Hammer Time 2047.1- A quiet offseason

[chicoruiz]

Well, to trot out an old cliché, what a difference a year makes. 365 days ago, the Hammers offices were a beehive of activity, as we signed a half dozen players who ended up becoming leading us to 92 wins and a Burt League championship. This year, the roster is basically full and the salary cap is boiling over. I could maybe make room for a third baseman if one popped up in the bargain bin, but more likely a guy like Cipriano Archuleta will end up there. Leaving me not much on my "to do" list.

So my assistant, Chaim and I are whiling away the time playing Scrabble using Hebrew words. I like it because it helps me learn the language, and Chaim likes it because he invariably wins.

“So, boss”, he said, “How did it feel winning the Burt but not wining the UMEBA championship? Kind of like finishing as first runner up to Miss America?”

“I wouldn’t know…I’ve never finished as first runner up at Miss America”.

“No, I guess you wouldn’t do well enough in the swimsuit part… Anyway, you seem happy enough.”

“I am. I mean, anything can happen in a short series. We had a helluva year- added 30 wins, Position Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and I might modestly mention, GM of the Year.”

“Yeah, I thought you might modestly mention that. So you have any plans to leverage last year into a better gig- like with the Brewster?”

“Well, of course I’d love to get back to the States, but so far no nibbles. And that’s okay; I’d miss these lovely afternoons hanging out with you.”

We were interrupted at that point when pitcher Julio Siva stormed into the office. “What the f*** is going on here, Chico? I just got your message- you’re releasing me???”

“Yeah, Julio, I had to. I’m sorry, but with all the arb decisions we were over the cap and somebody had to go. Don’t worry; you can still pitch and I’m sure you’ll land on your feet.”

“You’re damn right I can still pitch. Thirteen wins for you last year- a hell of a lot better than that washed up turd Rabisca. Why me and not him/”

“To be honest, Julio- He’s a couple of years younger and he’s got a better track record. If he can have a bounce back season, I think we’ll be better off.”

He shook his head. “Sign me as a free agent and then kick me to the curb a year later. I just can’t figure you out, Ruiz; what’s your game?”

“My game? My game is Hebrew Scrabble. Sit down and grab a rack; we’re about to start a new game.”

[Fat Nige]

The cap does make hard decisions, all those players you can steal from the BBA. It comes home eventually and you have to just hope the farm can see you through while the salaries cool down