August 16, 2060
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
With a week until the trade deadline, the Bluebirds jumped the gun and made a few moves for their playoff run. The Chicago Black Sox sent veteran, Todd ‘TNT’ Tatlock, to Nashville along with half of his salary. The oft-injured backstop is due to make $13 million in 2061, but is considered one of the best defensive catchers in the league. The Bluebirds already have a legendary defensive wizard behind the plate in Jesús Rodríguez, but Father Time has caught up with J-Rod, and, though he has been healthy this season, his body has shown significant signs of decline.
C Todd 'TNT' Tatlock
Thus, with a sudden logjam at catcher, Rodriguez was taken behind a barn somewhere in Ohio with a duffel bag filled with a million dollars to do the job GM Chad Nason couldn’t do himself.
“J-Rod was a significant part of the Nashville dynasty we’ve created,” said Naosn. “Though his best years were already behind him when he acquired him, he provided much more than stats for our club. His presence behind the plate was second to none. You also won’t find a better captain for the clubhouse, so it was hard to watch him go, but business is business and he understands that. Hopefully one of our young guys can step into his mighty big shoes.”
Tatlock probably isn’t too far behind Rodriguez in the call behind the barn, but should be a nice stop gap until Michael ‘Shotgun’ Cantu proves he is ready, which could be as early as next season. The switch-hitting Tatlock has had a resurgent season at the plate with an OPS of .714 for the Black Sox. He figures to get most of the reps behind the plate, but his time will be monitored to ensure he is healthy for the playoffs.
In another move geared for October, LHP John Avery was acquired from Mexico City in exchange for a player from the International Complex. The lefty is on an expiring deal, but is a valuable resource out of the bullpen with the ability to start games, if needed. Regardless of his role, he should be able to eat innings and keep the staff well-rested headed into the playoffs.
LHP John Avery
When asked if the Bluebirds had any other tricks up their sleeve with a week until the deadline, Nason said “wait and see….wait and see.”
