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Swingman Accepts “Simpler” Role
July 4, 2045: SEATTLE, WA – A half hour after throwing over two scoreless innings in a win against the Seattle Storm (an outing that included five strikeouts and no walks, left-handed reliever Josh Henson was drinking a cold one and joking around with his team.
He can afford to be jovial. While Henson has been a solid, if not sometimes unappreciated, member of the rotation—playing a swing role of starting and relieving for each of the three seasons prior to 2045. His career record book shows 27 starts in 101 outings, resulting in 22 wins and 10 losses to go with three saves and a rock-solid 3.80 ERA. This year, though, all 27 of his appearances have been in relief, and he’s sitting on a 7-1 record to go with his 3.16 ERA.
No one is talking Egan, but the young man is, as they call it in his hometown of Watertown, South Dakota, “Bringing it.”
Of course, given that Henson is more junkballing wizard than he is heat-tossing behemoth, batters probably see it differently.
“Everyone thinks they should be able to hit Josh,” said catcher Jesus Rodriguez. “His fastball stis at maybe 93, and his curve is okay, but nothing poems are going to be written about (challenging Horrible Simpson, challenging Horrible Simpson). His change almost doesn’t exist, and still no one can figure him out. He’s a fun guy to catch behind.”
Henson himself isn’t overly impressed, suggesting that the move to being just a bullpen guy has made like a lot simpler—noting how much easier it was coming to the park when he understands his role. “Maybe it’s just me getting older,” Henson said, “but I like understanding how things are going to work when I get to the park.”