Bandits Deal Hi Brown Pending League Approval

[aaronweiner]

Hi Brown, one of the top starters in Birmingham and the MBBA since 1985, was yesterday traded to the Long Beach Surfers following a tumultuous year where he suffered through a major injury and the Bandits failed to make the playoffs despite high expectations.

"I am sorry today to be leaving Birmingham, the only team I have ever known," said Brown in the team press conference to announce the trade. "I will go and do my best for Long Beach as I have done here for eleven seasons. I hold no ill will towards the new GM nor owner Walter Sobchak and I expect Birmingham to be one of my first stops when and if I become a free agent."

Brown posted a sparkling 2.28 ERA for Birmingham last season, which would have easily led the Frick League if he had qualified. However, Brown, who is not known for being injury-prone, suffered an injury-plagued season, including a season-ender in September which kept him out all through the offseason.

"I'm basically fully recovered from the injury and ready to pitch," said Brown. "It'll be tough to come back here as a visiting player, but it's exciting to be the #1 starter for the Surfers."

Coming back to Birmingham in the trade are two major leaguers, Lem Galarraga and star closer Rob Dibble. The trade is expected to strengthen the Bandits' bullpen dramatically, as Dibble has saved 35 games in each of the past two seasons and is considered one of the most reliable relievers in the game. Galarraga is expected to serve as the fourth outfielder and spot starter, but will also greatly enhance the potency of the Bandits' bench. The move also restores cap flexibility to the Bandits, as both Galarraga and Dibble are free agents following the season.

"I hear they could use a guy to pitch short relief," said Dibble. "Good news is that it's what I do."

Replacing Brown in the rotation will be Nick Machiavelli. Machiavelli has been unhappy with his role on the team as closer, and while the righty has saved 30 games in two of the past three seasons, he was quoted as saying that while he will miss Brown, a close friend of his on the team, he is excited about the opportunity this move offers him.

"I wish it could have happened some other way, but I'm excited to finally be part of the Birmingham rotation," said Machiavelli. "I know I can do some good here."

Several minor leaguers were also involved in the deal; Birmingham receives starting pitcher Cleo Blanco, who posted a sparkling 2.55 ERA in AAA last season, outfielder Douglas "Doogie" Howser, a defensive specialist who has leadoff man ability if he develops, and prospect Warren Mansour, who has some ability. Long Beach receives pitcher Don Anderson, who has the lowest ceiling of the four but is the only one of the four who is major league ready.

Reportedly, fan interest is extremely high in Birmingham before this season, as the Bandits have been very active in working to restore the faith in the team after last year's disappointment.