Fresh Fur: RF Antonio “Ambassador” Roman (Hoppy Endings, pre FA Sim 5) [PP:2058.04]

[neugey]

As people across the world kissed and popped champagne for a happy start to 2058, the ink was just drying on a new contract between longtime GBC outfielder Antonio Roman and Edmonton. The Jackrabbits, in need of outfield depth and pretty certain that utility man Dwight Hartsock will spend the next year in AAA due to subpar hitting, decided to mine the GBC for talent and tap Roman. The parties agreed to a 4-year $19.6 million contract with the final season carrying a player option.

With the Spaniard Roman arriving in the US for the first time in his life and meeting with the Edmonton brass, a new moniker soon became his first reward.

“One of our assistants remarked to Roman that `With all that time in the GBC and being brand new here, you must feel like an ambassador`”, explained Assistant GM Mark Roberson. “And the nickname `ambassador` instantly stuck.

The quantity of time in the GBC alluded to by Roman’s nickname certainly is legit. He was drafted by UMEBA Tripoli way back in 2045. As the UMEBA turned into one giant cloud of cocaine and Tripoli became Buenos Aires, Roman stayed with club, hitting for 110 homers and a nice average over the next 4 seasons. But change was inevitable and in 2055 Roman entered free agency and soon was snatched up Cairo. His first season in Cairo was a dandy, hitting a GBC high 56 doubles with a .304 average. But in 2056 his played time was usurped, and he recorded a career low 131 plate appearances. He sought greener pastures in 2057 and struggled a bit, hitting .268 yet still managing 26 homers and 106 RBI’s. That slight downturn might have hurt his price on the open market. But this is where Edmonton sensed a bargain value for a solid outfielder and right-handed RBI man who is still only 32.

“He’s going to stack nicely next to Gonzalo (Martinez, DH), especially versus lefty pitching,” remarked GM Mike Bauer. “And that was our primary reason for acquiring him. Having those deep roots and lots of connections in the GBC is the icing on the cake.”

[Krathan]

I love that guy. He was a big part of my GBC championship!

[Lane]

love to see new nicknames