Best has 27 million reasons to smile, while the GM looks nervous.
Tripoli, August 13, 2045 -- Trying to find a bright spot amid the shambles of a horrible year, the Piranhas announced today that they've reached agreement with All Star third baseman Michael Best on a three year, $27 million deal.
"I think Michael's willingness to stay in Tripoli is a testament to the team's prospects," said GM Mike Dunn. "It is also, frankly, our way of thanking Michael for his contributions, including his leadership on and off the field. He is, truly, the best."
"I want to thank (owner) Mr. bin Habib for his faith in me," said Best at the news conference. "I know this has been a tough year for fans. I promise to devote every waking moment to getting the Piranhas back into the playoffs."
The deal has a team option in year three, with a $5 million buyout, so the guarantee to Best is actually $23 million. The signing comes two weeks after he was named UMEBA Bancroft division player of the month for July, during which he wore out opposing pitchers to a .376 batting average. On the month, Best added 6 home runs, 21 RBIs, 15 runs scored and a .420 on-base percentage. On the year so far, Best is fourth in the UMEBA in batting average at .318, and seventh in RBI at 82.
Best was a first round pick of the Charm City Jimmies (21st overall) in the MBBA in 2034, then found himself traded twice a year later, first to the Hunstville Phantoms (now the Chicago Black Sox) and then flipped to the Long Beach Surfers (see graphic below).
As a young prospect in the MBBA, Best was traded not once but twice, a year after being drafted.
In Long Beach, Best was a mainstay for nearly seven years, mostly at third. In 2042, his contract due to expire, Best was traded for a pitching prospect to the Nashville Bluebirds. He then hopped over to UMEBA, signing with the CSKA Army (now the Manama Pearls) before being traded before the '44 season to the Libyan Generals (now the Piranhas).
Best has been productive in Tripoli
In three years in UMEBA, Best has notched a .317 average, an .875 OPS, a 122 OPS+ and 12.9 WAR, and he is one of the most popular members of the Tripoli squad, engaging often in local charities and staying late to sign autographs.
Sources indicate that GM Dunn felt compelled to make this move in light of the team's sagging attendance. Earlier this month manager Luke Mayfield was abruptly fired, but any attendance bump there was quashed by the team going 2-9 under new manager Randy Stinson.
"Fact is, Dunn is trying everything he can to keep the ship afloat," said the source. "His efforts are nothing short of heroic."
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