Interview with Scott Romonosky,
Great Lakes Sphinx

BIGGEST DADDY: Hello, Scott! Thanks for sitting down with us for an installment of Know Thy Enemy. So, there is no beating around the bush here. Near the bottom in all-time BDBL wins, and only one season over .500. How do you get fans to come out to see you guys?

SCOTT ROMONOSKY: Free beer.

BD: Unfortunately, you and your management has had high hopes the last few years, and it hadn't worked out. Why is that?

SR: My pitching staffs have never performed in the BDBL like they did in MLB. And it’s not even close.

BD: So, lets focus on 2011. What is the game-plan for this year?

SR: 4 stud starters and a balanced offense.

BD: Are you pleased with your off-season activity so far?

SR: For the most part. I loved getting Brett Myers as my #4 starter. Also, I think David Wright will return to form (I realize that’s the minority opinion). My biggest weakness is the bullpen.

BD: Was it a mistake to spend all that money for Johan?

SR: Based on the fact his BDBL #s were much worse than MLB, the answer is yes. If DMB didn’t always screw me over on pitching stats he probably would’ve been worth the money.

BD: So what's new with you and your family these days? Living in the Chicago suburbs still?

SR: Yes, we live in Downers Grove, about 20 miles west of Chicago. Nothing much is new. Just enjoying being a father to my wonderful twin girls!

BD: What will it take to get you to another BDBL weekend?

SR: That’s a good question. I’ve only been to the one in my hometown and I really don’t have any good excuses other than in 2007 when my daughters were born. I’m going to try to make it this year.

BD: Tell us about your thoughts on Ron Santo.

SR: Ron Santo was the biggest Cubs fan on the planet. His passion on the radio spoke to the everyman and I’ll miss him on the broadcasts this year. I think it’s a damn shame he’s not in the Hall of Fame. As of the last Veterans Committee vote, Bill James had Santo rated as the best player not in the HOF. Even though it won’t mean nearly as much, I hope he gets in next year.

BD: Tell us about what it’s like being a Cubs fan. Will they EVER win?

SR: What’s it like being a Cubs fan? Go pound your head against the wall a few times and then repeat.

BD: Getting back to the BDBL, would you ever want to switch divisions?

SR: Sure, why not? I need to get away from the Evil Empire.

BD: Is there a secret to mastering DMB or is it simply about getting the best player? In other words, does the random scenario generator reign supreme?

SR: If there’s a secret I haven’t figured it out yet.

BD: What baseball stadium would you really like to go see, that you haven't seen yet?

SR: Fenway Park. The Cubs are playing a series there this season so I might grab a few buddies and head to Boston for the weekend.

BD: Are you planning on trying to raise your daughters to be Cubs fans, or just see if it happens naturally?

SR: You can’t wait for things to happen naturally. You have to impose your will if you want things to turn out right.

BD: Gibson's or Kuma's Corner?

SR: I’ve never heard of Kuma’s Corner so I’ll have to go with Gibson’s.

BD: Giordano's or Portillo's?

SR: Portillo’s. Great Italian Beef and Grilled Chicken, plus I’m a Gino’s East man, not a Giordano’s man.

BD: Potbelly or Jimmy Johns?

SR: Potbelly! No question.

BD: O'Hare or Midway?

SR: Midway. Much less crowded.

BD: The Foundy or Walter Payton's Roundhouse?

SR: The Foundry. I love the huge wall of TVs.

BD: 1998 Cubs or 2008 Cubs?

SR: 1998 Cubs. The 2008 Cubs were the better team but I had more fun during the ’98 season.