Nov. 20, 2038
Phantoms Comings and Goings
Pitching Coach Signed
The Huntsville Phantoms have hired a familiar name as their new pitching coach: Art “Gramps” Messer, who served in that role once before, during the 2035-36 seasons.
He replaces Bob Blaisdell, whose contract was not renewed after two largely ineffective years.
Messer, 62, has a great reputation for working with young groundball pitchers, and his familiarity with the organization, the city and some of the peculiarities of its home ballpark made the decision to bring Messer back an easy one, team officials said.
Messer returns
“Although there aren't a whole lot of guys on the staff today who were here during Art's previous tenure, he knows what they'll need to know to pitch here successfully,” Caleca said. "He's an excellent teacher."
Messer, who spent the last two seasons in San Antonio, said he’s excited by the opportunity to "come home," especially since Caleca has assured him that the team is taking steps to address the fielding shortcomings that helped sink its fortunes last season.
“If they keep their word, and I have no doubt they will, I think I can make a difference for these guys,” Messer said. “There’s certainly talent there: I’m looking forward to reuniting with (Juan) Nicto and getting to know guys like (Justin) Archer and (Frits) Brinson. If we get that fielding situation straightened around, maybe we can make some noise in 2039.”
Sources said the team signed Messer to a three-year contract worth $214,000 per season.
Hall Leaves Huntsville
Designated hitter David Hall was not tendered a contract for arbitration this week and will enter free agency.
Hall leaves Phantoms
In fact, he spent much of the season in AAA as other players moved ahead of him on the depth chart, and he struggled to a slash line of .221/.329/.517 with just 11 homers and a -0.6 WAR in Huntsville.
“It was a difficult decision, but we simply cannot afford to have a part-time player – or a AAA player – earning $6 million a year,” said Assistant General Manager John Pruitt. “We felt letting David find a new situation would be best for him and best for the club.”
Hall ends his Huntsville career with a .260/.329/.517 slash line, 188 home runs, 523 RBIs, and 8.2 WAR.
“I wish I could say I was surprised, but I’m not,” said an audibly upset Hall during a telephone interview. “After the years I had here to think they would send me to the minors and now not even offer a contract … well, the hell with them. The team sucks, the organization sucks – I hope that new owner fires the whole bunch of ‘em.”
The team’s new owner, Chicago-area towing and hazardous waste magnate Vinnie Vitale, sent an email response to Hall’s quote:
“I leave the baseball decisions to my baseball professionals, and I trust their judgment. I personally wish David nothing but the best, and I hope if he ever needs anything in the way of vehicle towing services, that he gives my people a call.”
