GBA preseason notes from the commish

Welcome new members- Bob Estesbrook (Diamondbacks), Jonathan Aunger (Mariners) and Dean Campbell (Reds) who is recovering from a health problem.

Al so returning members: Harlan and Gary have been in the league for 16 years as well as dedicated members-Ken, Mike, Rod, Chris and Paul.

We lost a friend and long time member- Gerry Schrule last winter.

The biggest news in the off-season happened just before opening day as the Cubs decided to re-model and traded Berkman, Tejeda and Ichiro to get younger with Steven Drew, Soriano and Konerko although they were already one of the youngest team in the GBA with all their future prospects.

A lot of trades were made this winter but not much maneuverings for future draft picks which is usually the case. This happens because some teams need to drop Abs or IPs to reach league limits.

The atmosphere in Denver has changed in resent years. First the Rockies traded Holiday and then the Broncos traded Cutler after firing Shanahan who was considered a “genius” at one time. That was one thing that was exciting in Denver was that they went out after star players- Elway, Larry Walker, Ellis Burks (plus Rockies that didn’t pan out- Saberhagen, Hampton, Neagle, Howard Johnson just to name few), EI (although he turned into Billups, which was even better). Now they are giving them away. That is also what I like about Phoenix teams when I lived there and after when Colangio was in charge. Starting with Connie Hawkins, Charlie Scott, Westphal, Silas, Barkely, Nash, Shaq…etc. Yes I want to forget the Goodrich for Counts trade. The winters have been too long lately also, but you can’t beat going to Phoenix 3-4 times a year when it isn’t 100+.

I just saw a special on the Rockies amazing run in 2007. It brings chills and gives hope for this season even though nobody gives us a chance. Jimenez last night in Arizona was one of the best pitched games by a Rockie (ok, they haven’t had many). The Rox will hit (don’t they usually) but pitching will be a challenge. I’m sure most of you also have a favorite team who gives you hope until at least June. I like that ESPN commercial that has that Twins fans says that they will lose no more than 5 games this year!

My computer ranking for this season:

Ranking
MNA	1
DEA	2
LAN	3
CHN	4
LAA	5
CON	6
NYN	7
AZN	8
CHA	9
OAA	10
BOA	11
PHN	12
SFN	13
NYA	14
SEA	15
CIN	16
SLN	17
CLA	18
ATN	19
KCA	20

Hasn’t worked yet but does give you something to think/complain about.