TEAM: MEXICO CITY TORITOS

[GM Jon]

Team Information
City: Mexico City, Mexico
Conference: Heartland
Division: Midland
Team Owner: La Tortuga
Team Secretary: Elle Tri

Official Colors:

Mexico Green (#006847)
Spanish Red (#CE1126)

Season Results:
2013: 25-29 [3rd Place in Midland Division]
2014: 32-22 [2nd Place in Midland Division]
2015: 36-18 [1st Place in Midland Division]
2016: 25-29 [3rd Place in Midland Division]
2017: 35-19 [2nd Place in Midland Division]

Playoff Appearances:
2014: Division Series
2015: Heartland Championship Series
2017: Heartland Championship Series

RETIRED NUMBERS:
None

[GM Jon]

Hola, hola. Today is a proud moment for this franchise as we are not here to announce a gringo as the general manager. Ha... instead, he have one of own. GM El Pancho!!! Viva la Mexico! 

[GM Jon]

Hola El Pancho. I have provided your current roster and stats from last season. Viva la Mexico!

[GM Jon]

Esta sera la temporada El Pancho.

[GM Pancho]

Buenos Tardes Senorita Tri,

I’m needing to speak with Glenn Hurley our Manager.

———————————

Hola Manager Hurley. I see we have a hitting coach vacancy to fill - but before I look to hire the person to fill that vacancy I want to understand your philosophy as a manager. What are the key traits you like to focus on and is there anything you are vehemently against wether that’s personality or philosophy in coaches or players.

[GM Jon]

I'd like to think I don't focus on any one trait. Everything is important in this game. Being able to play small ball when you need too, being able to hit that clutch homerun, being able to pitch a complete game shutout or use a committee approach with the bullpen. Every aspect of this game is important and I like to think I focus equally on it all. No personality shakes me, I'm the type to put them in their place. How they react to that is up to them, so take it better than others. 

[GM Pancho]

A manager who can teach anything and who can deal with anyone.  I love it.  Being a united front will certainly be an advantage we can have when it's time to as you say, "put them in their place."

Now before I begin the interview process - do you have experience with anyone you have worked with before in the past or have heard good things through the grapevine when it comes to finding a hitting coach or is it best I just make the rounds?

[GM Jon]

Take a look at local hitting legend Guadalupe Gonzalez. I think he'd be a fine replacement after Mewes took the skipper job in Brooklyn.

[GM Pancho]

I’ll do just that. After all if I can’t take my managers recommendation who else can I lean on?

————-

Elle!

Let’s get Guadalupe Gonzalez on the line

————

Guadalupe how are you come recommended by our Manager - must have a good reputation and that certainly gets you to the top of the interview list and in the door but it does not guarantee a job. So tell me Guadalupe what is your philosophy on approaching an at bat and what do you hope to teach our batters here?

[GM Jon]

Senior Hurley is a good man. He's done a lot for this city. My philosophy is simple, get on base. I teach hitters to make better contact and if a pitch isn't there, it's ok to take a walk. 

[GM Pancho]

That’s a sound philosophy. Listen all the coaches are on 1 year deals so I’m looking to bring you on for the season. Evaluation at the end of the season will reveal if this can become a more permanent hire. I’ll offer you a 1 year 2 million dollar deal. Are you wanting the job Guadalupe?

[GM Jon]

Órale!

[GM Pancho]

It’s a done deal. Welcome Coach.

———————-

Elle? I’d like to speak with the agent for Mike Hinlin

[GM Jon]

YOU GET A BUSY SIGNAL

[GM Pancho]

Elle can we get the agent for Brian Lutz?

-----

Hello,

We're looking at filling out our last remaining roster spot on the Team Reserves Roster. We're offering 1 year at 250k.  Is that something your client Brian has interest in?

[GM Jon]

Damn dawg, I have a name. You best show me the proper 'spect. Lutz will sign for $250K, sign on the dotted line. But believe me, I'll remember this.

[GM Pancho]

I thank you for getting your client to sign anyways. Thank you!

----------

Elle here's the information we need ... sorry for cutting it short.

MEXICO CITY TORITOS
.

TEAM CAPTAINS GM's MUST COMPLETE THIS TASK
1. John Scherman
2. Bill Moore
3. D.J. Fetterman


MASTER DEPTH CHART GM's MUST COMPLETE THIS TASK

Catcher-Brandon Conrad
1B-D.J. Fetterman
2B-Nate Perkins
3B-Cesar Arriola
SS-Chris Janssen
LF-Pat McFadden
CF-Cole Whitehouse
RF-Barrett Love
BENCH-John Scherman [3B]
BENCH-Willie Hernandes [C]
BENCH-Brooks Fox [OF]
BENCH-Jarred Gosnell [OF]
BENCH-R.J. Kling [3B]

*FOR BENCH POSITIONS, PUT PLAYERS ACTUAL POSITION DOWN*

SP1-Dale Olson
SP2-Dusty Hammond
SP3-Bill Moore
SET-UP-Mike Hillin
CLOSER-Noe Larios
BENCH-Miguel Perez [RP]
BENCH-Rico Perez [RP]

*FOR BENCH POSITIONS, PUT PLAYERS ACTUAL POSITION DOWN*


PROBABLE BATTING LINE-UP & PITCHING ROTATION 

vs. RHP
1.Chris Janssen
2.Cesar Arriola
3.John Scherman
4.D.J. Fetterman
5.Cole Whitehouse
6.Barrett Love
7.Nate Perkins
8.Pat McFadden
9.Brendan Conrad


vs. LHP
1.Chris Janssen
2.Cesar Arriola
3.John Scherman
4.D.J. Fetterman
5.Cole Whitehouse
6.Barrett Love
7.Nate Perkins
8.Pat McFadden
9.Brendan Conrad

Starting Pitcher Rotation
1.Dale Olson
2.Dusty Hammond
3.Bill Moore


TRAINING GM's MUST COMPLETE THIS TASK
(Up to 6 Players)
(Hitter Trainable Traits: Approach, Power, Patience, Baserunning, Fielding)
(Pitcher Trainable Traits: Stamina, Stuff, Movement, Control, Specific Pitch [Fastball, Curveball, Changeup, etc], Fielding)

1.Jared Gosnell - Approach
2.Dusty Hammonds - Stamina
3.Mike Hillin - Control
4.Steve Marchiori - Control
5.Chris Janssen - Patience
6.Beau Pena - Approach


PROMOTIONAL CALENDAR 

(Series Opponent) (Name of Promotional Event)
DESCRIPTION OF PROMOTIONAL EVENT

1.Week One – Omaha – Lucha Night – All fans in attendance get a lucha libre mask of ‘El Torito’ the club mascot.
2.Week Four – Brooklyn – El Mariachi Bobblehead – All fans in attendance will receive a DJ Fetterman bobblehead where he will dressed as a Mariachi.
3. Week Five – Virginia Beach – Noche de Aguila – All fans in attendance receive a large blanket with an eagle emblazoned on it.  Over the eagle will be Dusty Hammonds in his set pitching position
4.Week Seven – Indianapolis – Vuvuzela Night – All fans in attendance will receive a Toritos Vuvuzela.
5.Week Ten – London – Mini Bat Night – All fans in attendance would receive a mini bat in team colors with John Scherman jersey number and signature on it
6.Week Twelve – Tokyo – Glove Night – All children 15 and under will receive a free replica glove of SP Dale Olson.  The Glove will be colored to match team uniform colors.
7.Week Fourteen – Albequerque – Free T Shirt – All fans in attendance will receive a free Jersey T-Shirt with the Toritos team name on the front and Cesar Arriola name and number on the back.
8.Week Seventeen – New Orleans – Fireworks Night – All fans in attendance are free to stay after the game in order to enjoy a Fireworks show that will begin 15 minutes after the last out is recorded.
9.Week Eighteen – Austin – Straw Hat Night – All fans in attendance receive large straw hats with a bandana wrapped around it with the Toritos logo on it.

WALK-UP MUSIC

1. John Scherman – Chingon – Cascabel
2. D.J. Fetterman – Metalachi - Cancion del Mariachi
3. Cesar Arriola – Chingon - Malaguena Salerosa
4. Cole Whitehouse – Metalachi - Crazy Train
5. Noe Larios – Gipsy Kings - Hotel California
6. Mike Hillin – Don Omar – Danza Kuduro

Lock In

[GM Jon]

Buena suerte El Pancho. Your team sheet.

[GM Jon]

TRAINING CAMP

THE FLOOR IS OPEN FOR YOUR OPENING STATEMENTS

[GM Pancho]

Muchas gracias por venir a este conferencia.  Me da mucho orgullo en regresar a mi pais de Mexico. Pero yo no regreso para estar en vacaciones ni pa disfrutar me.  Vengo para trabajar!  Venga pa Ganar!  Y vengo para traer un campionato a los Toritos de la Ciudad de Mexico.  Viva Mexico! Y Viva Los Toritos!

Ay preguntas para mi?

[GM Jon]

I think I got most of that. This team has come close to being a championship team, what will it take to get over the proverbial hump? 

[GM Pancho]

Bueno si quieren segir en Ingles.

I can certainly conduct the rest of the presser in English.  Now to your question. Sometimes it takes the right blend of personalities, sometimes it's making the right roster move, and sometimes it's about luck going your way.  Baseball is a game of inches and you'll need those inches on your side.

What we have to do as a ball club is persevere when things don't go our way and be ready for when they do.  I always go back to a saying Coach John Wooden had, "Luck is simple a crossing point between being prepared and opportunity."

[GM Jon]

It’s time to as the locals say... patear el culo.

[GM Pancho]

Excellent choice of words Coach. So in getting prepared for the pre season unless you have any qualms I’m still getting to know the team so I want you to prepare the lineups. Show me what we got so we can plan ahead. If there any players requesting to sit have them talk to me but I’d rather all hands be on deck to figure things out. We on the same page coach?

[GM Jon]

The players are ready to play. As for lineups, we'll stick with what you provided in the offseason paperwork and go from there unless you want any specific changes. 

[GM Pancho]

No Coach I like what we've done so far.  We'll move forward with what we have, assess everything once we get film on it and go from there.  So for now - it's business as usual.

Lock In

[GM Jon]

THE MEDIA GROWS RESTLESS

[GM Jon]

THE MEDIA LEAVES GOING OFF TO WRITE TERRIBLE NEWS STORIES ABOUT YOU

[GM Jon]

AUTO LOCKED!

[GM Pancho]

Gracias damas y caballeros por su pacencia.  Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your patience. Me da mucho orgullo esta aquir despues de nuestro seria contra Omaha.  It brings me great joy to come before you all after our series against Omaha.  Let's get directly to the questions.  Senor Bob you may go first.

Talk about opening week. What did you take away from it?

The smell of the grass, the smell of the dirt, the sound of a baseball being with a bat.  These are all unique sounds, sights, and smells to our game that just trigger feelings of warmth as there is truly no better day than Opening Day.  Now Specifically to the opening week against Omaha. In the first game it was our pitching and timely hitting that helped us win a close one.  In the second game we didn't capitalize on an early lead that Hammond and the hitters gave us.  Going into that 7th inning we were up 5-3 with only 9 outs to go and we couldn't close the door on them.  It's still early in the season but that's the kind of thing I want to target and fix.  If we get a lead I want us to strike fear in our opponents that they are never getting back into the game.  The third game is what I love to see. Domination from our pitching staff from beginning to end.  We only allowed 5 hits all game and when Hillin and Larios got in the game we shut the door on them.  Overall, It pleases me that we can play in these tight low scoring games and win but I am concerned with us giving up that lead in the second game.  Either way we were in a position to win all three games and I am confident Mexico City will perform well as the season continues. Yes? Senora Sarah you can have the next question.

Any news stories stick out to you this week?

Certainly as a General Manager you never want to see your own name in the headlines.  The focus should always be on your players and staff but I have only myself to blame for that.  But I'm afraid I don't have a statement to remark on that story.  I will also talk about the way our fans have responded to Olson's political comments.  Both Olson's comments and the fans response are completely fair and justified.  Olson is allowed to support whatever political candidate or idea he wants to.  Our fans are allowed to have an opinion on how that makes them feel and the sun will continue to rise and set.  I've always prided myself on being a GM who didn't stifle their players on public commentary so I'm glad Bill already feel's comfortable enough to express himself.  Yes, Francisco you may have the next question.
 
Do you think there is PEDs in the game right now?

Possibly but I'm afraid I have no direct knowledge on whether that is or not - nor do I have an opinion on PED's themselves.  I will say this however, for the immediate response to an outstanding performance by an athlete ... for that to be an accusation of PED's - without proof - is completely uncalled for. Without proof it's no different than the out of shape kid pointing at the in shape muscular individual and muttering comments about steroids - ignoring years of dedication to a diet and workout regiment that created that look.  Ultima Pregunta. Last Question, and you may ask it Senorita Mayra

Talk about your opponent this week. What will you have to improve to take the series?

We are in the premier series of the week facing off Chicago.  I find it hilarious that GM Powers of Chicago uttered these words, "Probably. As long as there has been baseball, people have looked for an edge. It's terrible, and I wish we could do away with them, but it's a reality of the game." I don't think I have to remind anyone of Powers past when it comes to doping.  So allow me to adjust the phrasing - As long as GM Powers has been employed, Powers has looked for an edge. It's terrible, and I wish we could do away with him, but it's a reality of the game that people keep hiring him.  And while GM Powers is prepared to uppend his entire roster in only the second series I believe consistency is king.  Mexico City knows what it is and it is simply a matter of execution in our gameplan to obtain success.  It starts with our pitching from our ace to our third starter.  Then it will be up to our bats to knock their pitchers around. 

Any further questions?

[GM Jon]

Glad you returned, doesn't look like New Orleans was as lucky. But the boys looked pretty good against a tough Omaha squad. Bats will need to be better moving forward, but the pitchers held their own.   

[GM Pancho]

I didn’t like the amount of men left on the bases but I suppose I should feel good about the number of men we got on. Just need to work on bringing those boys home. I loved the third game with Olson, Hillin and Larios just shut it down.

One question I did have about Olson. Since he’s expressed his opinion it hasn’t ruffled any feathers in the lockeroom has it? That’s really my point of focus. Fans will be fans

[GM Jon]

Nobody is worried about Dale's comments. It's probably something he should keep to himself, but it has't created a stir in the locker room.

[GM Pancho]

Excellent. Glad we share that opinion and even more pleased that the locker room hasn’t been affected. At this time I’ve got nothing else to discuss Coach. I need to see more games before proposing any kind of change if there is even one to be made.

Lock In

[GM Pancho]

Gracias damas y caballeros por su pacencia.  Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your patience. Me da mucho orgullo esta aquir despues de nuestro seria contra Chicago.  It brings me great joy to come before you all after our series against Chicago.  Let's get directly to the questions.  Senor Fury you may go first.

Talk about the last series. What was the highlight of the weekend for you?

Tien que ser ... it has to be that first game.  In a close game leading into the 9th inning where our P Olson outdueled Powers our bats came alive.  That's a killer instinct I want to see in this team. It's something I want to nurture and grow because going into the 9th Chicago fans could have been pleased.  3 more outs and then with one swing of the bat this could be a new ball game.  But thanks to those extra 8 runs we stacked on at the end they went into the bottom of the 9th defeated and just ready to head for the doors.  I'd love to see that happen earlier in the game and much more often. Si, Senor Winnfield?

Talk about the incoming draft class, do you feel it's too early for players to have to choose this soon into the season on college or the pros?

The sooner the better because the more you delay the decision the longer it festers.  To me it should be like taking off a band aid. Just rip it quick and get it over with.  Why agonize over a process when you should trust your gut in the first place.  Anything else is just noise. Que no? Si Senor Glass - otra pregunta?
 
How do you feel about the potential changes the league is looking into?
I enter the league knowing the rules.  I'm not a fan of changing the rules a season into it without having a voice.  No taxation without representation - know what I mean? And now ... aww yes Senor Windu. Es tu turno.

Talk about any other news that sticks out to you?

I once again voice my displeasure that steroid allegations against a player have simmered simply because the player had a bad series at the plate.  It was just as ridiculous that the rumors rammped up simply because he had a good series at the plate.  If people want to have a serious conversation about steroids in sports they need to understand how they actually impact the sport. Not just spit out cliche's and diatribes. It's insufferable. Alguien mas?

Talk about your opponent this week. What will be the key to victory?
We visit Thunder Bay in a battle of current division leaders.  Their run differential is amazing - best in our conference.  However, we've got the pitching to go toe to toe with them.  I expect a very competitive series.

Otras preguntas?

[GM Jon]

Love nothing more than taking a series from the Don.