United We Stand, Divided We Fall

[pat]

It is a phrase that has been used in mottos, from nations and states to songs. The basic concept is that unless the people are united and one people, it is easy to destroy them. This is a counter to the maxim 'divide and conquer' Divide and Rule. The phrase has been attributed to Aesop.

For General Manager, Pat Garde, it is more than just a phrase. It is his principle. We'll follow the footsteps of this young mind (15 years old as the start date is on 2003), his team -- and hometown -- Quezon City United.

They will take on 7 other teams in the first Philippine Major League Baseball (with one minor league level). A couple of feeder leagues are in place too, 8 teams in the UAAP and the NCAA, both collegiate league here in the Philippines.

Hope you join the ride when we stand on top, even continually support the team when we're falling nose-dive on a cliff of the standings.

P.S. I would like to thank someone who gave me OOTP 2007 as a gift. I'm not sure if he wanted to be named. Thank you.

[pat]

**Pat is currently a high school senior with his graduation this coming March 2003. The story of his signing as general manager of the Quezon City United is this: (an excerpt from my old dynasty The Benchwarmer)

Wednesday came as fast as a snail, Pat waited at home doing nothing. Nothing, as in the usual routine of sleeping, eating, hanging the clothes dry, feeding his Japanese Spitz and a lot of time in front of the computer. He didn't go to school because he was not feeling well.

He took a bath early in the morning, unloading the excess waste in his system before taking the shower. He used loofah in his body, like a sand paper scratching a wood. He’s clean and good to go.

The jeepney ride was fast. (Jeepney is the common vehicle here) There was no traffic looming in the horizon as it’s already summer vacation in the Philippines. He went to the capital, Manila, riding an FX taxi, looking for a certain building, the headquarters of Philippine Baseball League.

His shyness got the better of him as he can’t ask strangers for directions.

“Excuse me. Do you happen to know where Phenomenal Center is located?”

Before finishing his question, he noticed that he’s talking to himself.

Finally, after wandering the streets of Quiapo, a notorious place for snatchers and petty crimes, he discovered the place. It was a low-rising place right in the heart of Manila. The architect designed the structure creatively, with the roof looking like a baseball. The aura of the place is nice as Pat walked by, using his olfactory sense he smelled the clean cut grass and the beautifully placed trees and he was impressed.

Swinging the door open, he saw a nice banner behind the reception desk, Philippine Baseball League Head Office, it says. The secretary greeted him with a smile.

“What can I do for you?”

“I’m here for the interview with the commissioner.”

“Please sit down for awhile. He’s interviewing someone.”

“Thanks.”

Awhile didn’t take a moment, as he sat for almost 30 minutes. Then the sexy secretary motioned that he’s next. His heart was beating faster and faster whenever he takes a step.

“Good morning sir,” his trembling voice muttered.

“Good morning. What’s up? You are?”

“I’m Pat Garde.”

“Oh so you’re the unusual teenager.”

“What do you mean of unusual sir?”

“Oops, I don’t mean to offend you, it’s just that for a 15-year-old, you must be nuts to like baseball that much.”

“Ah, I know. I’m weird. I just love baseball sir. It’s more than like.”

“Well, you mentioned that you never stepped on the field. Why’s that?”

“I never watched a live baseball game.”

“Why would I hire you then?”

“Sir, I know baseball. I guess, that’s enough for me to run a team.”

“I don’t know, Pat.”

“Just give me the chance sir. I know I can,” he said almost teary-eyed.

“Okay. I’ll refer you to the Owner of Quezon City United.”

“Thank you! Thank you!,” hugging the commissioner while tears finally falling in his eyes.**

Philippine Baseball League

Antipolo Shootout

Bacoor Bluegills

Davao Winds

Ilagan Harpies

Lapu-Lapu Red Dragons

Legazpi Armada

Pulilan Steel Hawks

Quezon City United

UAAP League

University of the Philippines Maroons

Far Eastern University Tamaraws

Adamson University Falcons

University of Santo Tomas Tigers

Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles

De La Salle University Green Archers

National University Bulldogs

University of the East Red Warriors

NCAA League

College of Saint Benilde Blazers

Jose Rizal University Bombers

Letran Knights

Mapua Cardinals

Philippine Christian University Dolphins

San Beda Red Lions

San Sebastian Stags

University of Perpetual Help-Rizal Atlas

[darkcloud4579]

Good idea with the Philippines. Should be a good one.

[pat]

Originally Posted by darkcloud4579

Good idea with the Philippines. Should be a good one.

Thank you. Hopefully this will last longer. I really hope it does. This dynasty will also help me learn OOTP 2007 too.

[pat]

I envisioned the owner greeting me with a peace sign

It was Sunday morning and Pat is feeling the cold breeze of the early year air. He took a cold shower as soon as he woke up; he doesn’t boil water even if it’s freezing in the atmosphere. His time at the lavatory usually doesn’t last less than five minutes and not more than fifteen minutes.

His grandmother, who is an early worm, cooks their breakfast daily. The night before, she would ask his grandson Pat what does he want for tomorrow. A routine she doesn’t miss.

Pat asked for a couple of chicken wings. He is thin as a stick but he sure eats a lot. Well, a lot of rice. A couple of plate-full of rice is his normal in-take of carbohydrates. He finished his breakfast quickly as he doesn’t want to get late with his meeting with the team owner of the Quezon City United, Lito Forbes.

He rode a jeepney up to the Metro Rail Transit Station, a leading train transporter in the Philippines, to hastily go to Ortigas, considered one of the business places in the Metro Manila.

Finally, he met with the owner in a restaurant near his company, a freight service corporation.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk to you in person,” Pat sincerely said.

“No problem, kid. It’s just that I am lonely during Sundays.”

Pat dismissed the thought that Forbes is homosexual. “Well, I do not want to beat around the bush, so I am giving it out straight, do you want me to be the general manager of your organization?”

“It’s silly to answer a question with a question but I am silly anyway. Why do you think I wanted to meet you in the first place, given it’s also Sunday? Don’t you think I like your enthusiasm in the game?”

Man, this guy must be a psychologist, Pat thought. “I do not want to be cocky but yes, I think I have the shot to be your GM.”

“That’s good,” was all he could reply.

After a long pause, Forbes reminded Pat that he should be ready tomorrow to meet the organization.

“Yes sir. I will.”

[pat]

When I opened the door, I saw a good amount of people. Then, I became shy. It seems I've left my tongue at home

Monday morning came slowly for Pat as he couldn’t sleep on the Lord’s Day early. He’s so excited he wanted to sleep around nine in the evening but eventually, he slept at around midnight.

Dang! I may be late for the meeting, Pat thought. He swiftly took a five-minute shower, another five minutes for breakfast and grooming. Wow, I could be fast, Pat considered the idea.

He knocked at the wooden door before finally opening it and he saw the owner, Lito Forbes, waving his hand. Beside him, the long brown oval table sits the manger, coaches and scouts.

“Hi,” was all he could mutter.

“Come in, Pat.”

He acknowledges the request and he slowly nodded his head, simultaneously moving his feet towards the owner.

“I want you to meet our manager, Artemio Ojeda. He’s 52 years old and has 14 years of experience in managing baseball.”



“Good day, Pat,” Ojeda said.

“Our bench coach is experienced, 23 seasons of coaching baseball in universities. His name is Meynard Quisano.”



“I’m 57 already Pat but I’m young at heart,” said Quisano.

“And here is our hitting coach, Thaddeus Candido.”



“Pat, if you want to know the basics of hitting, let me know,” Candido offered.

“Joshua Sarno is the youngest coach and he will be our pitching coach.”



“Hello Pat, I teach pitching well. Get us those prized arms,” Sarno told Pat.

“The head scout will look for the diamonds in the rough, he is Rodel Ximena.”



“I have 5 other scouts under my wing, let me know what you want them to do,” Ximena mentioned.

“Lastly, our team doctor, Jelexiz Ignis.”



“Tell me where it hurts and I’ll do my best to make it better,” Ignis suggested.

"Nice meeting you all," finally, Pat spoke a few words.

[pat]

The one week camp teaches the players (even teens as shown above) the basic skills needed to play ball

The Philippine Baseball League put out a countrywide hunt for men who want to become the stars – or just plain scrubs – of the first professional baseball league in the Philippines. Amidst the financial crisis, unemployed persons loiter around the country and the assurance of a hefty compensation to play ball proved to be a bonus for the owners as ballplayers arrived by the hundreds in Rizal Memorial Stadium for the Philippine Baseball League tryouts.

A one-week camp will show the skills of the draftees. The organizer works hard to set the standard for baseball camps, clinics and instruction nationwide. The coaching philosophy is based on the most respected and freshest training concepts today in baseball.

It focuses on the Five Tool Make-up; hitting for power, hitting for average, throwing, fielding, and speed/agility. Training and stations are always position and skill-level specific so that each player gets the most out of camp.

As Pat entered the strict confines of the site, he noticed the batting cages, the pitching mound, the bases, the home plate, the clean-cut grass and the diamond-shaped dirt. He feels virgin in this kind of genre. I’ll get used to it though, he thought.

Throughout the afternoon, he jotted down notes alongside his head scout – and opposing team’s scout too. Seeing and marking the players that caught his different-sized eyes – the left one opens a bit less.

Many shouts were heard, ranging from cussing (“Putang ina ang sakit!”) to moaning (“Aaaahhhhh”) even to a sweet sound of delight (“Yehey! Nakatama rin ako”) Patrick heard every tad of the noise, noting who said what and who said it. He prefers players who respect their goddamn language, Filipino.

After skimming through the different spots for hours and listening to the grunts, mumbles and murmurs they had to call it a day.

The draft room of Quezon City United with all the personnel supporting the inaugural draft

Boring inaugural draft?

PBA, Philippine Basketball Association (professional basketball league in the country) has flashbulbs popping. Reporters from around the country will take copious notes on what the player has to say, as he does his first interview on ABC-5’s national telecast.

Meanwhile, the baseball draft is less glamorous.

The Quezon City United, as an example, had their war room set up in a back conference area, with top brass such as owner Lito Forbes, general manager Pat Garde, manager Artemio Ojeda and head scout, Rodel Ximena, who ran the draft for the team, in attendance. Each announced pick was heard over a speaker phone, situated at the end of the table, until bench coach Meynard Quisano read off Mindanao native, third baseman, Ysmael Aragon as the United’s first overall pick.



There were no fans applauding or booing the selection, as there is with the basketball league. In fact, a large percentage of even the most ardent United supporters probably couldn't identify Aragon as a right-hander or a left-hander.

Aragon also wasn't corralled immediately by some ABC-5 reporter. The United actually made calls to both his home and cell phone before they could track him down.

“I was surprised to get picked that high,” said Aragon in Tagalog. “I didn’t expect it at all. They called me at home and I was glad to hear from them because I’ve been waiting all day for someone to call me.”

[metsgeek]

Excellent stuff, Pat!

[pat]

Originally Posted by metsgeek

Excellent stuff, Pat!

Thank you Pete. I haven't played/simmed a game with 2007 but I am liking it already.

[pat]

I was introduced to my players. I'm beside the tired guy at the bottom.

After the draft, Pulilan Steel Hawks’ General Manager Nestor Punay called the cellphone of Pat Garde regarding a trade inquiry.

“Hello, this is the General Manager of Pulilan” said Punay.

“Good morning, I am Pat Garde,” Pat said.

“We have a dilemma. We are over the salary cap of $1,000,000. What I’m thinking is, how about dealing a similar type of players; the difference should be settled by cash.”

“That’s all good. Who’s your best player?”

“Well, my first round pick is first baseman Jilenko Saranillo”

“I’m interested in him even though I haven’t seen him personally.”

“You might have seen him in the camp.”

“Probably, but I can’t remember. That’s why I picked Ysmael Aragon.”

“Saranillo has a nickname of “Nine Fingers”, during the last New Year’s Eve, his one finger got blown by firecrackers.”

“I don’t care, as long as he can hit. I have my own first baseman, Jelexiz Diputado but he’s already 32.”

“’Nine Fingers’ is just 28.”

“I thought we could settle the difference by cash?”

“Yeah, how much are we talking about?”

“Well, the owner gave me the go signal to spend to win. I can do $500,000.”

“Not even close. I’ll just hang up if you do not increase it to $1,000,000.”

“Dang. That’s a lot.”

“Come on, we are just a town in a province and your team is a big-time city in the Metro Manila. That’s not a lot.”

“48 million pesos is not a lot? You must be out of your mind.”

“I may be out of my mind but I just wanted to help the team and the town.”

Pat’s soft-heart was touch and all he could do was whisper, “Alright, let’s do the deal.”

*****

Pat arrived early at the stadium where the scheduled 7 AM practice is about to take place. He set foot at the entrance and saw a good number of players scattered in groups. Wow, this is my team, he thought.

The manager recognized the familiar face and made a “come here” gesture with his fingers.

“Welcome Pat,” said Artemio Ojeda.

“So, this is the team, huh?” he replied.

“Sure does. I want you to meet them personally.”

“Why don’t we gather round here?” Pat suggested.

“Okay. Boys, circle up here and there is someone you have to meet.”

The guys started walking in their direction and quickly round up the spot.

“This is our general manager Pat Garde.”

“Hello, sir,” in chorus the players said.

“Don’t call me sir, my name is Pat.”

“Okay, Pat,” again, in chorus they uttered.

“That’s better. So, who’s who?”

“I’ll introduce them to you,” said the manager.

“This is our first round pick, Ysmael Aragon,” he continued.



(8/9/9/9/6) *based on my head scout

“Next in line is our ace, Reomel Laput.”



(6/6/9)

“Herson Macarandang will roam around the centerfield.”



(6/4/6/6/10)

“Shortstop Indergabriell Ignis will be in the middle of the infield.”



(7/6/1/6/9)

“Slated at #2 in the rotation, he is Ninfa Aguila.”



(6/7/4)

“Edilberto Pecson will be Ignis’ partner.”



(7/7/6/7/8)

“Jaypee Bernardo adds another arm in our staff.”



(6/1/7)

“The guy you just traded for, Jilenko Saranillo.”



(7/10/9/9/4)

“Nice to finally meet you,” Pat ecstatically said. "There's only one thing I wanted to instill in your minds. We have a motto, a principle or whatever it is called in your region. And that is, united we stand, divided we fall. I'll say the first line and you'll answer with the second.

"United we stand!"

"Divided we fall!" all the players shouted with excitement.

"That's all."

The manager introduced all the players and Pat went back to the office – smiling. We have a shot at the title, a thought playing in his mind. He close the door and sat at his chair daydreaming. His dream of winning a championship could be happening soon.

[pat]

Batting order
1. Herson Macarandang, RF (6/4/6/6/10)
He sets the tone with patient, professional at-bats and doesn’t strike out a lot. With the kind of lineup expected behind him, Macarandang should score a lot of runs.

2. Indergabriell Ignis, SS (7/6/1/6/9)
The 29-year old infielder won a three-way battle to be the starting shortstop in camp over three more experienced players. His lively bat and quick speed should add even more to an already improved order. Ignis has been more reliable defensively, but still has to work on his throwing.

3. Ysmael Aragon, 3B (8/9/9/9/6)
Aragon’s perfect swing is expected to yield a high average and clutch hits. Expect more than a few home runs too.

4. Jilenko Saranillo, 1B (7/10/9/9/4)
It will be Saranillo’s first full season and he will bring plenty of power to the cleanup spot.

5. Edilberto Pecson, 2B (7/7/6/7/8)
Pecson should benefit from hitting behind Aragon and Saranillo. He is aggressive on the bases, he could easily be a 20-HR man.

6. Rodel Hernandez, LF (6/8/2/6/5)
A streaky hitter, you don’t know what to expect from Hernandez. But even when he struggles, Hernandez always finds ways to help his club. He also offers more power from the right side.

7. Meynard Ligeralde, CF (4/7/7/6/3)
There’s not much to say about Ligeralde. His base running instincts will mean plenty of stolen bases. Expect him to rotate around the outfield when the others need a rest.

8. Dimacali Fflunker, C (5/6/2/6/8)
An excellent spring, both offensively and defensively, has left many more confident that Fflunker will be the team’s projected starter.

Rotation
1. Reomel Laput, RHP (6/6/9)
The club can always count on Laput to be consistent and throw strikes. He could benefit a lot from the increased run support expected from the lineup.

2. Jejomar Enrile, RHP (7/6/5)
Although he's coming off a dismal spring training, the club knows Mabeza has the stuff to be a successful average starter in the big leagues. Now it's time to see it.

3. Ninfa Aguila, RHP (6/7/4)
Aguila brings to the table a potent middle-of-the-rotation starter. His lack of control is his only problem.

4. Magtanggol Sagal, RHP (6/3/7)
Sagal have developed four-seam fastball to complement his tough splitter, he could be a more complete pitcher with this arsenal. He may give up a lot of homeruns.

5. Jaypee Bernardo, RHP (6/1/7)
Bernardo was a pleasant surprise during Spring Training. He had command of his pitches and threw with confidence. An already tough rotation is stronger if Bernardo can make the ball stay in the park.

Bullpen
Leading the group of power arms, closer Jaicus Rondez. Top right-handed set-up man Efren Aboloc should be very dependable in the eighth inning. Left-handed set-up man Honesto Hidalgo and the club expect that they will be comfortable in their roles. Right-hander Bayani Olaires and lefty Richello Reyes should be more relaxed after spring training. At 35 years old, right-hander Karl-Anthony Pamiza will fill a variety of roles ranging from long relief, short situations and spot starts if needed.

On the record
"That's our goal going into Spring Training -- get that playoff spot." – Edilberto Pecson

[Jestor]

Really glad to see the Phillipines back, pat and really looking forward to this dynasty

Incidentally last semester, I picked up a collection of short stories called Scent of Apples by Bienvenido N. Santos. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I was wondering if you were familiar with him at all or how big he is in the Phillipines.

[pat]

Originally Posted by Jestor

Really glad to see the Phillipines back, pat and really looking forward to this dynasty

Incidentally last semester, I picked up a collection of short stories called Scent of Apples by Bienvenido N. Santos. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I was wondering if you were familiar with him at all or how big he is in the Phillipines.

Thanks Jestor.

I am not really familiar with him so I do not know if he's big here or not. Probably in the literature society.

[pat]

The energy of the fans is amazing. I saw my superstar, Ysmael Aragon, signing autographs with the kids

Call it competitive stability or call it equality, but it is the central fact of Baseball Universe: Most of the teams have the right to think of themselves as potential winners.

Of course, at the end of September, many of these teams will not be winners, but that is not the issue. What we learned in Spring Training 2003 was that the talent has been spread around in baseball. And so has the hope.

Out of the 8 franchises, 6 can come to the regular season with the genuine belief that they could play beyond September.

Everywhere else you can create an optimistic scenario for any club and it will not be wildly unrealistic. This is a very good thing. As the Commissioner of Baseball, Ben Cunanan often says baseball owes its fans hope and faith. In 6 of 8 cases, at least hope has been achieved.

Franchises that don't have sky-scraping budgets are putting together talented, exciting, young clubs, which also have the economic virtue of being relatively inexpensive. Between this development and increased revenue sharing, more teams have a real shot to compete this season. And more so-called experts will have greater difficulty figuring out who is supposed to win the two divisions. That's enjoyable, too.

Spring Training may be the typical time for hope. But this spring the hope was both more widely and evenly distributed than at any recent time. Many of these hopes are bound to be extinguished over the marathon season. But baseball has at least come to a place where the vast majority of its fans can look to the season ahead with an optimism that is more genuine than forced.

Opening day is looming and the owner, Lito Forbes, has just informed Pat that his expectation for the season is to win it all this year.

Now, I’m feeling more pressured, Pat reflected in his leisure time.

PBL players and fans alike can’t wait for the season to start. It’s been a long off-season filled with punditry, strategy and financial haggling. Now, baseball abruptly shoves the hot stove talk onto the back burner with match-ups that will set the tone for the clubs all across Philippines.

[pat]

Diputado hit six homeruns in Spring Training, he finished tied for 1st with my guys, Aragon and Saranillo

Pulilan, Bulacan – Jelexiz Diputado and the Pulilan Steel Hawks finalized an $467,300 (Php 22,430,400*), five-year contract extension Friday.

The deal runs from 2004-8. The Cavite native first baseman is slated to make $93,460 this season, and the club will exercise its $93,460 option for 2004. After that, Diputado could have become a free agent, but his new contract keeps him under Pulilan’s control.

Diputado’s deal is the first contract extension signed in Philippine Baseball League history.

"I recognize the commitment the Steel Hawks have made," Diputado said. "We have a good core of players here who are committed to winning. We're due to turn this thing around and I wanted to be a huge part of the future."

Pulilan general manager Nestor Punay said Diputado’s new extension helps provide stability for the team.

"To make a five-year commitment, you have to like the man. When kids look at Jelexiz Diputado, they will see what this franchise is all about," Punay said. "We were not smart enough to draft Jelexiz, but we were smart enough to trade for him. Jelexis will be one of the greatest players in the history of this franchise."

"Locking up Jelexiz for the next five years makes my job a lot easier," Punay said. "He is a leader on this club and clearly represents the fans of our community and the franchise."



*1 Peso (Php) = 48 dollars ($). Peso to Dollar Rate*

[pat]

Tondag has a good spring, I wish we have him in our rotation but that's baseball

Ilagan, Cagayan Valley -- Right-hander Bayanai Tondag agreed to a $422,920 (Php 20,300,160), four-year contract Tuesday that made him the Ilagan Harpies’ highest-paid pitcher.

Tondag emerged as one of the Rizal League’s (RL) top starters this spring despite pitching in a ballpark that is the most homer-friendly in the major leagues.

"They showed me dedication by coming to me with this type of deal before I was a free agent," said Tondag, who could earn up to $430,000 over four years if the 2007 option is exercised.

Tondag gets base salaries of $96,040 this season, $105,730 in 2004 to 2006. There is a player option for 2007 at $105,730. If Tondag pitches well enough to win the Best Pitcher of the Year Award, he will receive $8,100 more.

The 33-year-old pitcher's deal falls short of the contract recently signed by Jelexiz Diputado for 467,300 for 5 years, but he could make more in his fifth year. Ilagan drafted Tondag in the fourth round (25th overall pick) in the inaugural draft.

"I'm looking forward to the direction we're going," Tondag said. "I think they've done a lot in drafting good players.”

[PotatoPeeler]

Hey pat. Good stuff so far. I see that most of the players look caucasian. If you're wondering why, it's because in the ethnicities.txt file, Filipino faces are set to 1000 caucasian and 0 for everything else. For my Filipino league, I changed it to be 750 Asian and 250 Spanish. That has yielded more authentic looking faces. Still, some of the players look a little too "white" so I think I'll keep messing around with it. Anyway, just though I'd give you the heads up.

[pat]

Jesse, thanks for pointing it out. I've changed the ethnicity and will play around with it too. Thanks again.

[PotatoPeeler]

No problem, pat. Just don't forget to re-import the the ethnicity database to get it to work properly. It's on the lower left hand part of the Game Setup screen.

[pat]

Arriba watches his three-run shot go all the way to the right field bleachers

QUEZON CITY -- James Arriba's first hit of his career was hopefully as impressive as they will come.

Arriba hit a booming three-run homer an estimated 423 feet to help back Nestor Eniquez’s (1-0) crisp pitching, and the Davao Winds beat the Quezon City United 12-1 Monday night.

Arriba turned on a fat pitch from United’s ace Reomel Laput (0-1) on a 2-1 count with two outs in the third.

His 1st career homer landed several feet in front of the lower right corner of the big scoreboard that's 23 rows beyond the right-field wall at Ballpark of Quezon City.

``I was just trying to participate,'' Arriba said.

Bayani Natera singled and Cortez Lariego walked ahead of Arriba’s homer.

Eniquez took a two-hit shutout into the sixth and retired the first two batters before running into trouble. Jilenko Saranillo singled, Edilberto Pecson walked and Rodel Hernandez hit an RBI double to chase Eniquez. The right-hander struck out two and walked three.

``It wasn't my best stuff,'' Eniquez humbly said. ``We got a big lead and I had a lot of room for error. It worked out for the best.''

Reomel Laput allowed five runs and five hits in two-plus innings and walked two.

Notes: Laput’s first pitch to pave way for the opening season in the PBL was a strike. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo threw the ceremonial first pitch. Saranillo was hit by a pitch in the first inning, he just shrugs it off and his nickname by the way is “nine fingers” as he is known for being tough even if he lost one of his pinkies.

Player of the Game:

James Arriba (2B, HR, 5 RBI, BB)

Pat's thought on the game: I was frustrated all night watching the game. We could not capitalize when runners are on and our pitchers got hammered. All in all, we are destroyed. It's not a good sign to lose in an opener, well, not just lose, we lost badly. Dang.