The GM corner

We interviewed Trenton GM gumbercules for his thoughts on the first quarter of the season:

Are you happy with the way the team has played during the first 41 games?

I'd have to say yes. We're back among the top teams in the NL. Obviously there are some things I'd like to see improve, but all in all I've been happy with what I've seen on the field so far.

What would you like to see improve?

The pitching in particular. We've got quality arms that are not performing up to their standard yet. I'm not all that worried, as these are guys with track records.

You made a lot of big free-agent signings in the offseason. Your thoughts on that?

I know we forfeited quite a few draft picks. But we gave up 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round picks and got Bret King, Wesley Cora, and York Watson in return. I think you have to look at value here. Would I be able to get someone better than King for a 2nd round pick? Better than Watson for a 4th? The answer to the first question is maybe, and the second is not very likely, even if you'd be willing to wait for those guys.

You left out Cora of that last statement. Do you regret that signing?

No. The guy's been struggling so far, but he's got a history of performing well. It's way too early to give up on a guy like him.

Did Magglio Perez just get "Wally Pipped" by Miguel Cerveza?

Not likely. Miguel is just really hot right now, so we're planning on riding the hot bat until he cools off. Expect Mags to get his regular playing time after that.

A lot was made of the top three in the order (Miller, King, and Herrera) and that none of them were on the Opening Day roster last season. What do you think of their performance so far?

Well, that was a big part of the reason that we thought this offense would be a lot better this season, and I think so far that's exactly what has happened. Cap and Watty are both in the top 4 in batting, Cap and Bret are top 5 in runs scored, Watty is second in on-base... they're among the league leaders in categories you'd want your top 3 to be good at. They've driven each other in and set up the Enrique, Stevie, Vasco, and Mags. We signed these guys to continue to do just that.

Any thoughts on Atlanta?

Other than that they're really good? We'd like to get a rivalry going with those guys, but we don't beat them often enough to be at that level yet. They might be better than last season, which is scary.