56.3-Casinotes-Ober My Head (But It Sure Feels Nice)

[chicoruiz]

A dozen reporters for various Atlantic City media outlets trudged wearily to their seats in the Gamblers conference room, heads down, expecting nothing more than another boring litany of minor league free agent signings. If they had looked up from their phones, they might have noticed that ATC general manager Chico Ruiz had an unprecedented spring in his step when he stepped up to the podium.

“We’re pleased to announce that over the last 24 hours, the Gamblers have added five players to our major league roster, and issued contracts with a total value of almost eighty million dollars”, he began.

A dozen heads snapped to attention…

“First and foremost, the Gamblers have reached an agreement on a six-year, 73.9 million dollar contract with first baseman Tyler Ober. We feel that Tyler is a legitimate middle-of-the-order hitter, as well as a fine defender. He’s averaged 30 homers a year for his career, and an OPS close to .850. We know our fans will be excited to see Tyler at first for the next six seasons in Atlantic City.

“Secondly, we have signed pitcher Francisco Ortiz to a two-year contract paying him two million this season and 2.5 million the next. Francisco proved himself to be a fine reliever during the last two years in Chicago, but he also pitched well as a starter in 2053, and we’ll give him every chance to win a rotation spot for us.

“Thirdly, we’ve signed center fielder Manchu Li. Manchu provides the speed and defense we look for in center, and he’s also a great bunter. His deal is a minor league contract, but we expect to roll that over to a one million dollar major league deal.

“The other two additions came via the Rule 5 draft. As you know, we’ve been looking for a DH to replace John Molyneaux, and we think Jared Dixon might be the answer. He’s hit at every level, and getting him in Rule 5 was, we think, a big win for us. In the second round, we selected Sam Kelly, who can play seven positions and really help our depth.

“Oh yes… We also signed our daily share of minor league free agents. We gave third baseman John Summers a fairly significant bonus; we think he’s a real prospect. He’ll play at AAA Wilmington. And outfielder Don Matson will help our AA squad.

“Details of the contracts are in the handout currently being passed out. We’ll see you tomorrow…and who knows what we’ll have to report then?” He almost skipped off the stage…

“Well, crap”, said one of the assembled scribes. “I had my day all planned out. Do the Wordle and play Angry Birds during Ruiz’s press conference, then a nice three-martini lunch. Now I have to go back and actually write a STORY…”

[BaseClogger]

I hope Ober plays well. He is probably the most iconic San Fernando Bear of my tenure. Hoping to learn I get a comp pick.