August 11, 2059
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
Despite being on pace to having the best record in BBA history, the Bluebirds are still looking for ways to improve. The Birds’ offense was rolling, with no areas in need of upgrades, but the bullpen had failed too many times to be ignored. David Molina is the best of the best when it comes to bullpen arms, but his habitual stints on the injured list leaves the bullpen vulnerable.
First, the Bluebirds sent $100k to Long Beach after the Surfers put Juan Martinez on waivers. Nashville didn’t want to risk another team claiming the veteran and made the move. Martinez was instructed to leave his water bottle at home and he was issued a new Nashville Bluebirds water bottle. His 68 FIP- in 34.1 IP for the Bluebirds has been well received. Eiichi Takahashi was waived to make room for Martinez and the Gamblers came inquiring for his services. He was traded along with outfielder Ryan Corke, who was off to a hot start, for a pair of minor league outfielders, Lenya Adlerov and Kohei Okada. The latter has been decent for the Lynchburg Whiskeyjacks, but Adlerov has surpassed expectations and has a .933 OPS while playing CF in Single A.
Cesar Torres was called up to replace the injured Molina in early June. His arm has been a refreshing jolt of energy for the Bluebirds pen. He has a 45 FIP- thus far in his rookie season, but still, the Bluebirds wanted more.
Ross Brown sported a 1.24 ERA for the rebuilding Mounties, so a deal was quickly made sending a minor league pitching prospect to Vancouver for the veteran reliever. However, Brown hasn’t seen the same success in Nashville and currently has a 5.73 ERA including two losses and two blown saves.
Still not satisfied, Nashville wanted to land a bigger fish. Names like Ferrell and Dougherty floated around, but both players preferred losing. Then Nashville struck another deal with Long Beach for heralded closer, Harold Nothard. The Surfers tried out Nothard in the rotation, where he found success. However, the Bluebirds rotation is full and Nothard was needed to help lock down games. His 144 FIP- as a RP this season is far below his standards and the Bluebirds hope he returns to his former dominant self. At age 31, the flamethrower should have plenty left in the tank. Nothard’s deal expires at the end of the year and the Bluebirds may have overpaid by sending their 2059 first round draft pick, Hector Herrera, to the Surfers in exchange. Herrera is a two-way player that looks like he can hold his own on the mound and at the plate, but it was the price to pay as the Bluebirds look to secure their bullpen for a run at another Monty.
Finally, to make room for Nothard, Seung-jim Cho was waived and eventually sold to Charm City for $250k.
