Re: Mets v. Phils and it actually means something.
First, I'd like to disagree with your assertion that the Expos were in contention under Felipe Alou.
His best years with the Expos were in 92 (he took over early in the season), 93, 94, and 96. In 93 he had Walker, Alou, Grissom, and a solid veteran staff. Throw in good hitters like Wil Cordero, Darrin Fletcher, and Delino Deshields. Those Expos had a solid core, it wasn't a manager milking the most out of his team with good managing- they were a really good team. Walker was traded but he got O Henry Rodriguez, who destroyed the ball.
That has nothing to do with good managing. I followed him closely from 98-01 (until he was fired). The guy made questionable moves all the time and he still does the same.
Their "success" has more to do with a tremendous farm system, great international scouting, and smart trades. Pedro Martinez was fleeced from the Dodgers. Vladimir Guerrero was not supposed to be a superstar. Urbina and Carlos Perez were also good international signings. After Pedro was traded, is it surprising he did not win more than 70 games in the next three years?
First, I'd like to disagree with your assertion that the Expos were in contention under Felipe Alou.
His best years with the Expos were in 92 (he took over early in the season), 93, 94, and 96. In 93 he had Walker, Alou, Grissom, and a solid veteran staff. Throw in good hitters like Wil Cordero, Darrin Fletcher, and Delino Deshields. Those Expos had a solid core, it wasn't a manager milking the most out of his team with good managing- they were a really good team. Walker was traded but he got O Henry Rodriguez, who destroyed the ball.
That has nothing to do with good managing. I followed him closely from 98-01 (until he was fired). The guy made questionable moves all the time and he still does the same.
Their "success" has more to do with a tremendous farm system, great international scouting, and smart trades. Pedro Martinez was fleeced from the Dodgers. Vladimir Guerrero was not supposed to be a superstar. Urbina and Carlos Perez were also good international signings. After Pedro was traded, is it surprising he did not win more than 70 games in the next three years?
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