The Career of Julien Henri - A look back in time

[stevem810]

From the Journal of Julien Henri

Yannick Siccard and Kevin Levick are headed to free agency. Hard to say how those holes will be filled. It might mean more playing time for me in the outfield. The team will have to replace Levick and his 3.2 WAR.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

Walid can fill in and/or platoon a bit with both positions that are open. But, we lose some depth on our bench.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

Wow, the team really shelled out bucks today. And, they gave up a comp pick in the process. But, we have a big time star who has a ring. He'll bring a great presence to the locker room, not to mention the batting order.

I have copied the official announcement. I might want to look back at this move down the road. See how it worked out.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

I love that Montreal organization. They lose Green and boom! The next day they sign Herve Meyer. That's why they are fighting for the championship every season.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

The organizational direction certainly appears to have more purpose and focus in regard to free agents since I've been following the team. They are just rumors, but, it's pretty common knowledge that the Diamonds are targeting a few International players. There are about six out there hoping to jump ship and join the FBL. Best league around as far as I'm concerned.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

I can't help but wonder about Antoine LeRoux. His brief history so much like mine. A #1 pick, and arm injury in his career. He seemingly bounced back picking up his velocity. No one doubts his stuff. Just two questions, 'Can he find the plate?', and, 'Can he stay healthy?'

He's too young to write off. His stuff is electric. But, 20 BB in 24 innings is not exactly the type of reliever the skip wants taking the mound in critical situations. Maybe he can do middle relief and find his control. I hope so.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

Yannick Siccard just signed with the Royals. Just confirms the entry I made last night. That team knows how to get it done. Yannick was born in Toronto so I know he'll be happy to be playing in front of Canadian fans.

Alize and I talk about the best places to play FBL ball. Privately, of course. I love Le Diamant like nothing else. Not to say I don't have a few other cities that I could give a look at, too. Everyone always tells me this is a business so you never know where you will end up.

Alize likes Paris. Same for me. There is something about the big French city that appeals to our 'big city' curiosity. The history is practically overwhelming in that it is so rich and long.

Montreal is another city I could see spending time in while playing baseball. It's active and very cultural, yet, friendly despite the hectic pace.

I wished Yannick well. But, I told him, the gloves are off when we take the field.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

GM Meyers just inked another new player. He's a 30 year old from the Dominican. We don't know that much about him, despite the D.R. being a very close neighbor of Martinique. The two countries both celebrate the D.R. Independence Day in late February. It's a tradition.

Ivan Palacio is not known as a 'clubhouse guy'. Probably the only knock on him that I'm aware of. On the other hand, if he conducts business on the mound in a professional way he will be a welcome addition to the team. Probably a middle reliever/spot starter, at this point.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

A native of Panama, reportedly a very quiet and self assuming individual, has inked a minor league deal with Le Diamant. He's 30 years old and, through the voice of his interpreter, cited that money was not the motivation for coming aboard to the Diamond organization.

His wife was born in Fort de France, Martinique, and they have four children. Daniel was tired of being away from his family so he was willing to start out with the Le Vauclin Parrots in AA.

According to the interpreter (he does not have any one representing him other than his wife's brother), Daniel has set his goal at being in Le Marin (AAA) within 30 days and at the pro level by the All Star game.

I like it. We can use guys with that kind of focus and vision.

[BirdWatcher]

Originally Posted by stevem810

Journal of Julien Henri

A native of Panama, reportedly a very quiet and self assuming individual, has inked a minor league deal with Le Diamant. He's 30 years old and, through the voice of his interpreter, cited that money was not the motivation for coming aboard to the Diamond organization.

His wife was born in Fort de France, Martinique, and they have four children. Daniel was tired of being away from his family so he was willing to start out with the Le Vauclin Parrots in AA.

According to the interpreter (he does not have any one representing him other than his wife's brother), Daniel has set his goal at being in Le Marin (AAA) within 30 days and at the pro level by the All Star game.

I like it. We can use guys with that kind of focus and vision.

Love his range though would be a bit concerned by that average turn DP rating. Still, decent overall bat and solid defender. Will be interesting to see how this turns out.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

Just saw the official tally for Royals who have become free agents. Nineteen players that accounted for 31.6 WAR. I've never heard of such turnover.

Louis Corres' 6th year with the organization will be most challenging. Signing Herve Meyer and Yannick Siccard are merely band-aids without additional signings. This will be most interesting.

[stevem810]

The team played 4 exhibitions, so far, winning and losing two. I started the 4th game and did not have my best stuff.

Matthew and Walid Michel hitting .500 and .440 for Le Diamant.

[stevem810]

The Diamonds have a nice little 4 game win streak going. The new players are starting to feel more comfortable in camp. The younger guys like myself appreciate 'Greenie', and his willingness to take instruction at the age of 31. He said to me on the bench the other day, "Julien, check out what Claude Torres recommends when you are ahead in the count. He's got a good feel for the game and what pitches to sit on."

My second start was completely different. All my pitches were working for me, even the slider, my 4th best pitch.

At the plate I am hitting .400 with 1 home run, 1 BB, and 1 K.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

I have no ideas how the writers/press come up with this stuff, but, here are their predictions for the coming baseball season. As players and coaches, we sort of laugh at this stuff. I mean, really, so much changes in the course of a year that the minute it's formulated it is out dated.

At the same time, it's an interesting model. IF everything stayed the same, no trades, no injuries, no growth or regression, things would look like this at the end. Makes for interesting conversation.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

It's no secret that Le Diamant has conversations going with two relievers about a contract. One is the all-time K/9 IP, George Picot. The team suspended negotiations a few days back because of his inflated salary demand. At the same time, on a short contract he may be worth the investment. Definitely a local favorite around the southern beach area, Picot may yet get another Le Diamant offer.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

We lost more than we won this week but with a roster of 40+ players the focus is clearly elsewhere. I had a so-so pitching outing. It's my bat that is doing the talking right now.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

The GM inked one of the rumored relievers to a one year deal. We'll see him tomorrow. He's a middle innings type guy. His contract will pay him $50K. I can't imagine making that much money.

Herve and Matthieu are playing the best ball for our team right now. They are rocks out there. Always focused. Such professionals. It's great having those guys on the team. My batting average is .400.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

Around town there wasn't any doubt this was going to happen. Le Diamant management said they were going to fix what was broken and they have lived up to their word. At double the salary of recently inked Riviere, Picot becomes the new Diamond closer. Lesage slides to set up.

Interestingly, we have 14 pitchers left in camp. At least one, probably two, will not be here at the end of the week. 23 year old Justin LeBlanc is the easy call, but, that final guy is anybody's guess. I wouldn't rule out a trade. I just hope they don't trade me.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

The team signed another veteran reliever for the bullpen. Probably a middle relief/set up type guy.

The club likes his excellent control and his ability to induce the ground ball.

[stevem810]

Journal of Julien Henri

All the Martinique teams are bunched at the top. I'm expecting another really close race this year. But, I think we are going to have the best team. We've added some solid players. Our pitching will be better and with Greenie at second base, Michel in CF for a full season, and my own bat starting to come alive, I just don't think we can be held back.

But, talk is cheap as they say, as the standings will tell the only story that is really important. Most of us are tired of the spring routine and want to head to the regular season. Of course, this is the week the team starts relegating players to the minors. In some cases, players might be released. They will have a chance to jump to another team.