[Fantasy Skipper]

The Rockies' first season has officially wrapped up, and our Principal Owner, Arthur Sterling III, recently sat down with GM Caleb Thorne to talk about how things went.

Arthur Sterling III and Caleb Thorne: A Year-End Conversation
(Arthur Sterling III, looking thoughtful, speaks to Caleb Thorne)
Arthur Sterling III: "Caleb, the season's over, and I've been going over everything. The Colorado Gazette had a pretty scathing article about the teams record. I know it's tough to pinpoint one problem, other than we are an expansion franchise and a winning record is next to impossible, but we need to get some upgrades moving forward and continue to build through the draft."

Caleb Thorne: "Mr. Sterling, I completely agree. We understand the expectations and the need for improvement. This first year has given us invaluable data and insights, especially regarding the unique challenges of playing here in Denver. We're already identifying areas for immediate impact."

Arthur Sterling III: "Good. Now on the 'find a top prospect' goal...Scott Rolen definitely has some good potential. He should be a good presence on the team. But I'm thinking bigger for the future -- maybe someone we can completely build the franchise around, you know?"

Caleb Thorne: "Understood, sir. Scott's development is crucial, and he's progressing well. We intensifying our scouting and analytical efforts to target even higher-ceiling talent in the upcoming draft -- a true franchise cornerstone. There are some intriguing prospects and we hold the number one overall pick in the amateur draft, so we have our pick of anyone we want."

Arthur Sterling III: "And the farm system...we've definitely upgraded, and I'm happy to see that. But there's still work to do before I'm reading in Baseball Weekly about 'Colorado's top-6 minor league system.' We need to build a pipeline that consistently feeds the big league club."

Caleb Thorne: "Absolutely. Building a top-tier farm system is paramount. We're committed to pouring more resources into international scouting, enhancing our player development facilities, and ensuring all our minor league coaches are fully aligned with our data-driven approach. We will accelerate the development of our current prospects while adding significant new talent."

Arthur Sterling III: " On the long-term playoff goal...we have a five year plan so the deadline isn't up, and I wasn't expecting immediate results. Next year we should be closer to .500 than we were this year and we need to continue to build toward that."

Caleb Thorne: "Mr. Sterling, every decision we make will be geared toward building a playoff caliber team. We have a clear roadmap, and while making the playoffs in the next two or three years is ambitious, I am confident we can get there sooner than later. We just have to trust the process and work toward our goal with patience and implement our plan with fidelity."

Arthur Sterling: "Well, I am happy with your performance so far, Caleb. When I consider the on- and off-the-field success of the team, my overall mood is delighted.'

Caleb Thorne: "Thank you, Mr. Sterling. That means a great deal."

Arthur Sterling III: "Next year is a new year, though. Here's what I'd like to see going forward. I would like us to be more competitive. We need to find a top-14 prospect; that's critical for our future, as is continuing to build our minor league system into a top-6 farm system. Moreover, we struggled in extra-inning game last year; I would really like to see us improve our record in these games next year."

Caleb Thorne: "Consider it our mission, sir. Our analytical models will be key in targeting players who can provide immediate impact and elevate our overall talent level. For extra-inning games, we'll implement specific in-game strategies, bullpen management protocols, and player conditioning programs. We're ready to build a team that Colorado can be proud of."

Arthur Sterling III: "Excellent, Caleb. I'll check in with you again next season."