This week's Spotlight focusus on the boss of the surprising Detroit Tigers. Currently the Tigers are in first place in the AL Central after finishing tied for the worst record in the league last year. Much of the credit for this transformation goes to the GM, Mr. Daniel Baker, who was kind enough to fit the "Insider" into his schedule.
OOBL Insider: What is your baseball philosopy as GM?
Daniel Baker: To produce a winning team and a World Series championship. I suppose I should have a deeper, more thoughtful reply...hmm... Okay, maybe not...I will do whatever it takes to win, even if means trading the league�s top prospect, or three first round draft picks and to maintain that winning for as long as possible.
OI: What is your biggest success in the OOBL?
DB: Well, my team is on a pace to win 25+ more games than last year...I see that as a success...mostly built from free agency and trades. I am proud of the trades that I have been able to make, getting players like Sabathia, Mays, Anderson (back), Nunez, and last year, all the trades I made to dump bad contracts.
OI: What is your biggest disappointment?
DB: In no specific order, Chris Carpenter, Shane Reynolds, and Ryan Dempster...If I have three regrets, it would be signing these guys (although Carpenter is now gone). None played up to the standard I had expected.
OI: Where do you see your team in 5 years?
DB: I hate to say it, but rebuilding. This team is built for the here and now, this season, next season, and possibly 2005...after that, it will be back to basics as age, money, and talent catch up with me. I don�t see this as a problem though, because honestly, I enjoy a good rebuilding project. I have some guys in the system now that could be a part of that project 5 years from now.
OI: What prospects are you anxious to develop?
DB: I still consider Nate Cornejo to be a prospect, as he has not reached his full potential yet, and I am excited to see how far he can go (He�s 10-3 this season)...Another guy I am high on is centerfielder Andres Torres. We believe that he has the ability to be a top centerfielder in the league for years to come. I�d look for him to stick in the majors as a 4th outfielder the rest of this year and to take over as a starter permanently no later than Spring 2005. I have several high end relievers from this past draft as well...Satter, Trice, and Daniel Rydell. The interesting thing about Rydell is that he gave up his pursuit of broadcasting to try his hand at baseball. He was pitching in the Cape Cod league, mulling over an offer from the CSC cable network to do their "SportsNight" show, when our scout caught up with him and signed him to a contract on the spot (On a Denny�s napkin nonetheless). About a month later, we actually had to draft him (per OOBL rules)...but it still makes a good story...Look for infielders Ramon Santiago and David Espinosa to make a major league impact somewhere someday as well.
OI: Anything you want to say to the OOBL World?
DB: I would like to take this space to shamelessly plug a band out of Farmington Hills, MI called Collision Six...When I am not waiting patiently for each OOBL sim, I can be found writing, recording, and performing as lead vocalist/guitarist for this quasi-rock/Lifehouse inspired outfit. "What You�ve Always Been Missing", the debut album from C6, will be available this summer at all shows and by special order for a ridiculously low price that has not yet been set. The 12-song set is chock full of upbeat rock songs reminiscent of the late 90�s Goo Goo Dolls, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Better Than Ezra, along with a little delving into the world of cheesy pop rock, inspired by the music of the lovely Canadian songstress Avril Lavigne (but not more than one track)...Look for Collision Six...coming to venue near you.
OI: Thanks again for you time, Daniel.
Team: Detroit Tigers
Age: 22
Hometown: Wolverine Lake, MI
OOBL Exp: 2 seasons (original owner)
Moonlights as: Student @ Michigan State