42.05 Gorilla to Stay

[shoeless.db]

Sacramento (AP) -- When long-time California team captain, Chip Saunders, was traded to the Brooklyn Robins prior to the 2041 season, sports talk radio was abuzz with the Crusaders moving forward without adequate team leadership. California brass quickly quelled the rising media storm when they signed free agent utility man, Xue-qin 'Gorilla' Man, several weeks later. Man, a native of Taiwan, not only brought much needed depth and defensive flexibility to the California ball club, he also brought a motivating voice to the organization. California rewarded his leadership and solid play in 2041 by executing their team option, keeping Man on the 2042 roster with a $2.6 million salary.


Xue-qin 'Gorilla' Man

"I've been around a long time and Gorilla is like no one I've ever encountered," said veteran DH Dusty Rhodes. "I had a two game stretch where I didn't punch a single over the infield, and Man was right there waiting for me by my locker pumping me full of confidence and reassurance."

Man played 11 seasons for the Twin Cities River Monsters before landing in free agency after the 2040 season. The experience of switching ball clubs gave Man a new focus and resiliency.

"I thank the Twin Cities organization every time I have the opportunity as they gave me a chance to play the game I love for over a decade," said Man. "But, when California made their offer -- a perennial playoff contender -- I knew I found a new home. I wanted to give back as much of myself as I could to this organization for believing in me."

Man saw the field in 51 games in 2041, slashing a respectable .287/.317/.426 -- a far cry from his all-star years of 2033 and 2034.

"I’m still certain I can put up all-star numbers in this league," said Man. "But, I don't worry if my name is going to be on the lineup card every day. I'm committed to helping this team win in any way I can. I'm looking forward to another year here in Cali."

[HoosierVic]

What a kiss-up!

[7teen]

Dusty Rhodes. "I had a two game stretch where I didn't punch a single over the infield, and Man was right there waiting for me by my locker pumping me full of confidence and reassurance."

That's good stuff right there.

But 3,500 bloop singles will still get my HOF vote!

[Spiccoli]

Man’s crash in TWC helped crater the River Monsters at the same time... sigh. Lesson learned on big contract extensions.

Man and Wareham were a great combo for many seasons in the TWC.

Man had the unfortunate luck of playing his peak year when Raider was still able to play 2B and swiped a BBA season record of 170+ SB’s...