Jim Bowden's weekly GM's Corner video pieces for FOX Sports make for good viewing. This week he talked to Theo Epstein, Jack Zduriencik, Tony Reagins, and Frank Wren. A few hot stove highlights:
- Epstein admitted that new third baseman Adrian Beltre would "have to have a big year" to achieve Type A status after the season, but finds at least Type B likely. Epstein noted that there's the possibility of signing Beltre long-term if he proves to be a good fit.
- Zduriencik told Bowden he was aggressive in pursuing Chone Figgins, and got the deal done within 48 hours. Also, Zduriencik mentioned that the Brewers were one pick away from taking Casey Kotchman in the first round in 2001; they instead took Mike Jones at #12 overall. I wonder if the Brewers still would've drafted Prince Fielder in '02 if they had Kotchman.
- Reagins is "not really concerned" about having a limited number of lefties in the bullpen, after the Halos lost Darren Oliver to the Rangers this offseason.
- Wren believes the Braves have "improved quite a bit" offensively, and talked up Nate McLouth, Martin Prado, Jason Heyward, Melky Cabrera, and Troy Glaus.
Actually I’d be interested for Jim Bowden to interview himself….i.e. “what did he really do that prompted those allegations that forced him to resign last year?” Fat chance.
No kidding. I love how ESPN (Steve Phillips) and FOX Sports boast about having former GMs when the reason they’re former is because they weren’t any good. I guess ESPN can’t say that anymore.
“…The reason they’re former is because they weren’t any good.”
Yeah – that plus a pretty hefty slime factor. In keeping with this, I haven’t heard any “verdict” about Bowden’s role in skimming signing bonuses yet, so hey…he might just be the next featured ex-GM everyone wants to forget.
The show would be better
if Bowden was wearing leather.
Well done sir!
Excellent point re: the Kotchman/Fielder angle Tim. Sometimes the best moves are the ones you don’t make.
Everyone affiliated with baseball should boycott this moron’s show. A monkey wearing a blindfold would have done a better job than Jim Bowden.