WHIV 2044.1- Jilted Hustlers Turn To Trades To Bolster Roster

[recte44]

WHIV 2044.1- Jilted Hustlers Turn To Trades To Bolster Roster
January 27, 2044

Going into the 2043-2044 offseason, Las Vegas GM knew he was going to have to find several pieces to bolster their big league roster. He turned first to the free agent market, but after finding the Hustlers offers rebuffed time and again, Rectenwald knew it was time to hit the phones. "Trader Recte" was back.

With a ton of cap space available, and a big slugger needed badly, the Hustlers bit the bullet on a big contract and acquired Justin Jackson from the New Orleans Crawdads in exchange for reserve outfielder Pepe Rocha. "We're thrilled to have Jackson," said Rectenwald. "He's not going to be handed anything, though. He'll be part of an open competition among our corner outfielders and at designated hitter."

Rectenwald and the Hustlers have been hot on the trail of Drees Geestman for many years. They quickly targeted him as a pitcher who could front their rotation and engaged new Montreal GM Herb DeSpain in talks. "The talks were a give and take, and this was certainly not a deal that came together overnight," admitted Rectenwald. Ultimately the Hustlers were able to get their man (along with minor league catcher Reggie Leeper) in exchange for center fielder Manoell Whanon along with prospects Fuad Demirel (RF) and RP Roberto Frias. The loss of Whanon leaves a big hole in center field for the Hustlers with Tom Rudge the obvious in-house candidate, but Rectenwald also alluded to a "wide open competition there which will be discussed later."

Like he did when he went from Las Vegas to Nashville, Rectenwald also ogled his old franchise for some familiar faces. After weeks of negotiations, an accord was struck with new Bluebirds GM Chad Nason. The Hustlers acquired SP Elliot Buckland, 2B/IF Jesus Yan and IF/OF Mike England in exchange for 2B/3B Phil Logan, SS Reynante Alvero and pitching prospects Scott Bugbie and Adrian Custello. The deal has a heavy expectation that Buckland can give Vegas at least one, if not two seasons of high level pitching. It also expects that England can finally bounce back with a return to Vegas, and Yan will continue to be Yan. When asked how the lineup would shake out, Rectenwald remained mysterious. "There will be wide open competitions which will be discussed later."

Earlier in the offseason the Hustlers also acquired a potential big league infielder in 3B David Godwin (along with pitching prospect Jorge Martinez) from the Calgary Pioneers in exchange for DH Matt Normore. Pressed to comment, Rectenwald said "Godwin will be part of an open competition that we will discuss later."

[indiansfan]

I can see why Bates came back to Calgary, just compare his stats with us vs when he was in Vegas. It will be interesting to see what Godwin does with a chance to play, think he will hit righties pretty good.

[Dington]

Half of Nashville's season ticket holders are going to ask for a refund now.