Interest in Taters Franchise Widespread, Decision Expected This Week

With news of Idaho Taters Owner and General Manager Mike Friedrich retiring Tuesday, the Roger Dorn Baseball League Commissioner's Office has received overwhelming interest from candidates looking to take over the Franchise. Commissioner Greg Shelley is reportedly meeting with candidates this week in hopes of finalizing a decision on the future of the Taters by this week.

The Taters are fresh off their first cash finish in 2023, finishing in 5th Place while winning a Wild Card pennant. The club remains in strong standing on the field, led by catchers Will Smith and Sean Murphy, sluggers Juan Soto, Marcus Semien, Josh Jung and Adolis Garcia, as well as a strong core of starting pitchers led by Justin Steele, Clayton Kershaw and Chris Bassitt.

This will be the second time this Franchise has turned over as the team was originally owned by Dave Adler who directed Adler's Man Crush from 2013-2018.

The Franchise will look to string together a more consistent winner than their fans have seen previously with AMC and the Taters combining for just two cash finishes for a total of $250 in 10 seasons of play.

BREAKING: Friedrich Officially Retires from RDBL

Idaho Taters General Manager Mike Friedrich informed the Roger Dorn Baseball League Commissioner’s Office on Tuesday afternoon of his plans to officially retire, effective immediately. The move comes on the heels of the Taters best season in Franchise History as the Taters finished in the money for the first time while taking home a Wild Card pennant.

Friedrich made a name for himself in the Western Independent Fantasy League (WIFL) which started in 1988 where he doubled as Commissioner for a number of years. He was hired in November in 2014 as the Assistant General Manager of the Asti Grape Stompers, partnering with long-time friend Terry Shelley.

The duo put together a dominant roster in 2019, leading the RDBL in both hitting and pitching en route to the RDBL Regular Season Title while capturing the club's first East Bay Division pennant as well. That club still holds the record for most points in a RDBL Regular Season with 7,614.

Friedrich was tabbed as the new owner of the Adler's Man Crush Franchise which opened up at the end of 2019, only to be forced to wait an additional year due to the skipped 2020 COVID-season. Friedrich focused on laying down a long-term foundation, building a deep Farm System that was a largely cashed in to make their 2023 run. Top prospects Jackson Holliday, Evan Carter, Junior Caminero and Gavin Williams were all dealt along with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Round Picks in the 2024 Reserve Draft.

The cupboard is hardly bare for whoever takes over as the next General Manager with Juan Soto (2/$65), Will Smith (3/$30), Sean Murphy (3R/$5), Marcus Semien (2/$37), Adolis Garcia (3D/$15), Chris Bassitt (2/$16), Justin Steele (2D/$5), Clayton Kershaw (2/$23) and Hunter Brown (2/$8) all candidates to return or bring back strong assets in an off-season deal.

The Farm System, while largely slashed through 2023 deals, still holds elite outfield prospect Walker Jenkins along with Brock Wilken, Gavin Cross and Spencer Jones.

"While saddened by the decision, we are grateful to everything Mike has brought to the Roger Dorn Baseball League over the past nine seasons" RDBL Commissioner Greg Shelley stated. "Personally, my Fantasy Baseball career started in Mike's living room as a kid trying to help steer his Dad to a WIFL Title before they agreed to grant me my own Franchise. It's been a pleasure competing against him in fantasy circles and wish him well."

The Commissioner’s Office is gathering Ownership applications and is expected to announce a decision on the future of the Franchise soon.

Reliever of the Year: Felix Bautista, Goutfish

Years after unearthing Edwin Diaz on the Waiver Wire, the Lake Merced Goutfish Front Office hit another home run with their 2022 scoop up of Felix Bautista. After a dominant Rookie campaign last season, Bautista spent all of 2023 in the Closer role for the American League East Champions, notching 33 saves with a 1.48 ERA en route to the 2023 RDBL Reliever of the Year Award.

Bautista paced all relievers with 338.0 points in the RDBL Regular Season before leaving his August 25th save chance after throwing a 102.3 mph fastball. While he attempted to work his way back to the mound in September, the Orioles announced last week that Bautista will need Tommy John Surgery and miss the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024.

Having already expressed interest in a reunion, the Goutfish are a likely candidate to bring Bautista back on an end of Auction deal while he rehabs. The right-hander owns a career 1.85 ERA and 0.93 WHIP over 121 appearances, making his long-term investment certainly worth the risk for any club in 2024.

Bautista joins Emmanuel Clase (2022), Mark Melancon (2021), Kirby Yates (2019), Edwin Diaz (2018), Kenley Jansen (2017), Zach Britton (2016), Juerys Familia (2015), Zach Britton (2014) and Craig Kimbrel (2013) as winners of the Award.

Devin Williams (Ducks), Alexis Diaz (Hops) and Josh Hader (Fringe) were also considered for the Award after stellar 2023 campaigns.