Off Topic
Duggan Promotion Signals Change
July 8, 2042: Yellow Springs – Earlier this year it seemed the Nine and their center fielder were on the same page about the future, and all signs pointed to a deal that would bypass arbitration. But then the young Abdeljilill Sediki changed representation and the talks they had undertaken apparently got given the old one-two kibash.
Contract Controversy?
Now some are suggesting that the process has left a stale taste in the craw of the Nine’s executive suite, and that Sediki might well be trade bait. At 24, the 3+ WAR center fielder might well be at his prime value, and its of note that the club has a recently submitted the paperwork required to transfer top center field prospect Arvin Duggan up to AAA after young Mr. Duggan suddenly flipped a switch and went on a rampage in which he’s basically burned down AA pitching. Duggan projects as an elite defender with a major league level bat, and though no one is expecting anything immediate, if his timetable gets accelerated, the rumors of Sediki’s departure would seem more than reasonable.
A look into the club’s financial future would suggest ulterior motives for such speculation, also. Sediki has two seasons of control left to the team, but projects to make $6M and $8M over those seasons. Those values are probably better than fair market value for a 3-3.5WAR kind of player in a key position, but might make things a bit tight for the Nine as they attempt to find creative ways to keep their big four rotation mates together for the next few seasons. Ernesto Ramos, in particular, will be looking for a big pay day soon. Carlos Pineda and Tomas Ramirez will not be far behind.
“I’m just playing baseball,” Sediki said when asked for an opinion. “I’m just playing baseball.”