This might have been one of the weaker affairs held in Peoria in quite some time. Brendan Ryan, Nick Stavinoha, Josh Kinney and Chris Perez were current players in attendance. None of them had any insight into anything of substance. Ryan mentioned he thought it was a horrible idea to sign Orlando Hudson and Perez thought he was ready to claim closer spot.

Al Hrabosky, as emcee, wanted to make sure everyone know his background of being cut in 8th and 9th grade from his team and being in the majors by age 20. He came off very arrogant.

He did say that the team we have on the books right now would likely be very much different when they break camp after Spring Training. He indicated that pitching will be acquired and outfielders will supply that need.

He had a few comments on the “weirdness” of Tony La Russa. He mentioned that Tony’s family have only attended in STL 3 times in 12 yeas He didn’t know how Tony could stand that. Then he closed that part with saying that Tony is just plain “different” … he might have said “odd”.

Vets Danny Cox, John Tudor and Tom Lawless were there and had really nothing to add. I believe they came just to placate the oldies that remember the playing days. None of them were very talkative. Cox had nothing to say when Al mentioned that Danny should say why he got “fired” from his last job. Also, Al introduced Danny Cox as being down from his weight of 350 lbs. I was hoping Cox would cream him right there.

Tons of prizes given out and a much larger crowd in attendance than last year.



By: on Jan 18th, 2009
Tagged as: GM Suggestions