April 1, 2053
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
The Nashville Bluebirds look to begin defending their Frick League pennant this week with a six game homestand against the Twin Cities River Monsters and San Fernando Bears. Apparently complacent with only Frick League pennants, GM Chad Nason did not see fit to make any major additions to the club. In fact, the only addition was RP Aelbehrt 'Wunderkind' Schlöndorff, and while he a big addition in a literal sense, the 7’2 Rule 5 pick should have little impact in the bullpen.
RHP Aelbehrt 'Wunderkind' Schlöndorff
“We are very happy with the current roster we’ve got here,” said Nason. “We’ve tried to build a minor league system that feeds the Bluebirds on an annual basis and we feel the players from within our own organization can fill most holes. The Aztecs got us last year, but we’re confident we will be in a position to win the Monty again this season.”
The only addition to the 40 man roster from within is Spencer Clough, who replaces Auno Maatta as backup catcher. The left-handed hitting catcher can hit RHP well and proved that in spring, earning a position on the Opening Day roster. Juan Cerda leaves the team after another terrible season and backup DH and pinch runner, Fred Madden, was also left off the roster at season’s end. Combined, the three lost players equated for -0.6 WAR, so it shouldn’t be hard to replace that talent with the remaining players on the 40 man roster.
The Bluebirds are predicted to win 102 games this season, which seems accurate. However, a mid-season acquisition could boost that number since the club has nearly $10M to play with to entice a soon-to-be free agent. The number of wins means nothing if they don’t win the last game of the year.
