Expos 2002 strategy

[gyb13]

Originally posted by Fuzzy Bear
The Expos are apparently trying to emulate the 1983 Philadelphia "Wheeze Kids", stocking up with old, familiar faces in the decline phase of their careers. While it's an awful strategy for a team that needs to rebuild with young players, who knows if they'll be an Expos next year? The "Wheeze Kids" did, after all, win the NL pennant in 1983. The Expos' strategy of putting past-prime stars on the field, players in the decline phase of their careers who, nonetheless, can still hit, is probably the BEST strategy this team in its' peculiar circumstances could pursue, both at the gate and in the standings. I wouldn't recommend this for my Devil Rays, but the Expos have been diagnosed as terminal. For them, what they are doing is more than OK!
Assuming the Expos are terminal, should they pursue this kind of strategy? Why or why not?

[SmedIndy]

I really think they're just trying to get the best available players in their price range. A little nostalga doesn't hurt, but I wouldn't read too much into it.

[Fritz Buelow]

Remember Camp Homestead in the Collusion Era? It's now north of the border in M-town.

[KCBOOMER]

I wonder why the Lords of the Realm don't just let the Expos go bankrupt instead offering this cockamamie contraction proposal? It would sure solve one of their logical problems. As you know the Union is always screaming that no team ever went bankrupt. Instead of bailing Lurie out maybe they should have let the Expos go belly up.

[Fuzzy Bear]

For the Lords of Baseball who now run the Expos, they need to keep fan interest, as much as they can, if there is to be a tomorrow in Montreal (doubtful, but who knows).

The Expos young players, Vladimir Guerrero and Jose Vidro to the contrary, have generally been boring busts lately. Milton Bradley, Peter Bergeron STINK TO HIGH HEAVEN, AND ARE BORING, BESIDES. So, by all means, bring on the Cat! Bring on Jose Canseco; bring on Ozzie Canseco, even! That's why Frank Robinson is manager; we know him.

I am told that the Expos have scads of youngsters a step away from making deep impact on the league. Maybe; I used to believe it, but Bradley and Bergeron have shaken my faith in Montreal's ability to develop talented players. Anyway, the hour is late. Bring on the offense! Bring on the familiar! I'm open to persuasion, but, given the situation, no one that cares seems to have a better idea.

[gyb13]

Expos acquire third baseman Truby for Blum
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Associated Press

JUPITER, Fla. -- Third baseman Chris Truby was acquired by Montreal from the Houston Astros for infielder Geoff Blum on Tuesday in the first deal completed by the Expos since Major League Baseball assumed ownership of the team.

Truby started last season as the Astros' third baseman but hit just .206 with eight home runs and 23 RBI in 48 games. He also hit .312 with 12 homers and 71 RBI in 81 games with Triple-A New Orleans.

Fernando Tatis, Montreal's regular third baseman, had knee surgery last season and is not expected to be ready for the beginning of the season.

Blum hit .236 with nine homers and 50 RBI last season.

He started at all four infield positions and left field in three years with the Expos, hitting .254 with 28 homers and 113 RBI in 317 career games.

Major League Baseball took control of the Expos on Feb. 12 and named Omar Minaya as general manager after Montreal's previous owner, Jeff Loria, bought the Florida Marlins and shifted the front office and manager Jeff Torborg to his new franchise.

[SmedIndy]

I've always liked Truby, but he didn't get a fair deal in Houston. Blum is their new Tim Bogar / Bill Spiers.

[gyb13]

"I don't talk about on-base percentage. I'm old school. I'm not a stat guy. I'm a talent evaluator. The guys who taught me the game of baseball never talked about on-base percentage. Give me talent and I'll give you on-base percentage."
--Omar Minaya, Expos general manager

[WiredTiger]

Originally posted by gyb13
"I don't talk about on-base percentage. I'm old school. I'm not a stat guy. I'm a talent evaluator. The guys who taught me the game of baseball never talked about on-base percentage. Give me talent and I'll give you on-base percentage."
--Omar Minaya, Expos general manager

Yikes. You build a baseball team like that you get a team of guys like Juan Encarcion. Runs fast, swings hard, can't play baseball.