2060.26 Not a Be-Lee-ver

[Trebro]

GM Rob McMonigal couldn't believe his ears when the intern told him Dave Lee was in the building, looking for him. McMonigal had been heading to the bathroom, so now he was doubly annoyed. At his age, you don't fight with your colon.

What the hell was Lee doing in Yellow Springs instead of Indianapolis, where he was supposed to be rehabbing? thought McMonigal. He must have chartered a private jet to get up here so fast. I guess eight million gets you a lot of frequent flier miles.

Lee and McMonigal met at the GM's door at the same time, nearly bumping into each other. His right arm jammed up against Lee's left elbow, causing the long-time veteran to wince.

"Shouldn't you be working on making that elbow ready to go again?" asked McMonigal.

"Shouldn't you be trying not to lose 90 games again?" Lee asked in reply.

Neither spoke for several moments.

"Do you want to come in?" asked McMonigal.

"What I want is to be the closer," said Lee.

"We've been over this. It's not happening."

"Right. Because Micheal Dixon is doing so well. What's the major league record for blown saves again? Is he there yet?"

"It's early yet, and a few bad games can skew numbers. Or should I judge you by the three earned runs in five innings you've managed so far in Indy?"

Lee clenched both his fists. McMonigal braced for a swing that didn't come. At least not yet. He could hear the enamel being scraped off the pitcher's teeth. McMonigal edged him aside and opened the door.

"Now, let's go inside and talk. I don't think your teammates would appreciate a veteran leader attacking another veteran. And you know Wardman has a mole in here somewhere."

Lee frowned, then followed McMonigal in. They took seats in the easy chairs, at McMonigal's suggestion, over by the window that provided a view of the tiny metropolis of Yellow Springs. Sometimes it felt like you could see all four thousand, six hundred and twenty two people living here.

"Dave, I know you feel strongly that you can be the closer. And yes, the back end of our bullpen hasn't been what I'd hoped. Micheal is having trouble adjusting to the Frick's hitters, but I think he'll come around. He's got a batting average balls in play of .366. That's well above his career of .302 or the .280 he had with the Oysters. It's just some bad luck."

"My career bab-ip is .284 you know. And it was .288 and .278 the past two years. Far better."

"He throws more pitches and throws them with better velocity."

"He's lost some off his arm. I can tell. Just ask your scouts."

McMonigal frowned this time. He didn't want to admit Lee was right and the bad news scouting report was on his desk.

"Look, Dave, I told you before. It's Inkster's call. He's backing Micheal and I support him. But if you show me enough in Indianapolis, I'll put in a good word for you."

"You're keeping me down with the Downforce?" Lee stood up. "I'm too old and established for that. I've got my tune up. It's time to bring me back."

McMonigal rose as well.

"Prove to me why I should."

"I don't have to prove anything! The fans will back me."

"Dave, I have a question for you."

"What is it?"

McMonigal turned his back on the pitcher and faced the window.

"How long can a minor league rehab last?"

"Thirty days. You know that."

"Awfully hard to get three more wins as a relief pitcher when you lose a whole month of the season, isn't it?"

"You wouldn't dare."

"Rules are rules, Dave. And I wouldn't want to rush your recovery." McMonigal turned back to the veteran, smiling slightly. "Now, why don't you fly back to Indianapolis? There's still time for you to get there before they announce lineups."

"You'll regret this." Lee practically snarled at McMonigal as he walked towards the door.

"Pitch well, Dave. We need you to be in top form. And maybe if you do, you'll get that shot at closing."

Lee said nothing as he closed the door.

[JRamirez]

Good stuff. How did such a backwater town get a ML club?

[Trebro]

Good stuff. How did such a backwater town get a ML club?

Don't ask me, I just work here!

Hey @RonCo is there something in the Nine lore about how the team came to be out here from Phoenix?

[trmmilwwi]

Good stuff. How did such a backwater town get a ML club?

Don't ask me, I just work here!

Hey @RonCo is there something in the Nine lore about how the team came to be out here from Phoenix?

Tracked down this gem. Seems like Yellow Springs grew by 700 people in 10 years!