A Hope in Montreal

[phillies999]

December, 2000

It was another typical day in Montreal. The cold weather, shoveling snow every day out front, and on top of that, my 15 hour work day. Coming home was the best part of the day, and it finally came. I walked in the house and turned on the TV. Normally, I would turn the TV on to the Canadiens, Canada's hockey team, but they have not made the playoffs for the last 2 seasons, and it looked like it would be 3 seaons in a couple of months. Instead, I turned on the news, and they are talking about politics, something that I don't follow. I walked in to my bedroom to change out of my suit, when I heard they were talking about the Expos. My parents grew me attatched to the Expos, and even through their tough times, I still liked them.

"The Expos have announced they are searching for a new GM, firing Jim Beattie."

I came out of my room shirtless, to hear the news. Could it really be true? Ever since Beattie was hired in 1995, the Expos have not made the playoffs.

"Yes its true. The Expos are beginning are a search for a new GM. Maybe things will turn around for us this year."

Donna forces a smile to agree with the man, and they sign out.

Suddenly, a thought hit me. What if I could become the GM of the Expos? I took sports and marketing in high school, and I played baseball in college, so I have my credabilites. But would they hire a young man who just turned 25? It couldn't hurt to try, so I decided tommorow I would head over to Olympic Stadium and apply for the job.

------------------------------------------------

I struggled to sleep that night, but woke up at 7 in the morning. I took a quick shower, threw on a suit, had a cereal bowl of Wheaties. This was a one time chance I had to turn my life around. I headed out of the city in the downtown area to Olympic Stadium. There was a couple of cars in the empty lot, so I pulled in the middle. Some exercise wouldn't hurt.

The doors were wide open, a little odd, but I walked in. The concourses were empty, and I imagined them being filled with fans in April. But I needed to stop day-dreaming and find a room to the front office. A security guard peered out of the hallway and bolted to me.

"Hey man! Do you work here!?"

"No sir but-"

"Then what the **** are you doing here! I gotta kick you out man!"

He was a young guard and looked like he more nerves then me.

"Well I was just looking for the front office, and maybe apply for the GM job."

"Oh really? Follow me then, cause you are in the wrong zip code eh?"

He led me to a hallway, then another hallway, up a couple of steps into another hallway. I started worrying how I would find my way out of here later. Finally we reached a fancy looking hallway with a red carpet and pictures of some of the Expos greats.

"Walk down this hallway and the fourth door is the owners office."

"Thanks sir...." I was too distracted from the pictures but I understood him.

The hallway, as nice as it was, wasn't very big and I reached the fourth door rather quickly. I knocked on the door, fixed my hair real quick, and Jeffery Loria, owner of the Expos, opened the door.

"Uh, do I know you?"

"No, but my name is Jason Sparks, and I would like to apply for the GM job."

"Really? Here come in my office!"

I walked in, and sat down.

"First off Jason, let me just let you know that you can relax, don't feel nervous, cause you have little to no competition."

"Really?"

"Yea.." he sighed. "No one really cares about baseball up here anymore... not sure anyone would hear the news last night, but evidently you did."

"Indeed sir. It's dissapointing that baseball has treated like a second rated sport up here."

"Very. Now let's get down to business. Why do you think I should hire some dude who just showed up our of nowhere?"

"Well sir," handing him my resume "I took sports and marketing in high school, and have seeked more knowledge about this class through college. Not only do I know the finincal side of sports, I played baseball in college."

"Oh really? What happened with playing baseball?"

"I wasn't the greatest player, I platooned the outfield. I had speed and could field, but hit like Mendoza."

"Ok Jason. Can I ask you a question?"

"Yes sir."

"How long do you think it would take us to return to competitve level, you know .500 ball?"

"Well... I think it would take maybe 2-3 seasons."

"You think so? Be honest here Jason, you don't need to over-achieve or nothing here."

"I really believe so. Young stars are developing, and the pitching will come into order soon."

"Ok Jason. I will call you in the next couple of days, and let you know about our decision."

"Thank you sir. One question, how do I exit to the parking lot?"

"Through the hall, stairs are on your left and you go straight down to the parking lot. Get used to that cause you'll have to enter that way too," winking at me as he said the last sentence.

There was no reason to stress about the job. I am now the GM of the Montreal Expos!

[T 980]

Good start. Keep up the good work.

[phillies999]

T 980 - Thanks! Hope you enjoy!

January 3, 2001

As a new year began, spring training was quickly approaching. I still didn't get a call yet, but its probably because of the winter holidays. Speak of the devil, my cell phone went off.

"Hello?"

"Hey Jason, its Jeff."

"Oh hey Jeff! How was your vacation?"

"It was good Jason, how bout yours?"

"Good, me and my friends had a celebration party."

"Ok well here's the deal. We're having a meeting to discuss the upcoming season tomorrow, and formally welcome you to the Expos family. You'll be signing a contract."

My first contract! I was excited to sign!

"I'll be there tommorow, sir."

"You better. Meet at my office, 10 am."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning I pulled into the parking lot. I was allowed to park in the GM spot in the front office parking area! Nothing like getting your own spot! I left the car, headed through the door and up the stairs to the same room I went last week. I went inside without knocking this time, and it was eeirly quiet inside. I counted out 10 people in the room, and there was a little bit of whispering in the back between 2 men, but everyone else was stone quiet.

"Why is it so quiet in here?" I whispered to one of the men.

"Mr. Loria... he doesn't like a lot of chatter on the first day. By the way I'm Jack Grotz, the assistant GM."

"Oh nice to meet you Jack. I'm Jason Sparks. We'll be spending a lot of time together, I'm the GM."

"Nice to meet you Jason." he said smiling sadly. It's obvious that he wanted the GM job too. At that point Jeff Loria walked in.

"Morning everybody! Welcome to the 32nd season of Expos baseball!" There was a little applause in the room.

"This season, I would like to welcome our newest member of the front office, Jason Sparks!"

I didn't like being called out in a crowd, but I stood up, said how proud I was to join a great club, and took my seat.

"Ok everybody. This season, I would like to address a couple of problems. First comes fan support. Last season we drew 926,272 fans through the gates. Now although thats a lot better then in 1999 when we drew 200,000 less, its still an embarassing number. The reason the number is so low, is because fans have stopped paying attention to us. Ever since our run in 1994, fans have lost intrest in us and baseball altogether. In order to win over fans, we've got to win more games. I believe our roster, so far, is capable of 75 wins this season. Take a look everyone."

As he passed them out, here was the temporary roster.




It wasn't a terrible roster, but there were a few holes. Lee Stevens isn't the greatest the first baseman, but Seguignol could go into a platoon with him. Raines was signed in December, a questionable move, because no one knows how much he's got left in him. The #1 and #2 starters were good in the rotation, but a mystery the rest of the way. Finally, the bullpen doesn't have much too offer, except a average closer, and if Strickland can stay healthy, he could be decent.

“Well Mr. Sparks, what do you think?” asked Loria.

“Well sir, I believe our offense is major league quality, but there's no question that we need some more arms in our pitching staff, and the bullpen. I think we are capable of easily achieving 70 wins, but .500 is a little out of our reach for now.”

“Seems like a reasonable goal, Jason. What do the rest of you guys think?”

Everybody quietly nodded their heads in agreement.

“Alright. Before we continue, Jason will you sign this contract really quick?”

“Of course sir.”

I quickly scanned over it, and got a 3-year deal, and a fourth season if I bring the team to a 81 win season. I signed my name on the line, and handed it back to him.

“Alright, thank you Jason. Our next order of business is the minor league clubs. We were just reviewed in a Baseball America article, and have been ranked dead last in level of talent.”

2 guys across from me frowned. They must have been the minor league directors, or something to do with scouting the minors.

“I'm gonna be honest, I'm not super surprised by the statement. Our farm teams did not do that great last season, but we drafted high in draft last season, and we will draft high this season, so we should acquire some big talent guys.”

We were set to pick in the 6th round in the draft, after the Twins, Cubs, Devil Rays, Phillies and the Rangers.

“Another reason why we are ranked last, is because our levels are filled with players that are aged over 25 years of age. It's obvious that if they make the majors at all, they will spend their careers as a backup or a guy at AAA. So, I'm gonna dismiss everyone now, except me, Jason, Mr. Grotz, and our minor league management.”

The rest of the crowd left the room, and as they left, there were 6 guys left.

“Look guys you know about our rough crowds and trying to make as much money as we can. Well I think that if we release or trade a number of these guys, we can save a few bucks. Do you guys agree?”

“Yes Mr. Loria.” piped one of the men.

“Good. So I'm gonna call it a day, and next week I want us back here to discuss about our situation. Same time, same place, but just us.”

[Jeffy25]

May Vlad and Vazquez lead to a great franchise!

[T 980]

May Vlad and Vazquez lead to a great franchise!

Unless you can bring in some more solid players by trading Vlad away.

[OldYankFan]

Nice Start. Well done.

[Red Sox Fan 734]

Vlad!

[fergman78]

Great Start. Good Luck with this. I am actually doing a Monteal Dynasty as well but I started in 1975 and I'm currently in 1981. Things aren't going to well. It is very tough when you don't have a lot of money and can't afford to sign big name free agents and trade star players to keep the cash coming in so your team doesn't go bankrupt.

[phillies999]

Jeffy25 - I hope so!
T 980 - We're not sure what to do with Vladdy yet. He's a FA at the end of the season...
OldYankFan - Thanks!
fergman78 - Thanks! Hope we don't go though a finance situation soon.
Red Sox Fan 734 - Vladdy!

January 10, 2001

I went through the same routine as last week, and made the drive to Olympic Stadium. I met up with someone in the parking lot.

"Hey." I said

"Oh hey you're the new guy. I'm Dennis Bernard, the director of the minor league affilations."

"I'm Jason Sparks, but I think you know that already."

"Yes, you're the GM. Congratulations." He wasn't very enthusiastic. Maybe he was a little tired?

"Something bothering you Mr. Bernard?"

"Not really. Just getting ready for another long season. By the way you can just call me Denny."

We headed inside, up the stairs to Mr. Loria's office, and met up with Jeff, another man, Jack Grotz, and the manager of the Expos, Felipe Alou!

"Morning everyone!" said Jeff. "Jason, I'd like you to meet our manager, Felipe Alou."

"Pleasure to meet you Mr. Alou!" I said cheerfully. I opened up my hand, and he gave me a firm shake.

"Nice to meet you too, Jason. Hope you give me a good team this season!" We shared a good laugh. But Jeffery Loria stepped in

"Ok guys, not to be rude, but we all know we got work to finish."

"Pleasure meeting you Mr. Alou." I said as he left.

"Yea! Same here!" With that, there were 4 guys left.

"Alright gentlemen. Last week we ended on the dicussion of our situation with the minor leaguer's. We've got too many guys down there who don't have a chance to make the club, and they need to be let go. I'm letting you guys make the decisions."

"What if I packaged some in a trade?" I asked

"Thats a good idea Jason. The problem is I don't know what team wants a bunch of washed-up rookies. You can try though if you want. With that being said, I don't you guys to release so many guys in a day. Otherwise, Bud Selig is gonna think we're up to something, and we're not in good terms with him already, so be careful ok guys?"

"Yes sir." said Dennis. Loria left the room and left the 3 of us.

"Jason I don't think I got to introduce you yet." said the other man "Chris Zanetti. Nice to meet you Jason."

"Nice to meet you Chris." I said. "How long have you been with the orginization."

"Too long. 7 years. We haven't fielded a good team in a while, and everything's been downhill since."

I changed the subject. "Well guys, here is a list of the minor leagues." I handed them the roster:




“I don't remember drafting half of these guys. That's how long ago we thought they were good.” said Chris.

“But the question is how to get rid of them.” I replied.

“Well, looking at our roster this season, we should try and remove the outfielders. They're blocked by Vladdy in right field, and Milton Bradley could become a star soon.”

“You're right. I think we should try and package 3 of them in a trade.”

“Yea. Let's use Sledge, Calloway, and Cepicky.”

“I assume we're trading for pitching?” asked Denny.

“Yea, but it doesn't really matter if he's an all-star or not. We would be happy with someone who can stay healthy, and gives up plenty of innings. Tony Armas could be sent down in replacement, because he needs some more development. You know what I mean?”

“Yes Jason.”

“Ok. Well I'll email the other GM's about these prospects, and we'll see what we get.”

It didn't take more than a couple minutes for a reply.

“We got a offer from the Red Sox.” I told them. “They're going to give up Pete Schourek in return. The only problem is he hasn't pitched above 200 innings once in his career, but he made at least 15 starts the last 2 seasons. So I don't know if he's the healthy pitcher we want.”

“I say we hold off on that.” said Chris.

“Ok, we'll wait 5 minutes, then check for another offer.”

After 5 minutes, I checked the inbox again.

“The Pirates are offering us Todd Ritchie. Ritchie pitched 187 innings last season, and 172 last year. I think he would make a good fit for our club. You guys think so?”

“He doesn't have good numbers, but he'll eat up innings.” added Chris.

“Alright, Todd Ritchie is going to turn into an Expo.” I accepted the trade, and have just pulled off my first trade as GM.

“You think we should release anyone before we call it a day?” I asked

“Sure. I think we should release Rick Short.” said Denny. “Short is 28 years old, and is finally at the AA level. We got Jose Vidro at second base, so I don't see us needing Short.”

“Ok, we'll fill him in for release.”

[phillies999]

Spring Training 2001

Ever since the first day when I traded for Todd Ritchie, not much has really happened. Except for releasing minor leaguers, a few a week, we've just been waiting to head down to Florida. Well that time has finally come. Our spring training home was in Melbourne, Florida, in the east space coast area of the state. Our stadium isn't hard to find, its located in the middle of nowhere. I drove down the freeway, past the palm trees in the distance, and found the park. I exited the car, and easily found the the front office room. There were a couple ticket booths, but there was a seperate entrance that led into the office. I walked inside, and Loria was the only man in the room so far. Either I came early, or everybody took the wrong turn on the freeway.

"Jason! You found your way around!" said Jeff.

"It was really hard, I wasn't sure whether this was the park or whether it was a beach house with a big backyard!" I said sarcastically.

"Hahaha! So what do you think of our facility?”

“It's nice, but it's kind of out in the open you know?”

“Yea. We actually have a lease here for this town this expires after the 2002 season. I was curious to see if you like it here, or look elsewhere.”

“Well spring training barely started yet and you're asking me about this already? I'm going to need some time to think.”

“Oh I Understand Jason. Well anyway, I just wanted to let you know about your trade for Todd Ritchie.” I haven't talked to Loria in almost a month, we have become pretty busy.

“Alright, what do you think?”

“It's a nice move. It helps our rotation a lot, because we get a little more depth. We didn't really have any backup starters, and Ritchie will do a good job of it.”

“But Ritchie isn't a backup, sir.”

Loria's smile began to disappear.

“Then... what is Ritchie?”

“He's our #3 starter. Armas has been sent down.”

“What!? Why?” It's a good thing it was only us 2 in here, because Loria was really steaming.

“Well... I think that Armas is just a little too young. I mean, we don't want to hamper his future by using him too early....”

“Armas may have had a 4.36 ERA, but he held batters to just above .200! I think he's ready Jason!”

“But his walk-ratio strikeout is not good. 50 walks against 59 strikeouts.” I argued.

He was really steaming, but I think he knew I was right.

“This Ritchie guy better pitch like he did in 1999.” he said, and left the room.

But then he entered again.

“I forgot to tell you, there's guys in the locker room now. Go introduce yourselves to them. Try to start on good terms with them, they'll need it.”

I knew he was mad at me, but knowing all the other staff around here, they say that he will recover himself, in time. I didn't have much time to think about that though, as I had to meet my team. I headed towards the team locker room, and was welcomed by about 40 players. These guys were major-leaguers, and have worked every day to go this far.

“Hi guys! Welcome to Florida! I'm your new GM, Jason Sparks!”

“Howdy Jason! I'm Scott Strickland!”

“That Texas accent real?” I asked.

“You bet! I came all the way from Houston!”

“Well its nice to meet you Scott. The main reason though I came here, is so that we can bond together. Bonding builds team chemistry, and chemistry wins games, so lets bond!”

Every player looked strangely at one another. No one knew what to say.

“Well...” started someone in the back. Everyone turned around to look. “.. I can make a mean rib sandwich.”

“That's impressive! What's your name?”

“Joey Eischen....”

“Well its nice to meet you Joey! One of these days you'll need to make the team some rib sandwiches. So anyone else like to share something?”

“Did you have a little too much coffee this morning?” There was a little laughter in the room. But the man who made the remark was a big man. It was the man of the club, Vladimir Guerrero.

“Not to much actually. I already know you, you're Vladdy.”

“Yup. Don't wear out the name.”

“Will-do. Anyway, I just wanted to meet you guys, and I know what I did was silly, but in the long run, we needed to start off the season a little different that usual. Mr. Alou will report here in a few minutes to practice with you guys, and some coaches will help out too. You better start to get yourselves prepared for another long season.”

With that I left the room. The players might think I'm a little crazy, but they'll learn that I'm serious about my job.

Todd Ritchie



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