2063.14 – "The Gang Rebrands Mediocrity as Strategy"

[Graham]

It's the morning of April 1st, Opening Day for the 2063 GBC season, and in Johannesburg, there was actual optimism, at least in the front office.

Not the blind, sun-in-your-eyes kind that gets you run over by a runaway bullpen cart, but the cautious, spreadsheet-backed variety that made billionaires lean forward just a little during their quarterly meetings.

In a second-floor conference room at the Golden Palace, team owner Colin Rhodes sipped something that cost more than most minor leaguers made in a month. Graham Luna sat opposite him with Assistant GM Fernando Rosario to his left, both trying very hard not to sweat through their dress shirts.

“I just want to start by saying,” Rosario began, tapping a laminated stat sheet for dramatic effect, “we went 13–11 in the spring.”

Rhodes raised an eyebrow. “Spring training?”

“Yes,” Rosario said proudly.

“Which is famously meaningless,” Graham added, trying to keep the room tethered to reality.

“Statistically meaningless, yes,” Rosario said, “but spiritually? Quite meaningful.”

Rhodes gave a diplomatic nod. “Well, it beats losing. And?”

“We’re $14 million under budget,” Graham said. “I wanted to keep things lean while we figure out what we actually have.”

“And ticket sales are up nearly 2% over last year,” Rosario added, turning the page like he was unveiling a Picasso. “More importantly, projected attendance is up over 11%. People are buying in.”

Rhodes nodded, more firmly this time. “I like that. And I can expect a winning season this year?”

“Last year’s 75–87 record is in our rearview,” Graham said. “We’ve got a real shot this year.”

Rosario beamed. “We’re not just better, we’re efficient. Smart defense, smart pitching, smart money.”

“And offense?” Rhodes asked.

Rosario blinked. “It exists.”

Graham cleared his throat. “It’s...purpose-built. Look, we’re not leading the league in home runs, but we’re playing to our park. Doubles, line drives, and range in the field. We'll be in a lot of 4-3, 5-4 games. Hopefully on the right side of the win ledger, you’ll see.”

Rhodes swirled his drink. “Well, walk me through the rotation.”

“Max Dawe leads us off,” Graham said. “Biggest offseason signing. You probably recognize him from those ridiculous Sao Paulo musical chairs trades last year. Veteran righty, not flashy but keeps the ball in the yard and on the ground.”

“Then we’ve got Seki back in the fold,” Rosario added. “He looks fully healthy after last year's meniscus tear. I think he can remind fans how good he was two years ago. He’s one ‘steady’ away from ‘steady ace.’”

“Manny Ortiz, Rule 5 pick from the Hebrew Hammers, is slotted third,” Graham said. “We like the upside. He’s still working on keeping the ball out of orbit, but his stuff plays.”

“Ivan Martinez at four,” Rosario said. “We’re expecting this to be his breakthrough year after his strong showing in Triple-A last year.”

“And rounding it out,” Graham said, “is the bridge himself, Aaron Bridges. He's durable and we think he can give us five innings and a wink each time he takes the mound.”

Rhodes shrugged. “And the bats?”

Graham pulled out the lineup sheet. “Hayagawa is still the glue behind the dish. He’s our best hitter, best defender, and newly named team captain. Pundits have lauded him as the best catcher in the league."

Rhodes nodded his approval.

"Alvarez is back with improved plate discipline, we hope. We're going to slide him over from second to the hot corner. That just shows how improved our infield d is."

Rosario chimed in, “"Jimmie Jack" and Mac return in the corners to give us some pop and on-base skills. We don't expect a sophomore slump from MacDonald after his Rookie of the Year campaign. The glove is legit and he draws walks like a magnet. He's a Gold man, through and through.”

“And Roman is back to bring the boom,” Graham concluded. “However he's not stepping anywhere near left field this year. He's committed to DH and just focus on his hitting.”

“We brought in defensive upgrades across the infield and outfield,” Rosario reiterated, proudly. “Think rangy, glove-first guys who can win us some games we would have lost last year. The improvements are in the margins, but they are there.”

Rhodes smiled. “So you’re saying you built a team that might win with brains and leather.”

“Brains, leather, and maybe just enough confidence to be interesting,” Graham said.

Rhodes leaned back in his chair, pleased. “Well, it's Opening Day. Everyone’s undefeated. Even you two.”

Graham smiled. “For now.”

Rosario saluted with a water bottle. “Let’s keep it that way for at least one game.”

As Rhodes exited, muttering something about pregame mimosas and a ceremonial first pitch from a live leopard, Graham turned to Rosario.

“Think we’re ready?”

“We were born ready, sir.”

“We were born in a society that doesn’t value small-market baseball teams,” Graham warned.

“Semantics,” Rosario said with a shrug.

They stood, adjusted their collars, and walked out to make their way to Graham's office to get ready to watch Game One of the new season.

And for the moment, at least, everything was possible.

[Jwalk100]

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