45.05 Whitley Feeling Youthful

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45.05 Whitley Feeling Youthful

Post by shoeless.db » Wed Dec 23, 2020 10:37 am

Thursday, June 15, 2045

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Duane Whitley, Jr. prepares himself prior to a pitch.
The ink wasn't even dry on the deal before GM Shoeless began regretting the free agent acquisition of Duane Whitley, Jr., the 13-year BBA veteran third baseman/first baseman.

"We loved how popular Whitley was with the fans," Shoeless said from his office at the Basilica. "But, we honestly forgot we even extended an offer to him. Some of those offseason nights in the gm office can get a little, you know, intoxicating. Plus, it's not hard to find backup first baseman or designated hitters in this league."

Despite the initial buyer's remorse, Whitley has quietly put together a solid first half of the season in his new Mad Popes duds, slashing a comfortable .264/.421/.482. But, his most valuable contribution has been his transition back to third base, a position he hadn't played full time since 2038 with Twin Cities. Rising star, Edward Leialoha started the season as the full-time third baseman, but his poor zone rating prompted the move to see if Whitley still had some tread left on his old infielder's mitt.

"I feel like a kid again," said Whitley. "I didn't realize how demoralizing being moved to first base was for me when I landed in Wichita. I guess I got complacent in my game. I started feeling like I was aging. But, now, I'm rejuvenated. That hot corner is the fountain of youth I needed.

The left-hand hitting Whitley has also benefited from being in a strict platoon, playing only against right hand pitchers. He started everyday regardless of the pitcher prior to this season, and his overall stat-line took the beating due to his career .211/.270/.325 slash-line against southpaws. Whitley is slashing .293/.440/.535 against right-handers this season. In his eleven at bats against left-handed relievers, he is hit-less with seven strike outs.
Sacramento Mad Popes (unretired)
-- Vic Caleca Team News Award Winner 2052
-- BBA Champion 2053
-- Pacific Champs 2040, 2042, 2043, 2047, 2048, 2049, 2051, 2053, 2054
Life is a bit more beautiful when time is measured by the half inning rather than the half hour.

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Re: 45.05 Whitley Feeling Youthful

Post by Ted » Wed Dec 23, 2020 10:54 am

Wow! Those OOTP in game graphics are getting to be really good! So life-like!
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Re: 45.05 Whitley Feeling Youthful

Post by Ted » Wed Dec 23, 2020 10:55 am

In all seriousness though, Whitely Jr. was a great pickup. He had been putting up 2 win seasons in Wichita while facing left handed pitchers. I'd be he was -1 WAR in those games each year. Smart move.
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Re: 45.05 Whitley Feeling Youthful

Post by CTBrewCrew » Wed Dec 30, 2020 6:06 pm

Ted wrote:
Wed Dec 23, 2020 10:54 am
Wow! Those OOTP in game graphics are getting to be really good! So life-like!
I was gonna saw the same....also you got some mad skilz as the kids say with that photoshop
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