Thursday, August 25, 2043
The rumors were running wild in Las Vegas in advance of the BBA's 2043 Trade Deadline. "Everyone is available," proclaimed GM Matt Rectenwald. "All offers will be considered!" With that message out there and the types of players the Hustlers are rostering, it could have been expected to be an eventful day in Vegas.
Instead, there were mostly crickets. Las Vegas was able to complete just one minor deal. They hooked up with Louisville on a deal sending veteran reliever Oginga Coujoe to the Sluggers in exchange for two minor league infielders.
The primary return came in the form of an under the radar middle infield prospect, Domenic Lewis. Lewis, a 25 year old Australian native, came up through the Louisville international complex. Signing in August of 2035, he did not see any minor league action until the 2038 Fall League campaign. He's slowly climbed up the ranks and could fill a role for the Hustlers. "We like Domenic as a platoon guy against RHP," said Rectenwald. "He's certainly better at second base but is capable at shortstop if needed."
The other player coming over is Larry Blake, a one-time Top 100 Prospect and veteran of 10 BBA seasons. At age 28 he's not really on anyone's radar but the Hustlers, having been released by Charlotte in May. "I figured that was about as low as my career could go," chuckled Blake. "But maybe now there's a glimmer of hope." Blake has two Landis rings from his time in Rockville, and is generally regarded as an intelligent player. "We're no fools," said Rectenwald, with a laugh. "But maybe Larry can get some at-bats against lefties this month and after that, who knows?"