Thursday, January 22, 2009

Owner Q & A - shobob

Cortez Mack - Cobb Times Herald

Today the Times Herald sits down with the owner of the Vancouver Grizzlies. Once a powerhouse in the early years of Cobb World, the Grizzlies have taken some time to retool and are now one of the hot young teams in the American League. Read on to find out about owner shobob and his passion for classic rock and his tireless efforts to win over the fans in Vancouver.

So, tell us about the name shobob. Is it short for something, like show me Robert? Or is it actually S. Ho Bob?
--The original Shobob was one of the sons of King David. My name is David, so I've had an affinity for the name for a few years now. I've also named a cat and a tree Shobob.
Editors Note: the image on the right came up on the first page of a google image search for "shobob."

You have been enjoying life in the AL West for a good four seasons now, and looking up at Helena and Anaheim for most of them. How soon until Vancouver makes its way back to the top?
--I'm thinking that for the Grizzlies to take the division title by season 13 is a reasonable expectation.

Tommy Wakeland
Vancouver
Grizzlies
Age: 23B/T: S/R
Born: Webbers Falls, OK
Position(s): P (P)
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Your team has some very good young players, which ones should Cobb World be looking out for in the future?
--I'm really excited about Tommy Wakeland. I wish he had better durability, so I could play him every four games!

Dude Barry
Vancouver
Grizzlies
Age: 26B/T: R/R
Born: Lovelady, TX
Position(s): CF/1B/2B/OF
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Have there been any duds that you have brought up that just didn't pan out like you had hoped?
--I've kind of always wanted more out of Dude Barry, but I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. Perhaps Fernando Pineda, but once again, no shocker there.

If shobob had to choose a concert to attend, which one would he go to?
A. Barry Manilow w/ Tom Jones
B. Fall Out Boy w/ Coheed and Cambria
C. Monsters of Rock featuring the Scorpions and Poison
D. Celene Dion live at Las Vegas
E. The Cure w/ Interpol
F. Other (please explain) Neil Young w/ Bob Dylan I love the classics!

Who is the best former Corn Cleat on your roster, Enrique Arroyo, Eric Lee, or Angel Beltre?
--I'd have to say Lee. He has done a good job filling in at many positions, and holds his own at the plate.

Who would win in a lumber jack competition, Patrick Stanton or Paul Bunyan?
--I'm gonna go with Stanton on that one. Not even close.

Which of Anaheims MVP's would you most like to have on your roster, Alan Peterson or Kory Arnold?
--I'd say Arnold. Gotta love that bat!

Do the Grizzlies have trouble competing in the hockey-centric culture of Vancouver Canada? What kind of promotion really works well with a Canuck audience?
--We have a few promotions, mostly involving cheap beer. The NHL's Vancouver Canucks season ticket holders get free tickets to Grizzly games, but none have shown up yet.

Vancouver is really far to the North, can you see Russia from your stadium?
--Yes, when we get out our atlases

What is the best ballpark food at Nat Bailey Stadium?
--It would have to be the sushi. There is a large Japanese population in Vancouver

Has Pamela Anderson ever made a cameo appearance to throw out the first pitch for the hometown Grizzlies?
--No. She snubbed us in favour of a half time show for the CFL's B.C. Lions

Better old time wrestler - Andre the Giant, Hulk Hogan, Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase, or Bob Backlund?
--Andre the Giant. Also a pretty good actor, as evidenced in "The Princess Bride" - An all time classic.

Do you find there to be a media bias against your team? If so, what would you do to correct this?
--We try to encourage our players to get into bench clearing brawls and other forms of on-field violence. That should get us some attention!

Do you have a live Grizzly for a mascot, or some dude running around in a goofy suit?
--During the seventh inning stretch, a dude in a goofy suit gets a steak tied to his ass, and a real grizzly chases him around the ballpark.

If you have a live Grizzly, have you ever considered a sausage race featuring the bear and contestants wearing raw meat?
--See above

Do the Grizzlies face a financial disadvantage due to the exchange rate of the Canadian Dollar? Do you believe that changes should be implemented within HBD to offset the difference and award your franchise and Toronto more money?
--Hey, you know what? I never thought of that! No fair! I think I need at least 20 million more. I think I'll send in a ticket...

What is the one trade you regret the most, and the one you are most proud of?
--I do not regret a single trade! I haven't made many. I'm liking the way that Michael Ong is working out for me at DH, so I'll call that one my favourite.

Which player in your minor league system is the most exciting big league prospect?
--Richard Nakajima. It's kind of a shame that he won't have the range for a true ML SS, so he's going to be one of the best defensive 3Bs in the game. Never mind that though, it's his bat, durability, health, speed, patience and having no weaknesses that make him an elite level prospect.

Mac Xaio
Vancouver
Grizzlies
Age: 25B/T: S/L
Born: Okinawa, JP
Position(s): P (SP2)
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Who on your team has the best theme music?
--That has to be "Mac the Knife" for Mac Xiao.

Who are you calling out as your biggest rival in Cobb World?
--I'll go with lebeaubg, since his Pittsburg SSP and the Grizzlies invariably seem to be near each other in the standings for the past three seasons

Which extreme sports have you contractually banned your players from participating in during the offseason?
--All of them. I call it the "no fun" rule.

If there were a music video that encapsulated the world of shobob, what would it be?
--What else could it be, but "Loser" by Beck?
Editors Note: The actual Beck video is unable to be posted due to copyright, but this following video is just as loserific in the opinion of the Times Herald staff.

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