
December 1, 2064: Marshall Islands – Let's just say that defense up the middle should not be a problem in the Bikini infield anymore. Assuming, of course, that Dave Ackerman can remain healthy. Which is certainly a valid concern. It is fair to say that Ackerman's health has become the new $35 million question. Because after signing a brand new one-year deal at that $35 million pop, all we can say the right now is that the Charm City star is going to join Zimmer award-winning shortstop Keith Williams as the club's double play combination, In that if the answer is “yes,” the results should be both real and spectacular.

Long Live the
New 2B King
Posts throughout virtual media and talking heads of sports pundits across the world focused on everything from Ackerman’s vast litany of injuries (noting that there may not be a single piece of his body that he has not hurt at some point in his career), to his propensity for swing and miss as his age has crossed deeper into his mid 30s.
The only things that haven't gotten diced up and examined are the fact that the man can still flash a glove, and that when his bat does connect to the ball it has a serious tendency to send that ball a very large distance away from home plate.
The good news for Krill fans is that Ackerman was healthy enough last year to hit 30 home runs in 142 games. If he can match those numbers next year, we're sure the team will be happy.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Dave into the Bikini organization,” said general manager Ron Collins. “He is a bonafide Hall of Fame level guy, who can bring a lot of tools to the game. Our fans are going to love to watch him play, so I should note that season tickets will be going on sale in a couple of weeks.”
The contract itself is an interesting one of sorts. $35 million for the 2065 season is a clear overpay. But the club had expensive cap space, and a revenue stream that is growing. The timing of it is expensive for the moment, but especially given Ackerman's age gives the team a degree of flexibility moving forward. Sources suggest the team would not be against the idea of signing Ackerman to a longer extension if the season goes well and if the veteran were interested, but also suggests that the signing allows the Krill to kick the can down the road one more year when it comes to the second base problem that they have had for no little time. If you're going to overpay for someone, it might as well be somebody like Ackerman.
Regardless, everyone thinks it's fair to say that if nothing else the deal puts an official close to the Napoleon Mellott
era.


