AARAV -- Really?
SAI -- Today's top story: After a horrendous 0-5 start, the California Crusaders, backed by some timely hitting and improved starting pitching, climbed the Pacific Division standings back to a tie for first place with rival San Fernando by winning seven straight games. Aarav, from your completely unprofessional opinion, what has been the catalyst for the current winning streak?
AARAV -- Not much to say really. They just started playing Crusader baseball -- pitch well, get on base, and hit round-trippers.
SAI -- Amazing analysis, Aarav.
AARAV -- You want analysis? Because I can give you some damn analysis. Edwin Stubbs, a guy who needs a damn nickname with that nightmarish facial hair he trots out onto the mound, has pitched 12 innings of lights-out baseball out of the bullpen. He's on pace for a 5.7 WAR and has a WHIP of 0.67. Talk about 'nay, nay'. Am I right?
SAI -- Geez, sometimes I wish you'd just stay Silento.
AARAV -- Wow, nice one. The crusaders did suffer a casualty in the old crusade, though.
SAI -- Yes, bad news Crusader-Nation, Aarav is referencing the cracking of journeyman middle-infielder, Max Hatcher's, knee-cap while trying to go from first to third on a base hit. The report out of the office of team trainer, "Double V" Virgil Vaughn, is not a good one. Hatcher will miss the entirety of the 2039 campaign, leaving the easily answered question of whether the team will pick up Hatcher's team option for 2040 with hot prospect, Daryl Pris, working through his last bit of seasoning in AAA Clash City.
AARAV -- Is the answer, no?
SAI -- Only time will tell, Aarav. Team officials are looking into its options of replacing Hatcher at SS with a hodge-podge of Dan Reed, hot-hitting Felix Avila, and Claudio Defazio. They could also look to bring up a guy like Nur al Din Kodwo.
AARAV -- What about a trade?
SAI -- Well, the Crusaders do have some cap room to use this year. Well, Crusader-Freaks, this has been the Cali Decree, and we'll see you at the ballpark.
