Q:  Looking at the Trade Wire, it doesn’t take long to notice the absence of Outlaw Joesy Wales.  Has it always been management’s philosophy to retain draft picks and build from within?

A: For the most part, yes, although newer NASBL managers might be surprised to learn that Outlaw paticipated in trades moving Mark McGwire, Trevor Hoffman, Raul Mondesi, Keith Foulke, Armando Benitez, and a first round draft pick within a short amount of time.  It resulted in what I still believe was the best Outlaw team ever and the strongest in the league that season, but we got promptly bounced out of the playoffs in the first round that year.
 

Q:  Picking at the top of the 1^st round (#4) presents an opportunity to grab a “hot prospect”.  Some publications have OJW coveting SS Troy Tulowitzki.  That move seems to make sense on two levels; 1) he’s the top prospect on the board on that point and 2) he fills an immediate need on your team (which is well stocked at many positions).  Is it safe to say that signing Troy is a priority for Outlaw?

A: Troy is a special player, no doubt about that.  It's a banner year and I feel like a kid in a candy store.
 

Q:  As one of the longest tenured NASBL GMs, how do you think the league compares today to the one you joined in 1998 in terms of competitiveness, participation, etc.?

A: Actually it was 1991 when I joined NASBL and became the proud manager of the 1990 Cleveland Indians complete with rookies Sandy Alomar and Alex Cole.  The computer and Internet have changed NASBL dramatically since then.  Back then we rolled dice, consulted the fielding chart, manually added up statistics, and kept the post office busy!  I remember several years of sitting by the phone for two straight days while Red magnificently orchestrated the phone draft and my wife just shook her head in disbelief.  NASBL was a little more sedate back then since trades weren't allowed in the off-season and you had to actually call up fellow managers across time zones to talk trade.  But it was always very competitive, that's the constant.

Q:  Scott Kazmir, Adrian Gonzalez, Jake Peavy (in the 2^nd round!!).  OJW has a proven track record of success in the Rookie/Free Agent draft.  Any secrets you want to share with your fellow (and jealous) GMs?

A: Don't follow Red in the draft! 
 

Q:  When looking ahead five years, what player on your team gives you the most cause for optimism?

A: The big three homegrown draftees Peavy, Kazmir, and Hudson give me the greatest hope.  I've never had a proven staff ace or a solid rotation, and weak starting pitching has always hurt Outlaw whenever we made the playoffs.  But I see our starting pitching finally coming together this year and becoming a strength for the forseeable future.

Q:  What do you enjoy to most about NASBL?

A:  I love the fact that the league is always well run and that we have enthusiastic managers who contribute.  Managers and commissioners who really care about the league and who have fun together makes NASBL special.