Brains! 2061.6: Jacksonville to Call Up Gabriel Manuel

[aaronweiner]

It might not have happened this year, except for two things: Billy McKay's broken leg last year leading to his diminished performance this year, and nearly every other middle infielder in the upper levels of the organization injured. But, then again, it might have happened anyway. Top Jacksonville prospect Gabriel Manuel is going to the show.

"I'm a big fan of really old, old music," said Manuel. "So when I heard the news, I first started dancing to 'I'm So Excited,' by the Pointer Sisters, and then I rocked out to 'Freedom' by George Michael. All songs from the latter half of the 20th century. It's so nuko sundive."

Despite his worldliness, Manuel of course is showing his youth through the term 'nuko sundive,' which of course is just a really modern expression for the constant green glow at night caused by atomic radiation, reminiscent of the Northern Lights and beautiful in a tragic sort of way. Manuel's youth is one of the things most exciting to the Zombies, who are looking forward to having the youngster on the team.

"We've seen his greatness in camp, and we've heard such amazing things about what this kid has done in the minors for years, and we can't wait to see what he'll do," said team ace Bob Anderson. "We've got high hopes for this guy."

Outside of an injury this year, Manuel has been absolutely raking at AAA, which justifies his callup just as much as it did Benedict Daniel's four weeks ago. Daniel has been one of the better rookies this year after absolutely exploding through AAA, and Manuel's .328/.440/.544 slashline in 30 games in AAA show that he is definitely ready for the show. McKay, who will almost certainly be a backup upon his return from the DL, understands.

"This guy might be a very special player," said McKay. "Listen, I've had a long, productive career, but I always knew that I was the bridge to this guy - the franchise told me when they traded for me. I hope he's as great as everyone says."

Manuel, who will start at second base upon his arrival to the majors, will push Don Colbert, having another great season, to shortstop. Based on his enthusiasm, though, it sounds like he would have been pleased to be the ballboy.

"It's a little hard to dance to the Cranberries' 'Zombie', but I love trying to do that woman's voice," said Manuel. "And that's me now! I'm a Zombie! I love that 1900s music, and I love my new teammates, and I feel so much energy I could come back from the dead."

[JRamirez]

Not so fast there, Gabriel!

[aaronweiner]

Not so fast there, Gabriel!

Well, he's never been very fast.

He's a Moneyball type player.