2063.15 LEE-ving

[Trebro]

It was going to be one of those off-seasons, it seemed. GM Rob McMonigal had already lost his AAA manager Dave Tallent, his franchise icon Dong-po Thum and most recently his now former AA manager Victor Asario. All three had wanted roles on the major league team – roles that weren't available.

On top of that, Sergio Santos retired as the AA hitting coach after just one year ("There's something weird about that stadium," he said.) and Carlos Chavez opted to move on after just a few years with Alamogordo, also citing a desire to be a coach at the top of the chain, not the bottom.

Now Dave Lee was on the line, and McMonigal was sure he knew what this was going to be about.

"Hi Dave," he said with about as much enthusiasm as most Nine fans seemed to have after the All Star Break.

"Hi Mac! I bet you know why I'm calling."

"I have a feeling."

"Look, I've done all I can here in Silver Springs. I'm ready to move up."

"But I thought you loved no having to leave your home very often?" Part of why Lee was in Single A was that the Tarpons played close to his home of Shady Side, Maryland.

"Yeah, it's great, but frankly, I'm bored. I need a greater challenge. And I don't see that happening here in the Nine organization."

McMonigal almost dropped the phone.

"So...so you're not demanding I move you up?"

"Ah, heck no! Those other pitching coaches are doing well, and I'd never try to stab Carlos [Valle] in the back. He should have that job as long as he wants. But I want to see if I can get something better."

"Well, I can't say I'm not disappointed, Dave, but I respect your choice. It's not sexy to be out there in the low minors, especially if you're used to the bigs. I really appreciate the work you did in Silver Springs – I think our players got a lot better under you."

"I appreciate that, Mac. I know we haven't had the best relationship, so I wanted to make sure you knew this wasn't personal."

"And I appreciate that in return, Dave. Got any leads?"

"None so far. But I'm sure there's someone out there who's going to want a 200 game winner showing their guys the ropes."

"No doubt about that," said McMonigal.

"And hey, maybe if Carlos ever decides to step away, we can talk, right?"

McMonigal thought about it for a moment. Lee certainly had his disadvantages, given how outspoken he was. But he'd done so much for the team. And in the end, it had all worked out.

"Sure Dave," he said finally. "We absolutely can talk."

The two disconnected, leaving McMonigal with yet another role to fill in the coaching ranks.