This week's "Around the Horn" Welcomes California Kings Owner Aaron Bacon

ATH: The Kings won the GEL South and finished with a record of 89-73, a winning % of .549. They got bounced out of the playoffs early with a 3 games to 1 loss to the Montana Warriors in the first round. Are you Happy with your season overall?

AB: No, most of the season was a disappointment. I didn't actually pull ahead until the last 2 weeks of the season after trading my future for the division. Also not really anyone on my staff was as dominating as I'd hoped

ATH: The Kings have no picks in the upcoming Draft for the 2001 season. Do you think the Kings can be strong again in 2001?

AB: Well, Yes. Really the only people that age matters on my team were minimal last season. Probably won't trade all my picks again though, that's for sure lol

ATH: How does the outlook of your Farm system look? Any bright prospects on the way up that we should keep an eye on?

AB: SP Calderon has matured well despite ratings. He has a good ability to get strike outs and can last late into the game. A talent development and he can be a great pitcher.

ATH: Starting Pitcher Aaron Bacon (Your son) was named the Kings MVP in 2000. Will he be the future of the Kings or with the lack of Picks in the Draft, could he become a trade casualty?

AB: Well if ratings come through, he should become the next Pedro Martinez and dominate the league. First year jitters I am hoping. I expect him to dominate next year and grab that pitcher's award for me. I have a good feeling he will retire as a King. No pun intended

ATH: The Kings have a very impressive young Shortstop in Joseph Mentzer. He hit .298 with 34 Homers and 113 RBI in 2000. Being only 26 years old, he rounds out a core of 3B Tyson Bacon (18), 2B William Maxon (30),C Derrick Classen (33), and SP Aaron Bacon (30). This is a relativley young group that make up the core of the Kings. Can California expect to win a Championship by 2005?

AB: I truly hope so. I spent a lot of time trading and trading, trying to field the best team possible. I depleted a majority of my trade bait and will be using the exact same players next season. I can gurantee play-offs but a championship is anyone's guess

ATH: Final Question. Can the Pennsylvania Locomotives be Derailed in 2001?

AB: The one thing about the play-offs is this: Nothing is for sure. After winning one, it becomes twice as hard to win another one, especially in back-to-back seasons. They have an outstanding team but they won't make it back if I have anything to say about it!