2051.1: Mixed News Bears - Angel Gonzalez Traded

[BaseClogger]

12/16/50 - The San Fernando Bears bid farewell to superstar outfielder Angel Gonzalez, announcing a trade to the Rockville Pikeman that nets them four players in return. In return, the Pikeman send San Fernando pitchers Alan Gray and Neil Davies, outfielder Pedro Mendoza, and minor league third baseman Ray Hoskins. The Bears also swapped minor league outfielder Miguel Salinas and will retain 30% of Gonzalez's $15.1M salary in 2051.

Bears general manager Kurt Imber was looking for an opportunity to make his mark on his new organization. "We've had discussions with Rockville for weeks and were finally able to come to an agreement," Imber said at the press conference announcing the trade. "It's a tough pill to swallow, but we think this helps us get better in the future."

Gonzalez is all but guaranteed to join the Brewster Hall of Fame when he retires thanks to his run with the Bears since joining the team before the 2045 season. An elite blend of speed and power to all fields, Gonzalez amassed 44.4 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) in his six seasons in San Fernando. Three times he led the league in hits, and three times he lead the league in stolen bases. In joining the Pikeman, Gonzalez will look to build on career totals that include 2,295, 315 home runs, and 639 stolen bases.

Imber believes the pitchers the Bears acquired help strengthen a pitching staff that struggled in 2050. Alan Gray surprised last season by throwing 162 innings of 3.56 ERA. Although unlikely to repeat, the 26 year-old Gray's ability to keep the ball in the ballpark appealed to San Fernando.

They also add Neil Davies, a 24 year-old right-hander who has mostly found success as a relief pitcher. The Bears hope Davies can contend for a rotation spot in the spring, relying on a devastating fastball-curveball combination.

Corner outfielder Pedro Mendoza gives the Bears a veteran replacement for Gonzalez. A career .250/.326/.480 hitter, the 28 year-old Mendoza provides San Fernando with a left-handed power hitting replacement in right field. Unlike Gonazles, Mendoza has an additional year remaning on his contract at $2.8M in the form of a player option.

The fourth and final player in the deal, Ray Hoskins, was the 1st round pick of the Pikeman in the 2050 amateur draft.