2063.09 Sayonara, Simon Ybarra

[Trebro]

Simon Ybarra had a small box of possessions with him as he knocked on GM Rob McMonigal's door.

"Hi Mac, I'm all set," said the long-time pitching coach turned assistant GM. "This was a really entertaining year. I'm glad I had a chance to experience things from this side of the field. And it sure beats being on a team bus."

"I appreciate everything you did, Simon. I'm sorry it didn't work out as well as we'd hoped as the Nine's pitching coach, but I think you did a ton to help me with scouting, especially the pitchers in the 2062 draft. I feel like we have some guys who were drafted deep, like Norberto Delgado and Eduardo Barron, who could really have a shot to be quality bullpen guys."

"Sorry 2063 isn't looking at good. I tried to help where I could, I left some notes."

"That's more than you needed to do. And our international guys are definitely much better since you started in on that, too. Laertes Damaskinos looks like he can compete. Are you sure I can't convince you to stay on awhile longer?"

"No, I'm done. I agreed to a year and I committed to it. At heart, though, I'm a pitching coach. I want to get back into coaching again. But I don't blame you for the change. Carlos Valle has them looking much better than I ever did. Cut the ERA by almost a point. That's significant. I think I even picked up a few tricks for my next spot."

"Have any leads yet," asked McMonigal.

"No, but someone will see my experience and want me, I'm sure. And if not, I'll just go home and relax for a bit. I feel like I have 10 good years left, but we'll see, right?"

"Good luck, Simon. It's been a pleasure."

"Likewise. I hope you can get this team over the hump. Fix the damned bullpen already!"

"I'll try."

The two shook hands and Ybarra left, marking yet another need for an assistant general manager.