The Brewster

Monarchs fall short in Playoffs

For the third year in a row the Baltimore Monarchs lost in the JL Cartwright Cup series. For a lot teams this season would have been called a success. In Baltimore it is just another of the ever more crushing playoff loses. The facts are that since my reign as GM started before the 2001 the Monarchs have been in the playoffs 11 times (in twelve seasons). Surely by now a handful of games might have swung our way to a championship season? Out of the 11 playoff appearances (in my time) only once has the team even made it to the Landis, a 2005 lose to Las Vegas. So what next? Where do I go from here? It’s becoming clear that another approach may be necessary.

The Baltimore strategy has been focused on being competitive for the long term. I’ve never made all or nothing moves and have focused on just simply acquiring as many above average players as I could through all means. With my JL Atlantic rivals in various stages of rebuilding projects over recent seasons this approach has proved successful as Baltimore has reached the playoffs consistently. Reaching the playoffs however has not brought a championship. Maybe it’s time to simply hit the reset button and try an all or nothing approach? With most of the big contributors on the team becoming old it might be a good idea start over, get what I can, and aim to dominate in a future season rather than be competitive from here on. I mean the playoff appearances have been nice but the lack of a championship have been driving me crazy.

The offseason should be interesting in Baltimore. Maybe an overhaul will happen, maybe not. Does this group have another gear in them for next year? I’m going to take some time and see what FA and the rule 6 draft look like and then decide. An interesting offseason is ahead for the Monarchs.

Nick, tough call on what to do. I can share your frustrations to a degree. Granted Madison's streak wasn't quite as long as yours, but we went a while there where I didn't think we were going to win one. I went ALL IN one year and basically traded anything I had in the farm away to add one more starter and a stud CF. Managed to win it all in 2004 and after that it took the pressure off.

As for what to do, it's tough. If I were you, I'd keep on keeping on and win the division year after year. Sacrifice everything for a 1-2 year run where you really think you're the best team in the JL and hope for the best. If it works, you have the glory of finally winning one and can go through the down years knowing you got one. If you still can't get over the hump, then it could make the eventual rebuild a long and suffering one. Id put the suffering off as long as I could. I'm still convinced that when Puckett and Kengos retire, it is going to be some long and dreadful seasons in Madison. Enjoy winning while you can. Take the Houston Astros approach!!

Yea what he said. Vancouver is going to be a cellar dweller. Its just a matter of when. We 3 are in the same boat. Hawaii too I spose.

It's time for us to RISE! Next year should be interesting in our division.

I'll still be stuck in the middle... see you on the way down. And the way back up. And the way down... you get the point.

trmmilwwi wrote:I'll still be stuck in the middle... see you on the way down. And the way back up. And the way down... you get the point.

That's what she said.

bschr682 wrote:Yea what he said. Vancouver is going to be a cellar dweller. Its just a matter of when. We 3 are in the same boat. Hawaii too I spose.

I was already preparing for the decline. I'm somewhat optimistic now though that if my young pitchers can mature I can ride out my downfall and not have it be too bad.