December 16, 2062
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
Known as a GM with very little loyalty to his players, fans were shocked when Chad Nason sent all-star SS Sammy ‘Bumper’ McNeill to Charm City in a deadline deal in 2054 for hyped pitching prospect Mark Lolololo despite being in the thick of a playoff race. The Bluebirds would go on to make the playoffs, but falter in the Doubleday Series, perhaps missing the crucial shortstop.
However, the move seems to have paid off after McNeill stated he was not looking to sign an extension with the city that had caused so much havoc in his personal life. Lolololo would become one of the league’s top pitchers after emerging into the team’s bullpen in 2057. He would eventually become one of the team’s best starting pitchers the following year and would finish third in Nebraska voting. Despite his excellence on the mound, Bender was one of the most underappreciated players in the league, likely due to his employer. Despite never posting higher than a 3.54 ERA in six seasons, he’s only been selected to the all-star game once. Also largely due to his employer who has selected the reserves the past three years.
LHP Mark 'Bender' Lolololo
With his contract due to expire at the end of the 2063 season, many were left wondering if Lolololo would be signed to an extension. They would be shocked again when Bender signed a six year extension for $91 million, but the ultimate shock came moments later when it was announced Lolololo would be involved in a sign and trade with Phoenix. In return, the Bluebirds acquired top pitching prospect Daniel 'Hopalong' Grasia, who was drafted 8th overall in last year’s draft.
LHP Daniel 'Hopalong' Grasia
This move was not expected after losing David Molina to free agency, but Nason is confident the rotation will be fine, stating “We’ve still got some of the best pitchers in the game. We’ve been spoiled, but Stevens, Bye-bye, and Mr. Plow is a three-headed monster no team wants to meet in the playoffs. Plus, we have the 2061 Gillstrom winner back in the rotation now. We didn’t have space for Mando last year, so we’re excited to have him back.”
While the pitching staff isn’t as deep as year’s past, it’s still likely the deepest staff in the game. Several starters will compete for the fifth starter position this spring and if any injuries stack up, the Bluebirds should be able to replace them with relative ease. With Lolololo’s contract off the books, the Bluebirds now have plenty of cap space with no glaring holes. With no imminent moves, perhaps they are saving for a big mid-season pickup
