Spring Training Begins
Preview Adjusted by League Competitive Balance Announcement
By Khepri Quraishi, Egypt Today Sports
February 26, 2048
Well, we said no more free agents, no trades, no minor-league ringers, no blood doping, and no new untraceable steroids available to use. However, we totally failed to foresee the “Barney Bancroft’s Competitive Balance Quick Fix” plan. That brings some significant changes to the lineup possibilities. The Pharaohs instantly and suddenly have three roster additions to consider:
Starting pitcher Juan Nicto will join the Pharaoh rotation. He’s 36 years old, but he was 7-0 with powerhouse Mumbai last year and posted an ERA of just 2.98. Granted, it was all in 68 relief appearances, but Juan has the DNA of a starter and, initially at least, he’ll be in the rotation. He’ll probably work under a pitch count limit of around 100. His addition probably ends the Cairo career of Miguel Ramos.
First baseman Nacho Méndez brings some good contact skills and good power to a power challenged team. He’s adequate in the field. Nacho hit .282 and .273 the past two seasons with Manama. Poor Wally Geoghegan thought he had a lock on the first base job. Now it looks he’ll be relegated to backup duty at first and second as well as some pinch hitting assignments.
Speaking of power, outfielder Frank Mahaffey possesses that and then some. He topped 45 home runs in three of the last five years with Mumbai and led the league in homers and RBIs last season. He’s 36 years old and is no gold glove candidate, but his power will put him in the lineup in left field or as the designated hitter.
Wrap It Up and Play Ball!
