September 22, 2042
"I'm part of the starting lineup and you continually fail to realize this. Either play me or trade me." These were the words of Jerome Delage midway through the 2042 season. Nashville had hoped he was the answer when they acquired him from Mexico City in 2040 but his time in Music CIty has been a huge disappointment.
After Delage's ultimatum, the team began to give him more playing time at first base. In July he responded with a slash line of .316/.395/.632/1.027. Then August resulted in a slash line of .375/.471/.625/1.096. "See, I told you," Delage said to no one in particular. "I can still hit."
As the Bluebirds went into September, every game counts as Nashville tries to sneak into the playoffs. The month has not gone so well for Delage (.200/.258/.350/.608) but the Bluebirds continue to play Delage at first base.
"We have to get something out of the millions of dollars we spent on this guy," said GM Matt Rectenwald, quietly admitting to yet another erroneous contract extension he made.