Sticking Points 2056.5: A Time for Giving

[JimSlade]

July in Rockville the last few seasons, with the Pikemen settling into their annual also-ran fate, is a time for giving. GM Jim Slade sees what the market will bear for half-decent players on expiring contracts and the current season's token slightly overpriced, lone all-star representative. He scours injury reports to see if there's a team desperate enough to interested in taking a flier on a short-term fix. He sees if he can unloosen a tools-y midlevel prospect or two. Then, next year's chum gets called up for an audition.

Giving Season has gotten underway in Rockville, as the Pikemen made what they hope will be the first of a handful of footnote deals. The day started with the Pikemen sending team captain and all-around good egg Joshua Zorn to the Las Vegas Hustlers' Bermuda Triangle of a centerfield for international complex rightfielder Rais Wa'il. The 18-year-old, lefthanded, corner outfielder comes to the Pikemen organization with some gap power potential and high leadership marks, hallmarks of the organization's prospect potential under Slade's questionable leadership.

Slade got misty when announcing the news of Zorn's departure. "We can't thank Joshua enough for his leadership, his occasional longball breakouts, and...his leadership."

Next, Rockville completed a move of reliever Jimmy Bumble to the Vancouver Mounties for AAA starting pitcher Aaron Horn and SA SS Alberto Seanez. It might have been argued that the Pikemen didn't get enough of a return during what may be Bumble's best season to date, but it may not be wrong to assume that Bumble was deal now for the following factors that Rockville players and fans know all too well: Pitcher. Expiring contract. Manager Denny Dooley aka No Friend to Pitchers.

"We're intrigued by Horn's upside," said Slade to gathered reporters. "The guy's stuff is nasty, and he is a workhorse."

The acquisition of the slick-fielding, switch-hitting Seanez was inspired by the Pikemen organization's own Bermuda Triangle, that is, the middle infield area at their low minors complexes. "We've had so many middle infielders go down at SA and A," explained Slade. "We're asking too much of third-string third baseman to spell our remaining true shortstops."