Brains! 2060.3: Zombies Trade For Billy McKay

[aaronweiner]

With absolutely no discredit to Alejandro Cordova, who had a very solid season for the Jacksonville Zombies last year, the franchise needed to acquire a shortstop. The Zombies traded three prospects to the Edmonton Jackrabbits to acquire Billy McKay, who is expected to help sure up the shortstop position for at least one and perhaps more seasons while waiting on top shortstop prospect Gabriel Manuel to become major league ready.

"We are thrilled to announce that Billy McKay is a Zombie," said Jacksonville GM Aaron Weiner. "We hope he'll be the stabilizing force we need at the six for at least the next two years."

McKay hit .283 with a .343 OBP for the Jackrabbits last year, and has not hit below .273 as a regular since 2050, when he was 25 years old. He is also sure-handed in the infield. McKay is expected to play around 120 games for the Zombies with regular rest days built into his schedule.

"They told me they'll manage my at bats and my days off, and that's the sort of situation I was looking for," said McKay. "They pushed Charm City to six games, so this is a talented team. I know I can help this team a lot and I look forward to being here as long as they need me."

McKay will earn $7.6 million this season, and could earn another $7.6 million next year if he opts into his player option or Jacksonville signs him to an extension. However, it is thought that McKay is only keeping the seat warm for Manuel, who was recently named the #8 prospect in the BBA and one of just four shortstops in the top 100 prospects.

"Obviously, we're very excited about Gabriel's future, but he still needs a year or maybe two at the high minors before he's totally ready for the majors," said Weiner. "But right now, it's Billy McKay, who should help us with consistency in the infield and at the plate, too. We're very excited for 2060."

[BaseClogger]

Curious to see how McKay looks at short for ya.

Manuel is a great prospect. Might be underrated at #8.

[aaronweiner]

Manuel has basically continuously bumped since drafted. It's been a nice ride.

[trmmilwwi]

Excited to see what McKay will do this year. His 5th career resurgence perhaps?

[aaronweiner]

Excited to see what McKay will do this year. His 5th career resurgence perhaps?

Everyone gets their 75 minutes of fame.

[aaronweiner]

Excited to see what McKay will do this year. His 5th career resurgence perhaps?

So far so bad. I mean soooo bad. .125 through nine games.

It's early yet.