| Friday, January 2 |
Hartford Herald
HARTFORD-- Finally, after weeks of putting me off, I got an opportunity to interview Hartford Hobbit GM Brad Symons. I thought he’d have an ego problem because he won the BPLA championships but boy was I wrong. The guy is an overall nice guy. Before I ruin it for you and give away everything. I’ll proceed with the interview.
Moe: Who is Brad Symons? Give me a breakdown.
Mr. Symons: Ah, So many people have tried to figure that out. I can be a bit of a mystery. Well, I'm an actor. I grew up in central California. I grew up as a Giants fan umm, I just completed my Master's Degree in Acting from Northern Illinois University and now I'm back in Southern California to pursue a career as a film actor and screenwriter. What else? Well, people from all over the world say I look and talk and move like a young Richard Gere. One review of a play I did in Chicago talked about it for the entire first half of the review! I kept a copy of it for the first line "There's really only one reason to see this play and his name is Brad Symons."
Moe: Richard Gere!!! Holy smokes. You probably get all the ladies?
Moe: anything else?
Mr. Symons: Umm, just that I have this obsession with baseball. It’s probably quite unhealthy.
Moe: So do I. Well, how does it feel to be the first ever BPLA champion?
Mr. Symons: Feels pretty good. I am so proud of my guys. They really came through in a big way during the playoffs! I also have to say that I feel honored to have my team win this first-ever championship and to receive the first Jack Buck Memorial Trophy.
Moe: Seeing as how the Hobbits are the team to beat. Do you look to make any improvements during the off-season?
Mr. Symons: Well, I am quite happy that we were able to re-sign just about everyone. Including Mr. Edie! So, during the off-season, I think I'll probably just try to add an arm or two.
Moe: With a payroll in excess of 94 million, do you think you can afford more players?
Mr. Symons: <Laughing> probably not! But, perhaps we can find a low-cost option or shift a few things around through trading.
Moe: It's funny you should mention trades. If the right offer were to come along would you be reluctant in dealing away some of your prospects?
Mr. Symons: Well the key phrase there is "if the right offer were to come along" I will always pull the trigger on a deal if it seems right.
Moe: True, I like the sound of active traders.
Moe: Okay, Do you believe you have what it takes to repeat?
Mr. Symons: First, let me say about the trading thing. Nothing like the exhaustion felt after hammering out a deal for hours
Mr. Symons: Well, I certainly hope so, but there are 11 very good teams gunning for the Hobbits now and who knows how they will re-tool.
Moe: Seeing as how I'm a bit of a vicious journalist. If I were your boss and you didn't repeat with a 94 million payroll. I'd probably fire you.
Moe: What do you think? Isn't the high payroll added pressure?
Mr. Symons: Ha, ha, ha. Well, its a good thing I'm the owner, I guess. To me, what really counts - financially speaking - is if at the end of the season, there isn't a "-" sign before the profit number and about that last part it does add pressure. Baseball is all about pressure.
Moe: Hmmm, so what you’re saying is that even if you had a high payroll and continued to lose you wouldn't cut payroll?
Mr. Symons: Well, if we had a real bad record and continued to lose, then there's something wrong. Some players aren't playing like their contract’s demand. So some changes would be made.
Moe: Was there a player on your team that you would consider a bust?
Mr. Symons: A bust? Hmm, let me think.
Moe: Sure take your time.
Mr. Symons: If you were to ask me that in August, I would've said Santamaria, but he really came on strong there towards the end. I guess I'd have to say that McRory has yet to live up to his $4 million salary.
Moe: If I were you I'd trade him. A 4 million bust is an expensive investment.
Moe: One final question.
Moe: What is up with the name and logo?
Mr. Symons: Ha, ha, ha. Well, Hobbits to me are very inspiring. They are these little creatures that no one takes seriously, but as you get to know them, you realize they have tremendous heart and courage. I find them to be heroic and I wanted to help Hartford feel the same. So, I contacted New Line Cinema and they loved the idea of working together to bring their Film trilogy to life in the world of baseball.
Moe: I got you.
Moe: Thanks for the interview and your time. I wish you the best. I'm going to be gunning for you so you better watch your back.
Mr. Symons: Well, thanks for the good wishes and let me take this opportunity to welcome you to the BPLA and yes, I'll be watching. I think they'll be a lot of people gunning for the Hobbits.
Moe: LOL, at least you're a good sport.
Mr. Symons: You have to be, if you're not what’s the point?
Moe: I agree.
Mr. Symons: The Hobbits will try and stand firm.
Brad Symons has done a good job with this team and if all goes well another successful season is not out of the question. Just be careful though Hobbit fans. The other teams are gunning for Hartford’s team.
Moe
Guys, get back to me if you want interviews. Email me at smoothe_sack@hotmail.com or message me on AIM at KidKala.