46.12 Elderly Decisions

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46.12 Elderly Decisions

Post by shoeless.db » Wed Apr 28, 2021 10:55 am

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After a third straight season of missing the Brewster playoffs, the Mad Popes entire the 2046-2047 offseason with several important decisions on the future of the ballclub. First and foremost is the future of several veteran ballplayers with player and team options for 2047.

When Sacremento lured star third baseman David Noburu away from other suitors and into a Mad Popes jersey prior to the 2046 season, the local fan base and talk radio were optimistic of the aging star's abilities and leadership influence. Unfortunately, Noburu proved his solid 2045 season, which fueled his free agency demands last offseason, may have been his swan song in the Brewster as he posted a dismal slashline of .227/.268/.356 in 2046, hitting a career low 13 home runs. With a player opt-out available to Noburu along with a team option for the Popes, the odds of Noburu manning the hot corner in Sacramento next season are basically zero.

"We loved having David as our captain this past season," said Popes' GM Shoeless. "But, we believe it's likely in both our interests to part ways. We wish him the best if he ends up moving on in the coming weeks."

Another veteran likely to be working his agent to land another contract his offseason is the clutch-hitting first baseman, Fernando Cruz. After coming over as part of a trade with Brooklyn in 2044, Cruz's bat has shown only dull glimmers of the glory it once had. His 2046 slashline of .231/.345/.402 was far and away his best season as a Pope. There's no secret Sacramento top brass is hoping the veteran will opt out of his final year of his contract, which will pay him $8m, and, instead, explore free agency.

"Well, if Fernando wants to sit the bench and make eight bills this year, I guess he could opt in," said Shoeless. "But, I think he's a competitor more than he is a greedy jerk, so I'm sure he'll opt out for one last big contract."

The last of the three big decisions concerning players is the team option available to the Popes with Manuel Andres. The lefty swingman his proven to be a reliable cog in Sacramento's top rated relief core, but, with so many up-and-coming arms making a case to play in Sacramento next season, GM Shoeless may opt to spend the $6.9m due to Andres in 2047 in free agency instead. If Sacramento chooses to opt out of Andres' contract, they'll lose an extremely popular player to the fans, but, on the flip side, the clubhouse will lose a player often maligned for his negative and selfish attitude. The other option for the Popes would be to take the team option and hope Andres puts up enough WAR to merit a second round compensation pick in 2048.

Whichever route the team takes this offseason on these players, Shoeless feels the tide is turning for the better for the Popes' future:

"It may be hard to discern from the outside, but we actually have a plan in place to bring a championship back to this city. We cautiously optimistic about our potential ballclub over the coming years."
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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