2036.29 - The Long Beach Independent - Bailey Spotted On Mound

[Lane]

BAILEY TO JOIN GEOGHEGAN ROTATION?
October 5, 2036
Long Beach, CA

Playoff rosters are not due until tomorrow morning, but rumors are already swirling around Long Beach, that Mike Bailey may be preparing to pitch in the Geoghegan round against Seattle. The righty, thought to be out for the season with elbow inflammation, was seen working out in the bullpen at Vito Costantino Memorial Stadium.

The Surfers front office has not responded to a request for comment, but it would make a certain amount of sense to see Bailey return, at least for this series. Injuries have limited him to only 64 innings this season, but he’s been rather effective, with a 3.62 ERA and a 3.97 FIP. It’s no secret that the Surfers love to play the matchups, and the right-handed Bailey matches up well against Seattle, at least on paper.

It may be worth noting that reliever Felix Alvarado was activated on September 21, and is traveling to Seattle with the team. The Surfers have been known to be aggressive in activating pitchers who are injured, or just returning from injury to start in the playoffs. We would not be surprised at all to see Bailey return. It would make sense for him to stay in Long Beach and prepare to pitch in game two or three, where his movement would be more of an asset. Seattle’s King County Complex is well known for depressing home runs.

Bailey has not been available for comment since his injury, but he is known as a fierce competitor, and is likely lobbying the training staff for a clean bill of health, and manager Anthony Light to give him a shot at pitching in what could be his last series wearing a Surfers uniform.

[RonCo]

Bailey would be a great story.

[Lane]

Bailey would be a great story.

I would love to see him have a solid postseason. Definitely not picking up his option for next year, so it's his last shot to impress us.