Now we really are Gambling (2004-5)

[Fat Nige]

21st September 2004

As we approach the final seven games of the 2004 we have an interview with current Atlantic City GM, Nigel Laverick. Nigel, how do you think your time here has gone? Do you think you’ve made a difference?
Well I think we’ve turned a small corner. When I took over at the end of June we were 27-54 after a terrible April & May. July didn’t go to well while I tried to shuffle the pack but since then we’ve been 26-22 in the last month and a bit. To be honest though the Gamblers are still a bit of a train wreck, they could be anything in 2005, there’s a load of changes still needed.”

And will you still be here in 2005?
"That’s really up to the Governing Board and how they view my performance. I think I’ve done enough to warrant another year but we’ll have to wait and see. I think I’ve made a few good moves but there’s still a lot to do, quite a few players don’t really deserve to spend much more time in Atlantic City and the rotation … Don’t get me started on that. If only we could do it we could do with throwing the whole bloody lot out and starting again. The bullpen’s coming together and we’ve probably got a fairly competitive batting line-up if they all knuckle down and play with some consistency. The farm system is a really, really, long project. There’s a lot of chaff in there that needs sorting out from the wheat and that takes time to turn round a whole system. The Albany Atoms have shown a little glimmer of hope finishing just two games back at 37-31 in their Rookie League but I can’t take any credit for that unfortunately, that was all down to the previous GM’s. One thing is sure though, the franchise needs to take advantage of another high draft position next year and ensure they draft wisely. Maybe by 2010 we might be challenging for honours all round (laughs hysterically)"