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slant.gif (102 bytes) Know Thy Enemy, 10th Anniversary Edition

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June, 2009
by "Biggest Daddy"

Interview with Chris Luhning,
Kansas Law Dogs

BIGGEST DADDY: Thank you for sitting down with us for another installment of "BDBL: A retrospective". Generally speaking, how do you feel about the BDBL?

CHRIS LUHNING: I love being part of such a great group of guys. Kudos goes to the commish for making my obsession with baseball into something I can enjoy with 23+ other guys with the same obsession. Does that make us all part of a support group???

BD: How have you felt about the overall success of your franchise at this point?

CL: I'm very pleased with the success Kansas has had. 3 Higuera titles, 2 Eck titles and 1 World Series title. I'm trying to keep more of a consistently winning franchise and build from within, but if you want to compete for the championship...you have to sacrifice some of the future. I believe the Higuera is the toughest division in the BDBL, so to be as successful as we've been is very satisfying.

BD: What is your favorite aspect of the BDBL?

CL: I enjoy all aspects, but probably my favorite is the forum. I don't post much, but enjoy the banter. I use to really enjoy the trade talk, but over the past few years I've become less interested in moving my young talent. The least favorite is probable the actual playing of the games.

BD: Tell us the absolute low point of your franchise, whether it was a particular game lost, or a particular trade ripped to shreds, or a particular fellow GM that ticked you off.

CL: Easy, being up 3-2 in the world series against the Zoots and not being able to finish.

BD: Over the course of your time in the BDBL, who is the one GM that you consider your largest rival or target?

CL: I really don't have any rivals. Tom would be the obvious choice, but since he doesn't play H2H, I guess it would be Tom's MP. So yeah...there you have it, my biggest rival is Tom's MP.

BD: Name a GM that you absolutely love to talk trade with.

CL: I can't think of just one. I love talking trade with anyone and everyone. Even if the deal doesn't get made, it is always great to negotiate. Some of my best trades have ended up being the ones I couldn't pull the trigger on.

BD: How did you first hear of the BDBL?

CL: I think it was through Diamond Mind's website.

BD: What would it take for you to exit the league?

CL: For the league to fold and I know with the passion that Mike has for baseball and this league, that will never happen.

BD: What is your favorite BDBL memory?

CL: The obvious choice would be the world series victory, but I'll have to go with the 2001 regular season. That team set all kinds of offensive records and it was so much for to run that team.

BD: What is your best trade ever? And your worst?

CL: Best (Tie) Traded Jason Schmidt to Southern Cal for Luis Gonzalez and Calvin Pickering.
Traded Jonathan Papelbon and Eric Bruntlett to Manchester for Matt Cain and Carlos Quentin.
Worst I really couldn't find one. There have been a couple that I wished I still had some of the top prospects, but all trades were made with a purpose that allowed me to reach the playoffs or rebuild for the future.

BD: Other than Glander, what GM would you absolutely hate to see leave the BDBL?

CL: I'd hate to see anyone leave.

BD: Who is the craziest character in the BDBL?

CL: Just from the posts, it would have to be Brian or Glander. Both can stir the pot and make it entertaining.

BD: If your franchise had a Team Hall of Fame, which players would be members?

CL: Luis Gonzalez & Carlos Beltran.

BD: Tell us which MLB team that you feel like your BDBL franchise is the most like.

CL: I'd have to say for the first several years, it would be the Florida Marlins as I would move players with value for future considerations. Now ideally...I'd like to say more like the Kansas City Royals. Trying to build from young talent, making smart free agent signings and making trades that make sense for both the current season and future seasons.

BD: You've managed to capture that BDBL trophy, something most GMs haven't done. Is the hunger still there to get it again, or did you have your turn and now someone else can have it?

CL: The hunger is always there and we look forward to the next opportunity.

BD: How has your overall team-building philosophy changed over the years?

CL: Yes, see above.

BD: What has been the most significant change in the BDBL?

CL: I think moving to the free agent auction. It really changed things for the better. The #1 pick isn't as big a deal anymore and it keeps teams from tanking. It may not keep them from trading free agents to be for young talent, but it does keep us from trying to get that #1 pick.

BD: Name your favorite "off-the-field" moment from BDBL Weekend or the league forum.

CL: I've only had the one opportunity, but it had to of been Jeff puking on our way home from the Plaza in KC.

BD: How are the dogs!?

CL: The dogs are great. Jackson defended his Raytown sasauge sprint last year (2 years and running) and Blue took 2nd place (he was last the year before). We will go for the trifecta in June.

BD: What is keeping you busy aside from the BDBL these days?

CL: For the first time in years it's actually work. I started working for a company called Vintage Stock, we sell movies, music & video games. I'm working 50+ hours a week and most weekends. So not much time for anything else.

BD: Thanks, Chris!

CL: Thanks, Big Daddy...hope to do this all again in 10 years.