Q&A with Vegas GM about the Gould Trade

-By trading Maurice Gould, i'm quite sure that you know you won't be popular in Vegas the next few weeks...

Neveu: Yes i know. But we were going nowhere this year so we need to think about future. Gould have 31 and a huge contrat, we decide to trade him while he's got a good value. I really think that is better to trade a player one year to fast then one year to late...

-Do you have many discussion for Gould?

Neveu: A bit but we had to decide if we wanted quantity or quality. In fact, two teams made pretty good offers. South Carolina offer 3 good pitchers for Gould while Montréal offer two superstars, but only one pitcher. We decide to go with Montréal offer because we think that Latulippe will become a great pitcher. He's young and lefty, a pretty good asset in our stadium. Masaki Baba is already a star, a tremendous hitter who will fit very well in our lineup. And we receive Alvarado, a Young infielder with a lot of power. Our scout like him very well. So we decide to take this direction and really think that we need to move right now. I'm sure Gould will give Montréal 4 or 5 good years and with Barrett make them a threat for the title this year.

- Did the nego was easy with Montréal?

Neveu: No, the team didn't want to trade Latulippe and Baba. They talk about another SP and AU in outfield. Au is a very good hitter but at 26, he's 3 years older then Baba. So we insist to put Latulippe and Baba in the deal, what was not in Montréal plan. The nego really start to become a reality when we add Barrett, who could start or be in bullpen. At this time, Montréal put the name of Latulippe in the deal. I'm suppose that is not easy to trade a family member for the GM but we made it clear, without Latulippe, no deal is possible with Montréal.

- What's next now?

Neveu: We're still looking to upgrade our pitching. We have many good hitter now and we could trade one of our outfielder or a first baseman in a trade. We'll see what team will want a good hitter near the trade deadline and try to obtain something good. We're open to many ideas...

What a shocker: Gould is gone!!!!

What an annoce made today by the team: Maurice Gould is going north.

 

A long season?

A new season who could be long in Vegas. The team decide to give youngsters more opportunities and let some good vets go. Last year it was Ramirez, this year, it was Jeff Wade and Charles O'connor. The GM didn't do anything on free agent or trade market. He filled the hole with youngsters  in the organisation. Right now, the result isn't really bright: a 9-10 records, already 5 games behind K-C and Eureka.

The attack is doing the job being the best in TML for average and homers. But, like always, the problem is the pitching staff who gave more runs then the team scores. But we'll see if the pitching staff, mostly the reliever could turn thing around a little bit and help the team to gain grounds on the leaders of the division. Right now, the bullpen have 7 of the 10 defeats of the team... a good closer would have been a great addition.

But there's bright light in the young players on the team. Particulary in the outfield where Bruce Joyner (CF) play like an all-star. A .361 average with 4 HR and 9 RBI is very good, more then expected. In right field, Nick McBride is playing well too and that gives the opportunities to put Colin St.John DH. St.John who has been injuried many times in last two years is better suited to DH role. In left field, Yamamoto, best rookie last year, continue is excellent job with a .373 average with 7HR (league best) and 21 RBI.

In the infield, Veton Zhugli finally become a regular in third base and lock the hot corner with great defensive skills. Adrian Brown at SS is a nice surprise, hittng .323 with superb defense. He pushed Erik Bennett, former SS, out of Vegas.

Will see if Vegas can turn things a bit and come back in the race or if it will be a transition year. Right now, the second scenario seems the most probable.

Bruce Joyner, a pleasant surprise in CF

Season recap

For the 4th time in 5 years, the Jokers made the playoff. For the 4th time, they can't bring the championship to the gambling city. But finishing in the top four, winning the AAA and AA pennants (Reno and Carson City) made the management happy. It was a very good year and a bit of a surprise if you think that Juan Ramirez left and Gordon Thornton was just not able to perform at the top level du to multiple injuries and age effect. New faces showed up like Yamamoto and the team stayed on top of the division for most of the year, except in the final week when Eureka past Vegas.

A little recap now of the season

Starters: Like every others years, Maurice Gould (18-5; 3,18) was one of the best SP in the league. In league standard, he had a very good year. In his own standard, it was just an ok year without clinching 20 victories and with an era 1 point over the one he managed two years ago. Management still please and he's by far, the best SP in the team.  Derrick Scott (11-12, 4,48) is another one who saw his production decline from two years ago. Will he bounce back next year? Right now, he's the number #2 but he may be more suited in a #3 spot. Rich Barret (13-19, 4,53) return in starting role after a year in bullpen. In fact, management start him but he,s more effective in bullpen. But starting is not the strenght of the team so he may start again next year. He did a good job this year. Tom Wagner (11-5; 4,87) after a AAA recal, Wagner start winning games. He's not exactly an ace but for a #5 SP, he can match the expectation. In playoff, he was the number 4 and was  hit hard.  Vegas really need to improve that aspect. Finally, Bob Magee (7-4; 4,52) could be back in the rotation after a demotion to AAA during the year. He pitch well in playoff but he was in a long relief role; maybe what he could do best. If a youngster emerge, he probably will be back in the bullpen where he did well.

Relief: Nick Fox (8-5, 4,34) with his 34 saves did well in a closer role. He's one of the good arm even if he can allow the big home run in late innings. Matt Messer (5-0, 2,41) was the best relever all year long. He finnaly answer to high expectation after two years where he tried to establish himself as a very good relevers. He finnaly get there this year and he's injury during the playoff hurt a thin bullpen. Weldon Hoskins (7-4; 4,47) Another Young arm who have his up and down during the season. He improve himself during the year and the team will count on him in years to come. Charles O'connor (2-2; 3,40) had another very good year but it would be a surprise if the organisation keep him at 12 millions per year. Near 40 years old and coming back a shoulder injury, he will probably be free in november. Ernie Kuhn (4-0; 7,30) How a relever could have 0 defeat with a 7,30 era? It seem that he couldn't pitch an inning without allowing points. At 34, he will probably don't be around for a long time and if he stay, probably in a mop-op role.

Infield:  Phillip Smith (.308; 19Hr, 90 RBI) had another good year. The catcher is one of the best in the league. Mitch Lyon (.267; 28Hr; 103 RBI) the power is there and a great eye (OBP .365) will be enough the assure him the first base next year. But he will need to improve his defense a bit. Jeff Wade (.346; 0HR, 34 RBI) arrive in july to strenghten the 2 base. He did very well in season where we can't ask for more. But it was more difficult in playoff where he hit only for .246. He does not have a contract for next year but the organisation will try to sign him before free agent market. Veton Zhugli (.276; 24HR; 86 RBi) He finnaly establish himself as a regular. His ability in defense make him valuable for the team because he can play all infield positions with great succes. He step up in SS late in the season after a start at third base. A season that show him blossom help to forgive a bit the Jenning transaction. Francisco Lopez (.256; 3HR; 36 RBI), Lopez should hit more if he want to stay a regular. Since he's not the best 2B or 3B defensively, a .256 average is not enough to cover his defensive flaw. He's probably more suited to be a back-up but if Wade quit, he may start at 2B.

Outfield: Kat Yamamoto  (.306; 48HR, 144 RBI) was clearly the best offensive player of the team. A rookie season of 148 RBI is absolutely wonderful. He showed a little sign of fatigue at the end of the season but bounced back in playoff with 5 HR. The future of the team. Dave Lewis (.275; 5 HR, 29 RBI) a defense Genius, Lewis help every Vegas pitcher with his defensive ability. In offense, he's ok so he will probably be again in CF next year to catch as many ball as you can ask for a center fielder. Colin St.John (.322, 34HR, 116 RBI) at near 35, St.John is still productive. Another excellent season but the fact that a bunch of Young outfielders blossoms in AAA will probably push him to a DH role and help him prevent injury. St.John is an excellent teacher for all this Young promising hitters. Troy Tracy (.297, 14 HR, 80 RBI) is not a bad hitter, he did a good job on spot #1 but his innefectiveness in outfield force the team to put him in a DH role, where we can hope for more production. Is contract end and it's not clear if the team want to retain him. He could be free next month.

Bench: That was clearly not the strenght of the team. Gordon Thornton will not be back. It's a little bit sad to see how this once great player fall down quickly du to injury and age. He didn't hit for .200 and he will need to think what he want a do with his life now that his baseball career seem over. Stu Price is a very good defensive infielder but hit only .212  Jose Ortiz and David Vickerson did well when they're not asking to play everyday. Finally, Carlos Garcia after showing promises in 2014 didn't delivers last two years. He may not be back.

In minor

SP: Buddy Wills is still the best pitching prospect but seem not quite ready. Another AAA year could help him to fully develop himself. Brent Welch, the southpaw will have the chance to break the rotation but he's not an ace. In AAA, the best arm is probably Yamashita who have an excellent year in a closer role. Will he be able to start some game? His past make us doubt about it but he will be in the mix in 2016.

Hitter: Doug Manning is ready to jump in major league and probably have an impact. Not quite big as Yamamoto but he could be a nice surprise. Bruce Joyner will probably move in major too. Maybe not in a regular role but he could step up if someone get injured. Finally Octavio Garcia is another gem who need to polish a little bit his skill before joining the team. He could Anchor the attack in AAA next year. Nick McBride is another outfielder who could have an impact in a near future. He will start in AAA but who knows waht he can do there.

In conclusion, Las vegas will probably be a contender next year too.

Rebuilding?

After an early exit in playoff, the Jokers need to take big décisions. They loose money even if they did make the playoff. It was clear that Juan Ramirez will go and the team really hesitate about Maurice Gould status. Since he void his last option year, he could have been free on the market too.  They discuss a bit with some teams about the possibility to trade him but they don't receive an offer who satisfy the demands; a Young promising SP. The story could end bad but finally Gould signed a contract and another year begins.

For the Jokers, it's time to think about a turn-around. St.Johns is not getting younger, same for Tracy, two of the best bats for the team. But the farm system produce well for the hitting part. This year, Katsuhiko Yamamoto is a great revelation for everyone in Vegas except chief scout: Warren Barnes. In 2013 draft, the team had a very good position, 7th overall. On Barnes list, many SP but one hitter emerge cleary on top of others: Yamamoto. The team decide to go with a SP; Buddy Wills and Barnes never think that Yamamoto may still be available with Vegas 2nd pick, the 33 overall but he was. Barnes say that this pick was the easiest he ever made and this year, Yamamoto prove him right. A .333 average; 35 homers and 100 RBI, a kind of season every players dream about; and we're just in august so Yamamoto will continu to punish SP for many more weeks.

GM Neveu say that Yamamoto start a rebuilding process in Vegas where the team would like to stay competitve. Our top SP, Gould, Scott and Barret are all in late 20 or early 30 so it's not really a problem right now. We were more worried about the outfield situation where Ramirez, Tracy, Thornton and St.Johns were quickly starting to get older. Tracy and Thornton are already past their prime, Ramirez play in Mile High. But the farm system answer well. Yamamoto is already a star and an another one is waiting in AAA: Doug Manning. He's another youngster who provide a lot of power. The team plan to let him finish the year in AAA even if he could step up right now in the lineup. GM Neveu say that he truly believe that spot number 4 and 5 in lineup are under control for many years and we may have another big bat on the mix if Octavio Garcia become the hitter Warren barnes expect. We could see more points in Vegas in the next years that what we saw the last four and if you think that Vegas was a offensive powerhouse in TML, it sound great for a Jokers Fan. However, the team still miss another very good SP to complete a trio with Gould and Scott. But with the finance under control at the end of the year with the departure of Thornton, Tracy and O'connor, we may be in a good situation to move.

So, all seems to go in a bright direction for the Jokers... still need to win a championship!

Yamamoto: rookie of the year?

Yamamoto and Manning, the core of Vegas attack in a near future

 

The Jokers clinched division title

Sweet september... the Jokers clinched the division title with 6 games to play. Another good season for the Neveda team. Second in TML for runs scored, batting average and OBP. We can't say that this is very surprising because the team always flirted with high rank in offensive categories. What is different this year, it's the performance of the pitching staff. Third in starter and bullpen era is a pleasant surprise that help the Jokers to win 93 games.  Two Young southpaws really pitch well this year.

Derrick Scott: 16 wins, 3.40 ERA and 165 K. He showed promises last year but he really establish himself this year. After a rough start, loosing his first three in April, he gaved 3 or less runs in 21 of his next 27 games. Since the brief passage of Bob Rudyard, no other Vegas starter really back Maurice Gould as a true number 2. Scott did it this year.

Jeff Olson: 14 wins, an ERA of 3,99 with 107K, Olson perform a lot better then a number five starter. He put many good showing and find a way to win. The team really count on him in playoff and he will be on the top four, putting MaGee or Dooley on the bullpen.

On offense, Juan Ramirez is really on fire. 44HR, 138 RBI, he really make a statement this year. Ramirez is clearly one of the best hitter in the league. He worked hard to convince the team to offer him an extension but at this moment, the team didn't move. A good source say that he will become free at the end of the season, Vegas management want to lower the payroll. If this is true, Ramirez will bring leadership and RBI to his new team.

Derrick Scott, a 16 wins seasons

Juan Ramirez, still not sign by Vegas

One month to go, 7 games ahead...

September arriving quickly, it begin to smell playoff time. Right now, the Jokers lead their division by 7, so unless a major breakdown in the last month, it will probably be enough to return in post season. The Jokers try to move some assets at trade deadline but they found no one to dance. They were close with Minnesota but finally couldn't agree on a trade involving Juan Ramirez. If Minny don't make the playoff by one or two games, they'll probably think about it this winter.

On the field, the Jokers play very well. The pitching staff is third in TML and if Maurice Gould always show is excellence, Derrick Scott is a pleasant surprise. 13 wins, an era of 3,39... difficult to ask for more from this youngster. On the other hand, Bob Magee still struggling... too much time between good performances. On relief, O'connor having a great year with a 1.51 ERA. Nick Fox comeback from a difficult year and the return of Barrett in the bullpen did a lot to improve the major weakness of the team last year.

On offense, Phillip Smith and Juan Ramirez does exactly what we expect from them. Mitch Lyon, with his 20 HR and 80 RBI is a pleasant surprise. But management concern is toward Colin St.John and Gordon Thornton. St.John could rebound in the playoff but for Thornton, it may be the time to see him more like a bench player now. His body show sign of is numerous injuries.

But the team may have a solid hitting prospect in Katsuhiko Yamamoto. He start the year in AA where he hit for .303 with 27HR and 92 RBI. The management want to see how he could perform in AAA and Kats respond well with 3HR and 9 RBI in only 7 games. He will probably start in the major next year.

"Kats" Yamamoto is real hot in his AAA debut

Buddy Wills

A little text about the 2013 first pick of the Jokers, Buddy "high pocket" Wills. Buddy is the grand son of ex star ball player Maury Wills. He plays in the 60 mostly for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Buddy, like his grand father always shine on a baseball field. But, instead of playing infield, he pitch.

The Las Vegas organisation quickly had an eye on him and they were very pleased to see that he was still available in 8th spot in 2013 draft. They select him but had a tough time to sign him. His nickname of high pocket was not a fluke, the kid want a lot of money. But they finally agreed on a contract and the youngster start in Victoria were he maintain an ERA of 2.30 with 2 wins and 3 defeats. The team is not very powerfull so they decide to jump him in AA with Calgary. He had a rough time in his first three start, according 13 runs in only 14 innings. But he learn quickly and start to shine. In his last three start, he gave only 4 runs in 20.2 innings with a perfect nine innings against Ashville.

The kid want to jump right now in AAA but the management will wait a bit. If he continus to dominate, he may finish the year with Reno in AAA but right now, the plan is to keep him in AA, gaining experience and developing him well. The organisation think they have a diamond in Wills.

Buddy Wills

 Rumors... there's a lot of rumors right now in Vegas. Management didn't answers to interview demands but some says that Juan Ramirez and Colin St.John could be trade. Management want to cut down the payroll a bit and they have a surplus of outfielder. There's talk with Minnesota mostly but some others teams join the mix and offers good players... Will see what the management will do but the teams is right in a dog fight to win the division pennant. Fans will surely take it bad if a move is made to cut the payroll... We will follow things closely in the next weeks.

The return of "Spring"

End of may, the Jokers leads their division by 3... thanx to the 4 games sweep of Eureka, first team in the chase with K-C not to far behind. That's why the return of Gordon "Spring" Thornton is welcome in Vegas. We will need everything to stay on top of the division.

Thornton has been acquire from Montreal in the Bob Rudyard trade. Montreal gave him mostly for financial reason. Thornton has a huge contract, 21M this year and 23 next year. He won't be keep by the team after that, 24M is too much when you need to keep Gould and Smith with the team.

But since his arrival, Thornton did a good job, a very good one in fact. He hit .323 (OBP .412) in 2013 and did better last year with a .332 (OBP .432). Unfortunately, he injuried himself late in the season and was a big miss in the final game defeat. So he's return could just boost the lineup, the team hope he could go on the field and do what we expect from him... hit and run...

Gordon "Spring" Thornton

 

PLAYBALL

A new season, a big deception to overcome. For the second time in 3 years, the Jokers went to the final and for the second time, they loose. The last one hurt, a lost in the final and deciding 7 games. But what the Jokers can do except forget all this and play the game like they can? And that's exactly what they did in this first week, winning all 7 games against rival K-C and Mile High. Maurice Gould seems on a mission, winning 2 and still didn't conceide a run, striking 23 opponents in that span. Only one word... WOW. The gouldenboy didn't like the lost in final and neither the fact that he didn't won the Cy Young, so he decide that 2015 will not become another nightmare. James Dooley, a 30 years old southpaws won his first two games in Vegas uniform to help a rotation a bit thin, specially since coach McGee decide to put Barrett back in bulpen. O'Connor and Lopez didn't get younger so they'll need help if they want to finish stronger this year.

On the diamond, two changes over the winter. Mitch Lyon takes the 1B duty with the retirement of Kevin Carey. Carey, a fan favorite, showed sign of his age last year and the organisation didn't want to embarass him so retirement arrive in a perfect timing. Lyon, a young hitter arrive from nowhere. He wasn't a super prospect but develop well each year to finally grab the 1B job. He can add some pop to a strong lineup. The other change is at the other side of the diamond, Veton Zhugli will take 3B spot. Management think he can get better in his hitting but the fact that he play so well defensively help him to win the job. Last year, defense was poor at the hot spot, an upgrade will surely please the pitcher.

So, it may be the last hourrah for this bunch of players. With Ramirez who become free agent at the end of season and St.John, Tracy and Thornton, all in their 30... it's Jokers Time now or maybe never for this group.

Gould:the Las Vegas phenom...

The road warrior

Las Vegas-Maple. The Jokers started with their ace, Maurice Gould who did everything except winning. After that, Bob Magee get blasted and the Maple Marauders were going back home 2 and 0 in the serie. Ouch... everyone in Vegas was thinking about next year except the 25 men in uniform. They played extremely well in Maple, Scott, Barret and Gould all pitched well and Colin St.John took charges of the offense and the Jokers win all the three game on the road to go ahead in the series. They finally close it in the 6th game, beating Pat Sellers and going for the second time for the Thurman Munson championship.

It won't be easy this time. The Cabo San Lucas Torreros had the part of succes against the Jokers this year. But Ramirez is going to come back in game 3 or 4 and if Barrett and Gould could win one away, who knows were the story could end? Las Vegas fans are just crazy right now and they want more. So it's time to face Cabo San Lucas.

Rich Barrett will start the serie in San Lucas

reaction to Mustang complaint

In a non-traditional way, Mile End GM wrote a public letters whishing a defeat of the Jokers in the first playoff round. All Vegas fans hope that this letters will increase the thirst of victory for all the members of the organisation. So, what's the reaction to this from many Vegas personnal?

Francois Neveu, the GM answered something neutral: We need to stay focus on our first opponent, Maple. With many big Guns on Disable list, we'll need to play excellent baseball to pass throught this tough opponents. But honnestly, i don't think we'll have to answer because i could not see Mile End winning against Cabo San Lucas. We'll have to wait next year to face them again.

On players part, the rookie starter Jeff Olson said that he love playing against Mile End. It's important to notice that he realised his 2 best career starts against this division opponent. Maurice Gould, who's one of the only Jokers to have a tough september simply said that he's going to go on the mount and try to win, whoever is the opponent. Don't count on him to put oil over the fire.

Jeff Olson love playing in Mile End

Veton Zhugli didn't said much either, even if he came from Maple organisation. "You know, i didn't stay much over there and never played in major league, so i don't have any particular feeling playing against them." Probably, the vet Vic Jenning will have more to said. He had a tremendous year after having hard time to adapt to his new surrounding. It's clear that he didn't asked to be traded.

The only players to discuss a bit more about the Mile End public letter is Troy Tracy. Vegas DH said that the lost of Black probably put the GM in some kind of depression. Phillip Smith and Colin St.John made some fun quotes about the mental health of Mile End SP after the 4 games blow out Vegas hitters did in Mile End.

One thing is sure, if Mile End don't want to play Vegas, here, nobody are affraid to face the Mustang! But all respect Maple and want to be in good shape for tonight game.

An important 6 and 0

Since the start of september, the Jokers didn't played well. They were 2 and 4 for two consecutives weeks. They saw their lead for the wild car melt and they were looking to rebound against S-F and Georgia. They did. A nice 6 and 0 to come back for the division title. When the Jockers win, you might think that the attack is on fire but this week, it was all about pitching. A total of 6 points allowed in 5 games before allowing 6 in the last game of the week. All the starters were on fire, D Scott 1 ER in 7.1 innings, R. Barrett 2 in 7.1 innings, J. Olson 1 in 7 innings, M Gould 1 in 6.1 innings and B. Magee 0 in 6.1 innings. Nick Fox was very good in relief and that's a great news because he had many difficulties at the start of the season.

A little relief for now but another hard week who's coming with two series on the road, one against Cabo San Lucas and the other againt Mile High. If the team can play .500, it may be good enough to be in good place to secure a playoff spot. Everyone in Vegas hope it continu that way...

Zhugli and Olson

When we talk about Las Vegas Jokers, the name of Maurice Gould or Colin St.John habitually come first. But today, we will look two youngsters acquired in trade by the Jokers, Veton Zhugli and Jeff Olson.

Veton Zhugli: In the flurry of news about the ABL, the fact that the Jokers call up this young kid from Murray in Kentucky didn't get noticed. Of course, Zhugli hit only for .241 in Reno (AAA). But the management think it's time to give the chance to the 20 years old to prove himself. Zhugli was obtained in a trade with Maple who saw Vic Jennings going north. Zhugli was the prospect the Jokers want in return. He could play everywhere in the infield and scout judged that he'll have a huge impact with his bat. But in fact, the kid didn't impress in Las Vegas system. His average was .292 in Bristol (AAA) before the trade, then dropped to .211 in Reno. Ok, the kid was traded 2 times that year so he may need time to adjust. This year, he's not exactly where management taught he could be. But in Vegas, the two spare infielders (Price and Robbins) didn't do the job so maybe a call-up could help Zhugli to get back on track. The team saw Phillip Smith blossom after a call-up so everyone wish that Zhugli could take the same way. It will be interesting to see if he could become a solid contributor because if not, the trade with Maple will be a total mess.

Veton Zhugli

Jeff Olson: Another young gun obtained in a trade was Jeff Olson. He was the pitcher Vegas received in exchange of C Ronnie Wells. Olson was a pleasant surprise in AAA, winning 10 games last year before a injury force him out. He comeback stronger this year by posting a record of 8-4 with an ERA of 3.14 before being call-up. Olson can be an enigma on the mount, flashing some great performances like his victory against Mile High (9 innings, 2 points) or Maple (7,2 innings, 0 point) but he can be shaky at time like his start against Boston and K-C. But right now, he please the management in the fifth starter's spot and justify the trade. Of course, Ronnie Wells, even if he did well in Eureka, was unhappy in Vegas when Phillip Smith take the regular catching job. With the way Smith produce, nobody really miss Ronnie. Jeff Olson brings a lefty in the rotation, something that missed in Vegas. Jeff Olson will never become another Maurice Gould but if he can be a little bit more consistent, he will stay in the rotation for many years.

 

Jeff Olson

 

Home sweet home

The Jokers are playing better this year but the record of 45-37 hide a bit the reality. The Jokers are extremely strong at home 28-16 (.636) and they suck when playing on others stadiums with a 17-21 (.447).  Of course, the lucky seven ballpark is tricky but the team should play better away, specially against strong teams. In the past weeks, they struggle against Ann Arbor, Notthingham and New-York. 

The offense are real hot this year, some hitters doing extremely well. We talked a lot about St.John and Smith but the new acquisition, Juan Ramirez giving exactly what we expected with an average of .302 and 15hr 49RBI since his arrival. The next week will be important because the team is going on the road against Jersey and Maple, two tough opponents

In minor league, Reno and Carson city are leading their division. So that good news and Victoria are just 1 and a half game behind leaders. Many youngster start to contribute like the second pick Yamamoto who have 10 HR. After a slow start, he seems to adjust to professionnal baseball. He's a good prospect since the first pick, Buddy Wills didn't sign.

Katsuhiro Yamamoto

Big trade for the Jokers

Juan Ramirez

A new season and already a big trade for the Jokers. Las Vegas obtain slugger Juan Ramirez from Texas gunners for prospect Alfredo Villalobos and journeyman Victor Bailey. This trade add one more vets to the lineup who join the new acquisitions of Charles O'Connor and Pedro Lopez. On short term, theses moves will make Las vegas a better team but what will happen in the long term? Catcher Villalobos have a tremendous upside and could become a superstar but GM Neveu said that with the young Phillip Smith behind the plate, Villalobos was a prospect who could be move. It seem that the management don't want to be out of contention like last year when the injury of Colin St.John ruined the playoff hope.

Of course, GM Neveu is aware that the heart of his attack are not youngsters. St.John, Ramirez and Thornton are all at 32 and Tracy at 31. So it's logic to think that the team need to win in the next two years because after that, it could be the time to rebuilt all the attack. If that scenary happen, Maurice Gould could ask to be trade and force the Jokers to rebuild the entire team. It's a real possibility said GM Neveu but when our first selection didn't sign this spring, we decide to go all in right now and if we have to rebuilt in 2 or 3 years, we will do so.

The good start of the Jokers seems to prove that last year was just a bad one and the team can quickly overcome that and became a real contender again to win it all. It's clear that the acquisition of Ramirez will help. But many fans are still skeptical when they see the mean age and the salary structure of the team going up!