player development and identifying individuals who can help us in the next 3-5 seasons, especially pitchers. It'd be great if we could lose less than 100, but even if we lose 110 there can still be success. Trust the process, as they say.

CT: #TrustTheProcess. Was the move to Los Angeles part of the process? 

N: I guess I should say something strategic about the ballpark dimensions, but nah. I spend a lot of time in LA for work, to visit family, and just for fun. Took my wife there for our first out-of-town date and we basically covered the whole area from Santa Monica to Downtown to Orange County in a long weekend. There's just so much random, formal, informal, and unique stuff to do there. It's one of my favorite cities in the world, decades of great memories, and makes me happy whenever I think of going back.

CT: I'm sure the fans are glad to hear how much you love their city, and know that you don't plan to move them anytime soon. What is your biggest challenge this season?

N: Weak ticket sales... LA's notorious rush hour traffic... baseball in general... you name it, we're making it a challenge. We're in the bottom third in pitching and hitting and fielding. Everything challenges the Los Angeles Summers. There's not much top-level talent here and I probably could have been more active in free agency. We'll be more aggressive next offseason.

CT: Well with all that money freeing up, it will be interesting to see who you go after. So hot topic: should the DH be in the NL?

N: I'm a long term hardcore anti-DH guy. I love National League baseball because the double switch is such a fascinating strategic element of the game. Managers really have to be savvy and attentive. AL, you just plop a strong but unathletic dude in the heart of your order and he stays there all game. I know chicks dig the longball, Catherine, but even you have to admit AL style ball is a missed opportunity to watch smart managers match wits.

CT: Moving on to the important topics, and be aware that the Canadian commish will be reading your response. Canadian or American bacon?

N: American bacon for food, Canadian Bacon for the movie. That said, get ready for some non-sponsored heresy. I'm a huge fan of Beyond Burgers. What that company is doing with lab grown meat is downright wild. My father in law is a vocal hater of the stuff and I know faux beef offends some people, but I think it's delicious and I think there's a ton of potential for it in the future. Imagine self-marinating steaks... chicken wings with habanero pepper mixed into their DNA.... sorry Catherine, like I said, I'm going with Mexican bacon.

CT: Faux burgers, sounds like California picked you and not the other way around. Mexican bacon? Wonder if that's made from agave too. What about your favorite MLB hall of famer?

N: Great question to end on Catherine. I really wish Ron Santo could have been alive for his 2012 induction. On top of being deserving statistically, Santo was a good man with profound strength of character and desire to help others. I met the man at Spring Training once, and the old dude was as genuine humble and friendly as it gets. He's an example for me to aspire to as I take on this great managerial challenge in LA, in this great league we all call Cobbfather.

CT: There you are folks, another new owner in the books. Good luck Napoli this season!