Charleston anoints new GM

In a surprise move, the Charleston Statesmen have hired Dylan Ortega to be the new GM. Following the dismissal of former GM James Bowman, owner Charles Pinckney quickly began searching for a replacement. Sources close to the situation between Bowman and Pinckney say that their was just constant disconnect and arguments, mainly about the direction of the team. Bowman thought he could get this team to the playoffs this year, but Pinckney wanted a rebranding, he wanted fresh faces, a new attitude. He wanted something to rejuvenate the fan base and bring back a title to Charleston.

Following Charleston’s dismal 52-70 start, Pinckney has seen enough and gave Bowman his walking papers. Out with the old, in with the new. His search didn’t stay in house, not in league, not even in the country. Pinckney went all the way to Mexico to find his new man.  The Alianza Béisbol Al Sur de la Frontera serves as an independent minor league at the AAA level and that’s where Pinckney found his new head man.

The El Ray Vampiros are one of the most successful teams in the Mexican League with a lifetime record of 704-616. They also have made nine playoff appearances and won two league titles. Pinckney went to El Ray to interview GM Pedro Santos, but Santos turned him down citing personal reasons. But, Santos did give Pinckney a slip of paper with a name and address scribbled on it. The name read:

“Dylan Ortega

Levittown, NY

516-555-0341”

Santos said he was a cousin who he was going hire to run the Vampiros when he retired. Pinckney had nothing to lose and gave him a call.

Pinckney was more then please with the young Ortega and everything they discussed. Pinckney thought Ortega was the perfect man to rebuild the Statesmen and bring a title back to Charleston. After the interview, Pinckney told Ortega he’d give him a call in a couple days letting him know about his status as a potential candidate. In the mean time, Ortega drew up a plan for the Statesmen.

A couple days later, Ortega got the call, “You’re hired!” Pinckney just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to hire someone with as much potential as Ortega. The press conference was held yesterday and Ortega outlined his plan. He was going to break this team down and build it back up through the draft and making smart trades. He cited to make good cost effective free agent signings and was going to make the ballpark fun again for the fans.

All signs point towards Ortega becoming successful GM in the PEBA and bringing the Statesmen back to the top.