2064.01 - Joe "Sloth" Melucci Hints at Becoming a Coach

[R.Umali]

Joe Melucci, in his customary and affected drawl, had been as forthright as one could be without letting the cat out of the bag. But he basically said it on the latest "The Beef and The Sloth" show on WSOS South Side Chicago. He said, "I'll be back and hopefully talking to you in a different capacity."

"Don't tell me you're tabbed as the new manager for the Black Sox?!" The Beef said in mock surprise.

"I can categorically say no to that. And thank goodness. I don't know who they're going to find to replace Rocky Wattson."

They and all of Chicago were still reeling from the fact that the Black Sox manager's contract was not renewed. Nowhere was there talk of "firing" but the smoke was there. Famed trainer Bhujabalin Padmesh was also gone - taking retirement - but other coaches were not renewed. Only pitching coach Tito Lozano and hitting coach Larry McRurie were left. Scuttlebutt has it that these people had to pay for a poor September and for starting rookie Forrest Rockburn over veteran Stevie Bodine in a critical game of the Wild Card series against the River Monsters.

"Well, Joe, in whatever capacity, the seat across from mine is always open. It's been a pleasure sharing the microphone with you this season. This old mongrel has certainly learned a lot."

What had started out as occasional guest spots with The Beef had turned into a weekly thing during the 2063 season. The Beef certainly appreciated the access as Joe maintained a healthy relationship with both players and managers throughout the entire Black Sox organization. And they genuinely enjoyed each other's company.

In the studio, Joe Melucci extended his hand and The Beef took it, saying into the mic, "That's the sound of two old dogs shaking hands, folks. You've been listening to The Beef and The Sloth on WSOS Southside Chicago, Black Sox radio." The producer clicked on the bumper and they were off the air.

"I would love to scoop this, Joe. So let me know."

"I don't even know. There's a few formalities and payments that need to be made before I can be converted into a coach. And after that, who knows with so many vacancies. But if I had my guess, I'd be going to the DR [Dominican Republic]. To the Green Sox."

"That'll be a challenge." The Green Sox went 37-39, tied for 5th in the SL2 Big Islands in the Angela Drake league.

"Anywhere'll be a challenge. There, or Huntsville, or here as well, for sure."

The Black Sox organization needs to fill 8 vacancies this off season, including that of Assistant GM. Alfredo Aragon, who had been responsible for the many, if not all, of the club's moves these past few years, including the drafting of Forrest Rockburn, was not offered a contract either.