Meet the GMs: Zach, Philadelphia Phillies
Jan 27, 2015 11:15:38 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2015 11:15:38 GMT -5
Our first interview of BK's Meet the GMs series is Zach, one of the league's newest owners. Zach's employer, the Phillies won the league's inaugural title in 2011 and followed up with two playoff berths in 2012 and 2013. However, last season was the beginning of a rebuild, as front office officials pressured the team to dissemble the roster before its players lost too much value. As a brand new GM, Zach is looking to continue the rebuild in an effort to reach the promised land again. I sat down with Zach to chat about the state of his franchise:
What was your first reaction when you saw the Phillies roster that you took over?
"WOW what a group of young talent!" We have a great farm system here in Philly and we are excited for the future of this franchise. We think that once we can have Buxton and Peterson up in our lineup with Glasnow and Bradley in our rotation to go along with our veteran leadership already in the bigs we will be a contender for years to come.
The starting rotation has a lot of question marks after Quintana, but the bullpen is stellar. How do you plan on balancing the pitching dynamic moving forward?
You're right, our rotation is the weak spot of our team at this time. After parting ways with Maholm, Marcum, and Olendorf we will need to fill 3 spots in that rotation and to do that I will definitely be seeking at least one (possibly two) big free agent signings this off-season. I am also always open to all trade offers and I would say that anyone in our bullpen who isn't named Jansen is up for discussion.
Your outfield is projected to be one of the league's strongest and deepest in 2015. Are you looking to keep that depth together, or will you trade from that strength to take care of a weakness?
Well we really love Gonzo and Matt here in Philly so we don't want to part ways with two of our leaders. Then you got Bonifacio who is the fastest ball player I've ever seen and Calhoun who is just a solid, everyday ballplayer. It'd be difficult to let any of them go but if a deal came up that would help us become better as a team I'd have to think about breaking up our strong outfield.
Philly's roster has a lot of veterans, but there's also potential for players to break out. Which players on the roster should we expect to take big steps forward in 2015?
We really think that Hellickson and Hosmer are the two guys that if they can have a break out year this year it could propel us to a great season. After showing great promise their rookie years both players have tapered off production wise for one reason or another. These two have really put the time in this off-season and we think they are poised for a good year.
The old Phillies regime began breaking down his Major League roster in exchange for a very formidable farm system. What is your general plan moving forward regarding the farm system and the overall direction of the franchise?
As I said before, we love our farm system here in Philly. Seeing these players develop really excites me as a GM when I look at the future of this franchise. Patience is the key, just be patient Philly fans because once these young stars are ready it will be well worth the wait!
What was the best gift Derek Jeter got last season?
Definitely the huge surfboard from LA. Just hilarious because I could never see Derek hanging ten and riding the waves.
Is Chase Utley as handsome in real life as he looks on TV?
Even more handsome. Not only is he a talented ball player but he definitely brings up the overall sexiness of this organization and that is something that is not overlooked here in Philly.
Better name: Ti'Quan Forbes or Kole Calhoun?
Ti'Quan no doubt. Unique first name and a last name that says he's all about success.
Who wins a race from second-to-home: Brian McCann running forwards or Emilio Bonifacio running backwards?
Emilo could win that race backwards, blindfolded, and his two feet tied together!
Any final thoughts?
Just anxious and excited to get the ball rolling here. Great to be part of this league and ready to rebuild this franchise. Go Phils!
Thanks to Zach for participating in our series, and good luck to the Phils in 2015 and beyond.
What was your first reaction when you saw the Phillies roster that you took over?
"WOW what a group of young talent!" We have a great farm system here in Philly and we are excited for the future of this franchise. We think that once we can have Buxton and Peterson up in our lineup with Glasnow and Bradley in our rotation to go along with our veteran leadership already in the bigs we will be a contender for years to come.
The starting rotation has a lot of question marks after Quintana, but the bullpen is stellar. How do you plan on balancing the pitching dynamic moving forward?
You're right, our rotation is the weak spot of our team at this time. After parting ways with Maholm, Marcum, and Olendorf we will need to fill 3 spots in that rotation and to do that I will definitely be seeking at least one (possibly two) big free agent signings this off-season. I am also always open to all trade offers and I would say that anyone in our bullpen who isn't named Jansen is up for discussion.
Your outfield is projected to be one of the league's strongest and deepest in 2015. Are you looking to keep that depth together, or will you trade from that strength to take care of a weakness?
Well we really love Gonzo and Matt here in Philly so we don't want to part ways with two of our leaders. Then you got Bonifacio who is the fastest ball player I've ever seen and Calhoun who is just a solid, everyday ballplayer. It'd be difficult to let any of them go but if a deal came up that would help us become better as a team I'd have to think about breaking up our strong outfield.
Philly's roster has a lot of veterans, but there's also potential for players to break out. Which players on the roster should we expect to take big steps forward in 2015?
We really think that Hellickson and Hosmer are the two guys that if they can have a break out year this year it could propel us to a great season. After showing great promise their rookie years both players have tapered off production wise for one reason or another. These two have really put the time in this off-season and we think they are poised for a good year.
The old Phillies regime began breaking down his Major League roster in exchange for a very formidable farm system. What is your general plan moving forward regarding the farm system and the overall direction of the franchise?
As I said before, we love our farm system here in Philly. Seeing these players develop really excites me as a GM when I look at the future of this franchise. Patience is the key, just be patient Philly fans because once these young stars are ready it will be well worth the wait!
What was the best gift Derek Jeter got last season?
Definitely the huge surfboard from LA. Just hilarious because I could never see Derek hanging ten and riding the waves.
Is Chase Utley as handsome in real life as he looks on TV?
Even more handsome. Not only is he a talented ball player but he definitely brings up the overall sexiness of this organization and that is something that is not overlooked here in Philly.
Better name: Ti'Quan Forbes or Kole Calhoun?
Ti'Quan no doubt. Unique first name and a last name that says he's all about success.
Who wins a race from second-to-home: Brian McCann running forwards or Emilio Bonifacio running backwards?
Emilo could win that race backwards, blindfolded, and his two feet tied together!
Any final thoughts?
Just anxious and excited to get the ball rolling here. Great to be part of this league and ready to rebuild this franchise. Go Phils!
Thanks to Zach for participating in our series, and good luck to the Phils in 2015 and beyond.
