The Official ESPN Franchise Thread

[NEPatriot77712]

okay everybody this is it. AlbertPujolsFreak and I have decided to make this thread your ESPN for all the franchises. We will post interviews, highlights, rumors/transactions etc. of all the franchises.

we will hit you up about a good game you played and have you post the highlights, stuff like that. This is going to be for all the franchises going on. so here it is!

[XxPRiM3TiMExX]

cool...

.

[NEPatriot77712]

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/32/l_7558ca5fe8784e9cad47bd24b3c449c4.jpg

Preston's Interview with Royals GM Martinez a.k.a. SlantedeyeMatt


http://imgsrv.kmbz.com/image/kmbz/UserFiles/Image/Brian%5C%27s%20Pics/royals.jpg

Preston: Today on Marshall and Preston we have new Royals GM Martinez, Mr. Martinez thanks for joining us

GM Martinez: Thanks for having me

Preston: It seems that you've had a busy offseason, why don't you take us through it?

GM Martinez: Well we feel mike jacobs and kyle farnsworth are the keys to are success this year and that is why we got them. Jocobs we hope will improve as the season goes on and will provide that power bat for us all season long. If we can get to farnsworth in the 8th inning we feel we can have the most dominant 8th and 9th inn combo in the league (Farnsworth, and soria)

Preston: well those are two pretty good moves, but according to a couple rumor sites, you have expressed interest in free agent LF Manny Ramirez? Is this correct?

GM Martinez: Yes, we are currently in talks with agent scott boras about Manny ramirez as we feel he will change our lineup to make us a favorite to win. Now with that there are a few more teams intrested and we have set a time for Scott (boras) and Manny Ramirez to accept our offer. So on march 3rd the day we get to camp we will either have him or not have him. We strongly believe KC is the place for him to flourish his career and help bring us to the top.

Preston: I would have to agree that right now if a team like the Dodgers, Giants, or your Royals could sign him, it would be a big acquisition to get your team toward the top. Right now what would you guess to be the Royals biggest hole?

GM Martinez: the need of a big hitter. Like i said we have a good lineup of young kids but we lack a 100 RBI guy that Ramirez would provide and that is what we feel we need to establish from the free agent market or via trades

Preston: okay, Zack Greinke. The kid has a huge amount of potential that we have just been waiting to see, is this going to be the year that he finally breaks out and solidifies himself as an ace?

GM Martinez: we feel he had done a amazing job and he still has potential to be reached but we feel he had a great year last year as he had a 3.47 era and if he can take that down just a little with our improved lineup hopefully. He will get more support and will be a better pitcher for it

Preston: okay, who do you think is going to have a breakout year this year on your team?

GM Martinez: I think mike jacobs will have have the best year for us and hopefully his strikeouts will go down. His batting avg was good at .247 and hopfully he will get to .300 and make our lineup very dangerous.

Preston: okay last question before i let you get on your way, is this team going to be the Tampa Bay Rays of last year?

GM Martinez: I think we have a great chance to be as good as them. We have the peaces to the puzzle and I strongly think we can do it

Preston: Well thank you for your time Mr. Martinez, hope to speak to you soon, possibly about a new free agent signing(wink wink).

GM Martinez: Thank you and good luck with the show for the rest of the season


http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/948/948712/major-league-baseball-2k9-20090127044806107_640w.jpg

That's it on this Edition of Marshall and Preston In The Afternoon

[AlbertPujolsFreak5]

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/32/l_7558ca5fe8784e9cad47bd24b3c449c4.jpg

Today ESPN reporter, Marshall Allman sat down with Angels GM, Preston to do a quick interview. In this interview they talk about the off season and upcoming season. Here is what the GM Preston had to say about his team:

http://angels.mlb.com/ana/images/community/foundation_logo_250x300.gif


Marshall: "Thanks for coming and joining us for another exclusive Marshall and Preston in the Afternoon interview."

GM Preston: "No problem, anytime."

Marshall: "This year it seems like you guys have been very busy in the off season. Can you walk me through what you wanted to accomplish in the off season and what you have done to accomplish such things?"

GM Preston: "Well yes, it has been a very busy off season for us. We lost some really good players that we though would be very hard to replace. I feel that we have addressed each area very strongly. I feel that with the additions of Brian Fuentes and Bobby Abreu we can be a World Series contenders. Fuentes does a good job to replace K-Rod. Abreu is that middle of the order bat that is going to help out Vlad a lot this season."

Marshall: "Did you feel that letting K-Rod go was possibly the wrong thing to do? Considering he just came off of a record year with 63 saves."

GM Preston: "No not at all. K-Rod wanted to start negotiations with us at a really high price. We didn't feel that it was necessary to spend that much money to bring him back to the team with an already solid bullpen. We had Arredondo and Shields ready to take over his role. It just worked out very nicely that Brian Fuentes had great interest in coming to our organization. I do wish the best of luck to Frankie, but as a team we are moving on."

Marshall: "Do you feel that Brian Fuentes is a player that is capable of filling Rodriguez's shoes?"

GM Preston: "Absolutely. He is a solid lefty reliever, who has always been a dominant pitcher during his whole MLB career. I don't think people give him enough credit for what he has done during his career in Colorado. He was pitching in an especially hitter's friendly ballpark. Plus, with the move toward home, I think he will adjust very nicely hear in Anaheim. I look for him to have a very good season."

Marshall: "With Teixeira gone, is Morales a long term answer or just a short term answer to a first baseman?"

GM Preston: "Right now, I would say ask me after the first season. This is his first chance to prove himself after a full season. Now, if he gets injured or doesn't play well at all, then we might think about making a move at the deadline. But from what I have seen, i think he should do fine."

GM Preston: "So to answer your question, I would say long term as of right now."

Marshall: "As an organization do you have anything else planned?"

GM Preston: "Well as of right now, we are unsure on how we are going to full fill our number 5 spot our rotation. We have been in talks with Pedro Martinez about possibly inking a deal to come pitch for us. We don't want it to be a too long of a contract as wee hope to have Kelvim (Escobar) back by mid season. We do feel that Pedro would really enhance our rotation."

Marshall: "Alright that's all the time we have for right now."

GM Preston: "You too, and good luck with everything on the show!"

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii244/Cubbies0034/LAA-abreu.jpg

[AlbertPujolsFreak5]

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/36/l_11da908dba264ed89ef1e0f4656088b8.jpg

[soldaderyan]

hey, pujols whats up with that leaderboard?

[AlbertPujolsFreak5]

DAMN ! thats a big picture
hey, pujols whats up with that leaderboard?

lol...and the leaderboard...Me and NEPatriot77712 are going to update this every week. It will go off of each franchise's stats. So say that in one franchise A-Rod is at 3 homers at the end of the week...and Vlad is at 5. Vlad will be first and A-Rod will be 2nd...just like that...

[I0I HaVoK I0I]

but what if a dude is three weeks ahead and ur still in week 1 how would the leaderboards work?

[slantedeyematt]

thats cool so we compare each persons franchise stats on their team, SICK........GOOD STUFF GUYS

[MasonTK]

or if the same guy is leading in multiple franchises. love the top play idea, if we can upload vids. not sure about the leaderboard.

another idea for you. why dont you guys 'break' news? make stuff up like the media does or just randomly PM a franchise owner asking for a rumor about their team. then you can elaborate on it with interviews or something. give you a reason to do interviews other than just for the hell of it.

[AlbertPujolsFreak5]

but what if a dude is three weeks ahead and ur still in week 1 how would the leaderboards work?

well what you guys will be doing is posting up your game box scores along with any highlights you want to show us...we will then take a weeks worth of box scores (game wise, not actual 7 days but a week in the game) and then we will add up the homers, rbis, era, w-l...etc. and then we will make the leader board accordingly to the leaders.

[AlbertPujolsFreak5]

or if the same guy is leading in multiple franchises. love the top play idea, if we can upload vids. not sure about the leaderboard.

another idea for you. why dont you guys 'break' news? make stuff up like the media does or just randomly PM a franchise owner asking for a rumor about their team. then you can elaborate on it with interviews or something. give you a reason to do interviews other than just for the hell of it.

thanks for the positive feedback...the videos will work by using 2kshare...and the leaderboard will work like this: if the same guy is leading in one category multiple times then it will look like this

HR
1. Alex Rodriguez - 5 - (MasonTK)
2. Alex Rodriguez - 5 - (AlbertPujolsFreak5)
3. Alex Rodriguez - 5 - (NEPatriot77712)

and that will apply for each category...tell me what you think

[I0I HaVoK I0I]

Alright cool

[NEPatriot77712]

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/32/l_7558ca5fe8784e9cad47bd24b3c449c4.jpg

Interview with Orioles GM Ross: The Rebuilding Story

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Preston: today on marshall and preston we have Orioles GM Ross, thank you for joining us today

GM Ross: Thanks for having me, its a pleasure to be on your show

Preston: okay so this offseason has been pretty wild, can you take us through it?

GM Ross: Ya it has, With us bringing Andy Mcpahil in we knew that somthing like this would happen, he is a great guy and knows what needs to be done to win. The first day in office he told us that he thought Wieters (Matt) was ready for the bigs and to make his name in the Orioles Franchise, so he traded away Ramon and got back a veteran in ryan freel. He also fount a couple good little deal involinvg the Cubs on aquiring Felix Pie and Rich Hill. Also for the first time we expanded are out of country Signings and singed Koji Uehara. Mcpail has been the main reason for are wild Offseason and i give him all the credit.

Preston: So what about yourself, now that your the GM do you plan on making any moves yourself?

GM Ross: I have not decided yet, i mean it has been a week since spring training started and position players showed up thursday and so far i am liking wat im seeing so far from are young guys and are Veterans. But one thing is sure, we still need that veteran pitcher. Me, Mcphail ( Andy) and Angelos (Peter) have been watching closey on the Ben Sheets story. We dont know yet but just keep an eye out for that.

Preston: okay so we know you have a great prospect coming up by the name of Matt Wieters, what would you like to say about him?

GM Ross: Hes amazing and hes been everything we thought when we drafted him last year with the 6th overal pick in the draft. Watching him thru rookie ball with the keys was just amazing and then when he went on too play for Bowie he just demolished the pitching and made them look rediculous. This kid is the real thing and know matter hwat happens this year, that pertaining if he makes the club out of spring trainign or starts in AAA and gets called up 2 or 3 months into the season, he will turn this franchise around and i know Me, Peter (Angelos) and And (McPhail) will choose whats best for this organization

Preston: which move that you guys made this offseason is going to have the biggest impact on the team this year?

GM Ross:
I think all the moves we degerated this year will benefit to are cause, but if I had to choose one it will be Re-Signing Nick Markakis. This franchise needs another face in this era. Back then it was Cal Ripken and this franchise really needs to move on from that. Solidifying Nick Markakis as are Rightfielder until 2015 gives us a young talent to build around and that is what we are doing. Like i said all of are moves will benefit this club but that move is possibly yhe biggest and will help us the most.

Preston: Its obvious that this team wants to win now, judging by some of the moves you have made, what do you think is your biggest hole?

GM Ross: Not to single anyone out but its still are pitching. Are pitching rotation has struggled many years and is the number one cause for are 10 loosing season in a row. I think are offense is where it has to be to win a World Series, But are pitching needs help. We finally have a solid ace in Jeremy Guthrie but after that its up in the air. We have 37 pitchers out there competing for a spot in this rotation and anyone has a chance. But without a doubt are biggest hole is are starting rotation.

Preston: Guthrie's numbers point to him being your ace as you said, but do you think that he has cy young potential?

Gm Ross: I really think he does...hes a former first round pick for the cleveland indians and you are not chose first in a draft for no reason. I mean if he played for the Yankees or the Red Sox, one of those big teams he could win 20 games a season and possibly a Cy- Young. But here the last couple of years we didnt have a strong Bullpen to hold leads and not to mention Camden Yards is not a Pitcher Friendly field, so yes he has the potential to win or compete for a cy young, its just that are offense needs to produce when hes out there and when hes on the bench late in innings are Bullpen needs to hold the leads for him.

Preston: okay last question, where do you picture the Orioles at the end of the season?

GM Ross: I picture the Orioles Champions, no matter were are record will fall or what place we are in. These are the Rebuilding years and i think what we have waited on can take its toll soon. I can see us as another Tampa Bay Rays story because we have what it takes this year with a strong Bullpen, great offense and lineup, were mixed with power and average as also Young and old, we just need to get are starting rotation solidified and i think we could make a run

Preston: okay thank you for the interview.

GM Ross: No problem, anytime ya want to have me back on just give me a call. And again thanks for having me. Its been a pleasure
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc73/tjspeaks/10T-123.jpg

[XxPRiM3TiMExX]

Hey, I am available now, if you want to interview me, if you like...

[NEPatriot77712]

sorry guys, been busy with school this week. Look for all the interviews to get going back up tommorow

alright thanks

*Preston*

[MJGrady26]

Just started A texas rangers franchise - PM me if you want to interview me - love all of these ideas here.

[ze1and0nly]

Wait first howd you get the game so early grady and 2nd id like to be interviewd MustangJeff67 white sox

[MJGrady26]

lol no I meant I started the franchise on here. I do not have the game yet, I just started it up on here so I can do some moves and what not before the game comes out.

[ze1and0nly]

wait i am not officially confuzed

[XxPRiM3TiMExX]

NEpat, if you wanna do me now or tomarrow, im up for it, because im getting the game tomarrow.

[NEPatriot77712]

lmao i saw that, lucky *** lol well ill do it now if you like? a pre-opening day thing lol

[XxPRiM3TiMExX]

Ite, I was watching the knicks game..... Ergggggghhhh.... , But ill do it now if you likes??

[NEPatriot77712]

no prob, you got aim?

[XxPRiM3TiMExX]

I am on.


.

[NEPatriot77712]

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/32/l_7558ca5fe8784e9cad47bd24b3c449c4.jpg


Interview with Yankees GM Aki: Road to 27

http://media.bigoo.ws/content/60/286260/Yankees.jpg

Preston: Tonight were joined by Yankees GM Aki, thanks for joining us tonight

GM Aki: Thank you for having me.

Preston: okay, so first things first, very busy off-season! Tell me what made you sign 3 of the 4 best free agents out there?

GM Aki: Well, the Yankees organization underachieved in 2008. We finished in 3rd place, and did not make the playoffs. We also lost 20 game winner Mike Mussina to retirement, and pitching was a weakness last season, so we are excited now that we have a potent pitching staff. And Teixeira is a special player. Not many players can hit the way he hits, and also plays defense as amazing as he does. This year we are determined to win a championship, and to bring it home to New York.

Preston: Have you talked to Teixeira? How do you think he will handle the New York Media?

GM Aki: Yes, I just recently talked to him, and he is a great person, and he is ecstatic that he plays for the Yankees. I also think Mark will handle the media great. He is a humble guy that loves New York, and is determined to jump on the bus with our roster, and begin our road to 27.


Preston: Well although its hard to find one, where do you think the Yankees biggest hole is?

GM Aki: Right now our Center Field position is up for the taking. Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera are battling for the position. Brett looks like the leader so far because of his speed and range, but Melky is a fan favorite, so it is a hard decision. All though, we have sent an offer to the Twins, discussing CF Carlos Gomez, and we offered P Ian Kennedy, CF Melky Cabrera, and a player to be named later. Also, our backup infield depth is not as good as we'd like.

Preston: Have the Twins responded to that deal yet? Do you feel that your close to a deal?

GM Aki: Right now, we are at a stalemate. The Twins know we have interest in Gomez, and he reportedly would like to bat higher in the lineup as he currently bats 9th for the twins. He has played in New York, and his speed, glove, and flat out potential, make him something we cant resist. Also, the Twins are looking to bolster the pitching, and picking up a young starting pitcher, that was dominant in 2007 is something that the Twins expressed interest in.

Preston: So are there any other players your looking at, or is it just Gomez?

GM Aki: Gomez is our 1st option. He provides youth in the outfield, speed, and a great glove, which is something we need. We also like Jim Edmonds, but he is more of a fallback option. And, as stated before, we will try to bolster our backup Middle infield depth.

Preston: Okay, A-rod. Your thoughts on that situation?

GM Aki: A-Rod is a phenomenal athlete, and the Yankees organization are disappointed that he did not use his common sense. He had all the tools in the world to be great, and that still wasn't enough. But on the other side, if there is an edge you can get that wont hurt you, you do it. Should he have done it no, could I understand why, yes. Also, almost every single athlete is on steroids, but I astonished that only A-rod gets called out.

Preston: Okay last question, how is the chemistry in the clubhouse right now, and do you think that the attitude in there is all towards number 27?

GM Aki: I think the chemistry is great, all the players are getting along and doing great, in a matter of fact after practice I took all of the spring training invitees out paintballing, and they had a blast. I see potential in Robinson Cano, and I mean hall of fame potential, he is an up tempo guy, that loves to have fun. This year looks like it can be our best chance to win our 27th ring, I think if I have all the players on the bus with me, the road to 27 will be sweeter, and greater.

Preston: Well thank you for this time on this interview. We hope to hear from you soon.

GM Aki: Me too, its been a pleasure to be on the show.

http://2ksports.com/media/images/screens/Sabathia1.jpg

[I0I HaVoK I0I]

Nice!!!!!!!!

[NEPatriot77712]

Thanks bro, i try to make it look nice lol.