| GM Spotlight |
| OOBL INSIDER: First things first...Lets just go ahead and clear the air. There is some controversy about famed Houston Post writer Casey Atbat somehow getting insider information about the league and your team in particular. Some have even pointed out how you two have never been seen in the same place at the same time, and that without his glasses he bears some resemblance to you. Do you care to respond to any of this? John Lambert: (laughing) No, Casey and I are not the same person, besides, I am much better looking. OI: Well, I really dont know about that but since you agreed to do the interview, while Mr. "Big Shot" Reporter won't return our calls, I will take your word on that. Lets move on...What has been your greatest success in the OOBL? JL: I would say this season. Granted I didn�t make the playoffs. However, due to computer problems I lost the chance to resign my free agents to start the season. I lost my top three SPs and one good outfielder without receiving any compensation. I was able to rebuild my team too, and was in the playoff race until after the trade deadline. OI: What is your baseball philosophy as GM? JL: I think the key is your home stadium. Are you in a pitcher�s or hitter�s park? The two philosophies that seem to work are Earl Weaver�s or Whitey Herzog�s. Hitter�s park do the Weaver get on base and let the Home run knock you in. Pitcher�s park, build you team on speed. OI: A recent INSIDER report ranked your minor league system among the least talented, do you think this is a fair assesment? What are your plans for restocking your system? JL: Sadly, yes, however, I don't think that is truly fair either. We brought up a lot of players over the last couple of season. We brought up Oswalt, Miller, Redding and Hernadez. In other organizations these players might still be in the minors. Also, we traded a good young outfielder to Cleveland in Jason Lane. So we had a lot of talent come up over the last few seasons. We also traded a good young pitching prospect in Trevino. However, what is going to hurt next year is that through trades we don't have any pick this season. However, I do have a good young pitching staff in Herandez, Harang and Miller. OI: Your Astros finished with the same record as last year (84-78), but pickup up 10 games on the division leader. Do you expect this kind of improvement to continue and will you make a push (through FA and trades) to win the NL Central next year? JL: We made a lot moves during the season to be competitive. However, those moves were expensive. I think next year we will try to get our finances back in order. So we might take a slight step backwards, to build a better team in the future. I think we have a nice young pitching staff that should be good years to come. Not like we have the cash reserves of the evil empire. However, I do like the statue of Babe Ruth that German Sanchez did send me. OI: Which team is your biggest rival? JL: Cubs OI: Who is your favorite player in your organization? Why? JL: I would have to say Lance Berkman. Just because he is a young talent and a possible MVP candidate in the future. OI: Are there any improvements you'd like to see in the OOBL? JL: Have an electrode tied to German Sanchez, and every time the Yanks win a game, he receives a shock. OI: Now theres an idea! Bet that would have no problem getting league-wide support...So what does the Houston GM do to unwind? JL: I like movies, and pub crawling. (Guiness is truly the nectar of the gods) I like to read. If someone saw my library, they would freak. I have Clancy, Anne Rice, and Harry Potter books. I also like catching local music acts. OI: Well, thanks John, thats all I have for now. Unfortunately we dont have a Babe Ruth statue to give you but we do have this life-size Roger Clemems swimsuit cutout. It would look great in your office! JL: I wonder what happened to the gut he has been carrying for the last few years. OI: (quietly) We hear lipo...he's kinda sensitive about it tho...shhhhhhh |
| Houston Astros GM - John E. Lambert |
| John E. Lambert Team: Houston Astros Age: 36 Hometown: Houston, TX OOBL Exp: 2 seasons (original owner) Moonlights as: Pharmacy Manager |