"Maybe we thought to highly of ourselves to start the season!" That's what Libyan Generals GM Herb DeSpain had to say to open his end of month press conference on June 1. "Maybe we just aren't as good as we thought we would be. We had some managerial problems which I hope are taken care of." DeSpain was referring to Shakir Jat and his decision to start team Ace Issam Serres in consecutive games on May the 12th and 14th. The second game Serres didn't make it out of the second inning and took his first loss. "I thought we understood each other after that happened," said DeSpain. "Then the Soto incident happened." Jat decided less than a week later to start Alejandro Soto in three consecutive starts from May 19th to the 21st. Soto pitched a total of just seven innings in the three games and the team lost two of them. "The biggest downfall when that happens is not even the losses," DeSpain said emphatically. "It's the damage to the bullpen!" The first two games of the team's season long seven game losing streak were the second and third starts for Soto. "Not a coincidence," noted the GM. "Jat knows without a doubt if that happens again we will not only be looking for a new manager but a new pitching coach as well."
Adding to the disappointment for the first year GM is the team's hitting. Once thought to be their strong suit has now been identified as a weakness. The Generals are last in the Burt in most offensive categories and they have been outscored by 59 runs in the first 56 games. Carlos Alonso was the only starter to hit over .300 for the month while most of the team struggled to hit over .200. DeSpain added, "A wise man once had this to say about our great game 'This is a simple game. You throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the ball.' That's what we need to do, get back to the basics."
Libyan Generals Hitter of the Month(MAY2043)
.320/.393/.563, 7 2B, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 14 RS, 4 SB
Libyan Generals Pitcher of the Month(MAY2043)
1-0-4 saves, 0.00 ERA, 10.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 HA, 0 HRA, 13 K