Cedar Chips 2042.6 - Extending Your Bob

[ca13]

This is not a conversation I really want to have. I mean, would it be too much to ask to have a single member of the coaching staff under contract after this season as a recently hired General Manager? How do you evaluate the performance of an employee who was operating with little to no guidance for half of the current season?

I've turned over the roster quite a bit. We're at what, 60 ... percent new starters since I got here? Heck, half the pitching can't stand the guy. He's popular with the fans though, for whatever reason. Who would have thought Big Texan Tough Guy would play in Beirut. Maybe it's the novelty? Whatever. Time to make the call.

After a couple rings, "Dodson."

"Hi Bob," I start.

"Oh hey Chuck. What's on yer mind?"

"Well, Bob, I know that your contract is up at the end of the season, and "

"''bout time you got around to this Chuck. Figgered I'd have ta make a visit."

"Sor..

"Here's how I see it, Chuck. I'm the lowest paid manager in the whole dang UMEBA. I make less than the team doc. That seem right ta you Chuck?"

"No, Bob. I .."

"Damn right it aint right. Abdelnaser in Mumbai makes more 'en ten times what I do. That seem right ta you Chuck?"

"No, Bob, bu ..."

"Damn right it aint right. I'm one of the best dang coaches in this ten cent league. I make less than our AAA manager. That seem right ta you Chuck?"

"No B .."

"I make less than our AA manager. That seem right ta you Chuck?"

"No ..."

"I make less than our A manager. That seem right ta you Chuck?"

A pause. I figure it's safe to respond. "N .."

"THE FUCK IT AINT!!!!! Bob Fucking Dodson! Lowest paid manager in the entire damn league AND in his own damn system!"

I'm afraid to speak. It's hard to tell if he's actually furious or making a point. As taxing as it is, Bob Fucking Dodson in person is easier to work with than Bob Fucking Dodson the disembodied rage monster.

So here's the deal Chuck ol' buddy. Imma gonna give you a number, and you're gonna give me a deal."

"Bob, I'm open to .."

"You ready Chuck? Write this down."

Another pause. I sigh. "Okay Bob, I'm listening."

"Five. Five. Seven. Now put three zeroes after that. A year. For three years."

"Bob? I think .."

"That's the number Chuckster. Let me know when you have the papers drawn up."

The line goes silent. That could have been worse.

[RonCo]

Nice peek inside the front office.