Bobby Beat 2002 v1: Offseason News and Notes

[jiminyhopkins]

Washington, DC--

After an injury riddled 2001 season, the Bobwhites have summarily dumped former trainer Guy McDonald and have decided to get some star power in the clubhouse. After negotiations that would only be concluded by guaranteeing a lifetime supply of Vicodin, the club has retained the services of one Dr. Gregory House. An earlier team Twitter post (@MBBA_Bobbies) reporting a pill overdose and motorcycle crash was later retracted as being untrue, and the poor Bobwhites' PR Intern was verbally abused by Dr. House for six hours and then beaten with a walking cane.

Once again, ace starter Ken Howell says he is fully healthy and ready to go for the 2002 season. Fresh off a 1 year, $9,000,000 contract extension, Howell looks to get back on the hill for one more season before he hangs it up. "I'd like to finish my career in Washington, of course", Howell said. "But if the opportunity came up to play for a contender, while at the same time bringing back something usefull to the Bobbies, I wouldn't say no."

The club also signed a couple players to free agent contracts. Reliever Duane Ward agreed to a 2 year deal in December, just after free agency began. Having been traded away by the franchise a couple seasons back, Ward returns as the primary setup man in front of 24 year old closer James Endres. Ward was reportedly advised that if he starts up his bitching about not being the closer again, he can expect a quick ticket out outside the Beltway.

The other major signing was of that rarest of Bobwhite commodities, a major league catcher. Rande Sorbo was signed to a 3 year contract at just over 2 million per season, and looks to bring some stability behind the dish. Though not known to be a threat with the bat, Sorbo is generally regarded as being one of the finest defensive catchers in the MBBA. In addition, the Bobs took a 500k flier on pitcher/general practitioner Dr. Kenneth Noisewater. Team sources indicate that he was signed merely because he has what GM Sean V. Marko says is an "awesome name".

Another potentially major development is that of young 1B Darius Campbell, Jr., the Bobs' first round pick back in 1999. The scouts say the 25 year old first baseman has developed beyond initial projections and now looks poised to enjoy a tremendous career. While this is triumph for the oft-maligned Washington farm system, it presents a major problem for the franchise, as first base is obviously occupied by perennial MVP candidate Neil McKinney (who, we are contractually obligated to say, is awesome). Campbell has some ability in the outfield, and it is possible he could eventually learn to play in left. But if not, the possibility exists that someone could be traded.

Thats all for now, as the club looks toward Spring Training. Stay Tuned for further updates.

[LambeauLeap]

I can't look at the bobwhite and not think about Lorenz. On the flip side I can't look at the Talons and not think of Scott Trower...er you.

[LambeauLeap]

Campbell has got a pretty mean L/R Split. Perhaps some platoon possibilities to start.

[salas]

And I can't look at Guam on a map and not think of Yim Willes. Odd.