Flying Fur: The Sacramento Trade (Hoppy Endings, pre ST sim) [PP:2054.05]

[neugey]

The preseason began with a rough start for GM Mike Bauer. Edmonton owner Jim Leonard called Bauer into his office and announced the budget was being cut by 4 million effective immediately, and that the team was considering cutting the budget again next off-season. Leonard, usually a generous man, was disappointed by the lack of attendance toward the end of last season plus the slow start to free agency for the team.

"It was a tough lesson, but a necessary one," admitted GM Bauer. "We need to win more games and keep a closer eye on revenue generation, and that starts with me."

Bauer got to work on the trade front. Sacramento, drowning in cash after their championship win, noticed an asset on the Jackrabbits farm they liked and made an offer to help out financially-limited Edmonton. After some careful negotiations, the two sides came to an agreement.

The financial relief was significant for Edmonton. In dealing away declining catcher Alberto Rodridguez and the rest of his 10.7 million contract (who Sacramento needed to cut to stay under the cap) plus receiving 7 million in cash, the Jackrabbits now again have some breathing room to consider additions from the waiver wire or make smaller trades in-season. "We're mostly done adding a free agents. It's been a quiet year for us. There is one affordable vet we still have our eye on, but we want to see how spring training goes first. What I don't want to do is enter the regular season cash-strapped and see a great fit available via waivers and we can't act on it due to profit considerations. The Sacramento trade gets us out of that pickle."

Sacramento's motivation in giving up sizable financial considerations was landing starting pitching prospect Rob Shelton. The 2052 2nd round pick was injured in 2052 and made his debut in Short A in 2053 and demonstrated good progress with a 2.52 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. The Mad Popes were impressed with his arsenal of pitches and think he has what it takes to join the rotation in a few years.

In this deal, Edmonton also gets some immediate pitching help in Cesar Macias. Macias has started 58 games for GBC Baghdad and Sacramento with some solid results. He should make the Jackrabbits rotation. And to replace Rodriguez, the Jackrabbits got a decent left-handed catcher to replace him in Jay Pochin. There were also some secondary players in the trade that both teams felt good about exchanging.

"It was hard to give up Shelton, but it was a necessary step to move forward," summarized Bauer. "Even without Shelton, we feel confident in some of the other starters coming up on our farm system, and we certainly may look to replenish in that area in the upcoming rookie draft."