South Korea– Following a 15 game winning streak, Seoul fans more then believe in the capabilities of GM Rick Watts.  When Watts rook over the Crushers, they were 27-46 and in a bad place. Now though, he has the Crushers playing some of the best baseball in the LRS. In the few months he’s been here, the greenhorn GM has led the team to a 41-30 record, good for 3^rd in the BBG during that time.

Where did the change come from? Well, Watts has instilled a winning attitude into the franchise and fans. When the Seoul organization announced the hiring of Watts, many fans just shrugged it off and ignored it, they aren’t ignoring Watts now. He has made move after move, slowly acquiring one piece at a time, looking to win not just in 2020, but also in 2020 and beyond. His most recent move? Signing SS Christian Ramey to a deal that will pay him $4,250,000 in 2020.

The decision of bring in Ramey was influenced by the teams need for a SS who can hit and play some defense. It was a shot term move, but Watts has also made moves for the future too, he locked up the best catcher in LRS history, Yosuke Imai for the 8 years, along with the other half of the battery mate: ‘Six Pack.’

Some may ask what his plans are for the offseason? He’s been quoted saying that he wants to improve the team in any way possible. He’ll look to strengthen a very weak bullpen, add a good 5^th starter, and solidify a relatively inconsistent bench.  Doing all that may be tough, consider the team in tight on funds at the moment. If Watts can somehow move some salary for the 2020 season, and use it for needs, they’ll have a very good shot at taking down Lupin and Naha.

For now, there is optimism for a very strong 2020, the complete opposite of last year. For a team projected to win just 53 games by the BBN, I’d say Watts has done a great job as GM of the Seoul Crushers.

by ‘Danger Man’ Sato (Seoul closer 07-11)