July 6, 2060
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
With Twin Cities on their heels for the coveted Heartland crown, the Bluebirds made a move to solidify their pitching staff as veterans Barney Lindsay and Billy Kelly have had rough beginnings in 2060. Enter another aging veteran with a track record of success - Phil Cole. The 35-year-old figures to slot in behind Mark Lolololo and Eric Stevens and should give the Bluebirds’ opponents a tough time in October.
In exchange for the knuckleballer, the Nine receive a trio of prospects, headlined by Alfredo Anaya, who seems to finally be maximizing his potential. Former first round pick, Pete Hulett and last year’s 3rd round pick, Ted Neill will join Anaya. The Nine had high hopes for the postseason, but luck fell out of their favor early on.
Meanwhile, Nashville has taken then lead in a heated race to the top with Twin Cities. Cole’s infamous knuckleball doesn’t seem to have as much flutter as year’s past, but the addition of the six-time all star is welcome, even if it’s towards the decline of his career. Cole’s salary over the next two and a half years will be shared with Yellow Springs, so the salary cap hit won’t be as rough and if Cole doesn’t perform like his normal self, cutting him will be a whole lot easier.
“I’m happy to be here,” said Cole. “El Paso, Vancouver, effing Yellow Springs…finally a town that appreciates winning. I still got some juice left in the tank and I can’t wait to pitch in a meaningful game in October. The team and fans know what to expect when I’m out there and I’ll do my best not to disappoint.”
RHP Phil Cole
While Cole may be having one of his worst years, GMs across the league had much to say about the trade. The overwhelming response was Nashville should have paid more because they have the available assets in their farm. Many think Anaya will be a bottom of the rotation start at best. No, seriously, there are sub-.500 teams that don’t think he would be part of their rotation. Whatever the case, two teams came to a mutual agreement to trade players. A losing team sheds salary and gets prospects in return, not to mention $5 million cash, and Nashville gets whatever juice is left in Cole’s tank. Seems to be a win-win trade, but we’ll have to see how they play on the field. This isn’t a game of 1’s and 0’s, after all.
