Stressful is the best word to describe a typical day for a major league general manager during spring training. Here’s a snapshot of one I endured recently:
» 6 a.m.: Alarm sounds and after a shower and quick stop at Starbucks for a Caramel Machiato, I’m at the ballpark by 7:15. The BlackBerry, which beeps with every incoming e-mail, averages 12 messages an hour. One of the first after Starbucks was from Nats president Stan Kasten, who wanted his daily briefing on the Ryan Zimmerman negotiations, player moves, trade discussions and details from yesterday’s game.
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As I pull into the office parking lot, head trainer Lee Kuntz calls to brief me on player injuries and informs me that Alex Escobar’s quad is sore and he might have to miss today’s game.
» 8:05 a.m.: Vice President and Assistant General Manager Mike Rizzo calls from Arizona with a scouting report on a pitcher we have been discussing in trade talks. He kills the deal, feeling there is too much injury risk due to the pitcher’s delivery.
After reviewing the waiver wire and my mail, I go to the minor league complex to watch the accelerated game. I am interested in seeing Dmitri Young’s progress and want to see Joel Hanrahan pitch; he has his best outing of his spring. Chris Marrero and Esmailyn Gonzalez continue to make us look good for giving them seven figure signing bonuses. Minor league field coordinator Tim Foli and pitching coordinator Spin Williams brief me on the minor leaguers.
While watching the game I read e-mails from Chuck Lamar, Kris Kline, Moose Stubing and Bill Singer who give me their scouting reports from the major league games from the previous day.
I then start my one-hour drive to Kissimmee, where I will watch batting practice and finalize roster cuts with manager Manny Acta. During the drive, I call my executive assistant, Harolyn Cardozo, and let her know we are going to cut 12-14 players [on Thursday]; she has to prepare the paperwork for the moves and have it on my desk by 7 p.m.
On the drive over, Dana Brown, our director of amateur scouting calls me and says I have to see a high school player tonight in Tampa because he’s a definite first-round talent.
» 10:55 a.m.: I arrive at the ballpark and meet with Manny. We discuss the 13 player cuts in detail and are on the same page. He has discussed the moves with his coaches; I have discussed them with assistant general manager Bob Boone.
I e-mail Stan the moves, keeping him informed at all times. We’ll tell the players [Wednesday] who are cut.
After more medical updates, I congratulate Brian Schneider on his new baby girl and talk to Ryan once more about his contract. He says his agent will be calling me tomorrow with an update.
The game then starts and I spend the next three hours studying, evaluating and analyzing every pitch, every at-bat, every first step quickness in our game against the Atlanta Braves. During the game, I get phone calls from three GMs I am working trades with as we discuss different trade proposals.
After the game, I drive 90 minutes to see a high school hitter at a 7 p.m. game. Then I drive back to Melbourne, where I finally get to bed around midnight.
As told to The Examiner’s John Keim.
Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden provides an exclusive column to The Examiner each week, ranging on topics from the Nats to the state of Major League Baseball.
