Brains! 2064.2: Aragon Living Up To Superstar Contract

[aaronweiner]

On a list of the BBA's best shortstops, you might not think of Pepe Aragon, who was shifted over from third base a couple years ago to take advantage of his durability and position scarcity. And, indeed, Aragon's fielding at shortstop is far from inspiring. But on a list of the best hitters in the major leagues? Aragon's name isn't too far from anyone's mouth. He was rewarded with a massive contract which began this year - and yet, somehow, he may have exceeded it. The Zombies' starting shortstop is hitting .329 this season and leading the BBA in homers, RBI, and OPS.

"Having Pepe Aragon at shortstop - and by extension, Gabriel Manuel at second base - makes everything else easier," said Jacksonville manager Shoiar Kardar. "They just take care of business and make the whole rest of the team better."

Aragon's season, should it continue the same way in the second half, would be historical. The superstar led the JL in homers last year, and this year the shortstop is on pace for 8.8 wins above replacement. That would be the highest mark since 2058 and the fifth highest mark in the last fifteen seasons.

"An average salary of $20 million sounds like a boatload of money, and it is," said Jacksonville GM Aaron Weiner. "But if you're going to pay someone, it should be someone who can do this. We are all in awe of the way that Pepe carries himself and performs on the field."

Aragon said that he felt pressure to live up to his massive deal, but that pressure is something that he thrives upon.

"I couldn't believe the numbers when they offered me the deal," said Aragon. "But I knew that I could do it. I knew that I had it in me."

Nobody is really close to Jacksonville's middle infield duo when it comes to production. Gabe Manuel is on pace for 5.5 WAR of his own this year, which would represent a career high for the three-year vet. Manuel, as he usually does, had the best quote about his double play partner.

"As always, Pepe is making me look bad," joked Manuel. "I mean, I go out there, I give it my all, I do my best, and this guy is - well, he's just on another level. I'm in awe of what Pepe's doing."