AL South Questions and Answers

	Offense				Defense				Pitching
Category	Stat	Rank		Category	Stat	Rank		Category	Stat	Rank
Avg.	.269	15th		Fielding %	.982	23rd		ERA	5.36	31st
Home Runs	200	13th		Double Plays	385	12th		Strike Outs	1018	27th
Runs	795	16th		+ Plays	48	24th		OAV	.294	32nd
Steals	125	19th		- Plays	33	15th		Saves	43	17th

NCAA and NCAA II are you only active worlds, what's the appeal for you to play in the NCAA theme worlds?

I think it is hard to find a person to manage a good league, I have been in a few open leagues and was very discouraged with the fighting in the chat rooms which led me to NCAA. Hop was in one of those leagues with me and he put the offer out there to join NCAA and I jumped on it. After seeing how well run it was when he asked me to join NCAA II it was a no brainer. I am sure there are other well run leagues but for me 2 teams are enough to handle but overall the appeal to these 2 leagues is simply Hop.

You've finished 3rd in your division the last 2 seasons, what moves will it take to get Texas A&M competing for that division title?

As with every season I have a pretty good offence but my pitching is horrible, so for me to make a move this season will take better pitching and the hopes that the MVP from a couple of seasons ago doesn't get hurt.

Is this the season we see S4 #3 overall draft pick Joe graves get the call-up?

Joe Graves had a great season last year in AA, but I want to make sure he progresses so he will start this year in AAA with Tanyon Skinner make his ML debut. If Skinner plays well then I won't be in a hurry to rush Graves but if Skinner fails and Graves is hitting lights out in AAA, then there is a strong possibility that we will see him this season.

	Offense				Defense				Pitching
Category	Stat	Rank		Category	Stat	Rank		Category	Stat	Rank
Avg.	.261	19th		Fielding %	.976	30th		ERA	5.95	32nd
Home Runs	173	27th		Double Plays	405	5th		Strike Outs	958	31st
Runs	737	23rd		+ Plays	52	23rd		OAV	.292	31st
Steals	154	10th		- Plays	49	27th		Saves	32	32nd

You're starting your 2nd season in NCAA II, what have you seen here that's different than the other worlds?

I'm starting my first full season here I took over the team last season with 17 games to go. So haven't been here long enough yet. I will say that was the quickest rollover I've seen.

Wichita has only 1 division title in their history, finishing 4th the last 2 seasons; what's the plan to get them their 2nd division title and how far away is that plan?

I would say focus on the draft and international free agents. The team is a complete rebuild. 4 to 5 seasons later should be competing for the playoffs.

Last season you took a reliever #1 overall, I took a reliever #2 overall. Most advice is that is too high to take them in. What led you to taking your reliever #1 overall and what are your plans with the #2 overall pick this year?

As told you last season it wasn't my draft. I took over the team with 17 games left in the season. You will have to ask the owner who took those players what their thoughts were. For this years draft I will take the best high school player that I see.

	Offense				Defense				Pitching
Category	Stat	Rank		Category	Stat	Rank		Category	Stat	Rank
Avg.	.271	12th		Fielding %	.982	24th		ERA	4.41	16th
Home Runs	178	25th		Double Plays	429	3rd		Strike Outs	1125	3rd
Runs	845	8th		+ Plays	47	26th		OAV	.273	25th
Steals	147	13th		- Plays	38	20th		Saves	54	5th

	Offense				Defense				Pitching
Category	Stat	Rank		Category	Stat	Rank		Category	Stat	Rank
Avg.	.273	10th		Fielding %	.983	21st		ERA	4.83	26th
Home Runs	174	26th		Double Plays	372	16th		Strike Outs	1065	22nd
Runs	787	18th		+ Plays	65	12th		OAV	.272	23rd
Steals	152	11th		- Plays	40	23rd		Saves	44	14th

You've finished 2nd the last 3 seasons by 9, 5 and then 3 games. You're closing the gap to the division title, what will get you over that hump and winning it this season?

- Pitching...and a bit more offensive support from the role players. My starting pitching took a step backwards last season as the rookies couldn't quite bring it to the table. I had high hopes for Alex Perez after his great rookie campaign (17-5, 3.25 ERA) but a shoulder problem shut him down last season...I fully expect him to bounce back. I need more offensive production from other players outside of Ted Halman, Shannon McCartin and Ricardo Ramirez.

You currently have 7 active teams, how do you manage them and what makes NCAA II different from the other worlds?

- It was 8 teams at one point but I had to give up one team (my beloved Twins in the MLB) because I didn't reach the minimum win level to stay. The only tough part about handling so many teams is when they start rolling over around the same time..there are times when I can't remember is this team at budget distribution or is it that one..wait, no they are free agent signings. You get the point. I like NCAA II (also a member of the original NCAA), it has a lot of good people in it and the commish does a bang up job of keeping people in line..no drama!!!

You've only made 1 trade total in 5 seasons and that was back in season 1. Why the lack of trades?

- I am really not much of a trade guy. Prefer the draft and free agency. I have been burned a couple of times on trades. In the back of my mind, I am thinking "What if I trade this guy and he starts to play out of his mind and has MVP type numbers??" Probably why I am reluctant to give up my top prospects.

It looks like season 3, #6 overall draft pick David Pettitte got the call up this season. He was drafted as 2B but now listed as RF. Where do you plan on playing him and what are you expecting out of him his first season?

- I did call up Pettitte. In my opinion, he doesn't have the range or glove to play 2B, he is better suited for a corner outfield spot. I considered 3B for him but his arm isn't there (not that it is any better for RF). I have actually moved Ricardo Ramirez to the hot corner from RF to make room for Pettite. I am expecting him to hold his own offensively and give enough support to Halman, McMartin and Ramirez.