2058.02 - The Long Beach Independent - Veterans Provide Stability and Leadership

[Lane]

October 1, 2058
Long Beach, CA

The Surfers have once again found a diamond in the rough to fill a corner outfield spot via free agency. After 2057's stellar acquisition of Cordell Vaughn (.292/.358/.583, 4.7 WAR), thirty-five year old Cinema Jones has bounced back to provide an excellent season for the Surfers.

Jones signed a two year, $4 million deal in the offseason despite a mediocre performance with Boise and Nashville in 2057. Trusting the scouts, GM Stephen Lane took a chance on the switch hitting right fielder and it worked out very well for the club. Jones' sparkplug personality and leadership made him a valuable member of the clubhouse and his .270/.324/.480 batting line and excellent defense contributed 2.4 WAR to the club as they reached the postseason for the second consecutive season.

Another veteran, Fernando Castillo has been the captain of the lineup since joining the team via free agency in 2054. This season was the last of a four year extension that he signed at the end of the 2054 season, and may well be the last season of his career. He hit .257/.313/.539, good for 2.5 WAR mostly from the DH position in the lineup.

If Castillo does retire this offseason, he'll be remembered as a solid, stabilizing force in the Surfer lineup, providing leadership and mentorship to the young core of the team.

[BaseClogger]

Jones looked like a future HoFer himself after the 2054 season. Thought he was a great target and you were even wise enough to get that second year.

[Lane]

Jones looked like a future HoFer himself after the 2054 season. Thought he was a great target and you were even wise enough to get that second year.

Yeah, he really could have been if he had a more steady decline instead of that drop to nothing. Hopefully he can keep up decent production next year but if not it's only 4 million.