[ctorg]

Originally posted by css
I just recently started my managerial career. I started out in St Louis (they offerred me the most money - $540K). I took them straight to the World Series where I was victorious in 4. I expected a nice raise after that. I got bumped up to just under a million with a one year extension. I figured the owner thought it might have been beginner's luck and therefore didn't want to give me a multi-year contract. I figure, alright then, I'll prove him wrong.

So I signed Vlad Guerrero in the offseason for a disgusting $18 mil over 6 seasons (yeah, i got in a bidding war). With a lineup of Guerrero, Pujols, Edmonds, and Karim Garcia (who for some reason turned into a .300-35-120 stud) I figure I was set. I didn't win it all in 2004, but I won the division and made it into the NLCS, where I lost to the Phils, who went on to win the WS.

I figure, hey, I at least proved I can contend for the title again, so I should get a multi-year extension and another nice-sized raise.

the offer: 1 year, $1.1 mil. i said goodbye.

One of 3 openings for the 2005 season was in san diego. a horrible owner, but he offerred me one year at $1.5 million, with the demand of playing .500 ball. By June I was in last place 6 games under .500. I just ticked off Mark Kotsay (who was being quite unreasonable with his contract demands), so i put him up on the trading block.

The next day, I got this trade offer email from the Mets:

Piazza and Cliff Floyd for Kotsay.

At 36, Piazza was overpriced but in the last year of his contract, and Floyd was very reasonable, so I took it. Next thing you know, powered by Piazza, Floyd, and a Cy Young year from Jake Peavy (18-6, 2.34), and thanks to a horrible second half by the Giants, I finish the year 89-73 and won the NL West by 4 games.

I start the playoffs soon. Up first, the Phillies. Then, a potential showdown with the Cardinals....this time, it's personal.

Love stuff like that.