Rolio Elder | Apprentice to the Exalted Mystic | Camacho Order #26 | Donkeagle Press
Well, it's fair to assume Shoeless reads this column. With all the talk of chicken in my previous article, the Mad Popes announced today the promotion of Cheng-ho "Chicken" Ji, a power-hitting firstbaseman from AA Bismarck.
"Chicken" Ji
Ji received his first cup of coffee with the big club in 2040 as a September call-up, hitting two homers and four singles in 13 at-bats. He figured to be part of the club in 2041 but an awful spring found him back in the minors.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still a bit pissed about not making the Crusaders in 2041," said Ji. "It's been a long journey back, but I intend to make the most of the opportunity again."
Ji became a minor free agent after the 2041 season and landed in single A ball with New Orleans. The Popes signed him back to the organization as a minor league free agent in May of 2043, where he tooled around in SA Philipsburg and AA Bismarck for the season.
"We always liked Chicken," said Shoeless. "Hell, he hit 52 homers in AA for us in 2040 before being called up that year. Let's hope he can still cluck some over the fence for us."
Ji will become the everyday DH against right-handed pitching, replacing Rule 5 pick-up Jose Dominguez who has struggled to hammer balls into the outfield seats so far this April.
