Fresh Fur: RF Andre Ly (Hoppy Endings, pre Sim 1) [PP:2058.06]

[neugey]

Spring Training 2058 ended on a high note for Edmonton, with the team winning 7 of their last 10 games and landing a key free agent. The Jackrabbits set their sights on longtime Omaha RF Andre Ly and convinced the lefty slugger to explore Canada for one season with a 1-year 8.2m contract.

This must feel surreal for Ly, who is now 38 but has never started a game in the Johnson or worn anything other than a Hawks or Cyclones uniform. Hailing from France, Ly first came onto the scene when discovered by the California Crusaders (before they became the Sacramento Mad Popes) as a youth in 2036. In 2038 he was traded to the Huntsville Phantoms (now the Chicago Black Sox), where he continued to produce nicely in the minors. In 2039 he was then traded to the Omaha Hawks (Cyclones). After a final bit of seasoning in Lincoln, Omaha’s AAA affiliate, Ly ascended to the show in 2040 and immediately was relied upon as a full-time outfielder. Andre made adjustments to his game and started to find his big league stroke and adept batting eye in 2042 and from there the WAR totals started to pile up. He also became a fixture in right field who earned an impressive 5 Zimmer awards at the position. He also matched that total of 5 in All-Star appearances over his career.

But all this pales to 2047, Ly’s undisputed career year that earned him a Sawyer Silk. Andre crushed the ball in the Omaha’s friendly confined to the tune of 33 homers and 86 RBI’s, but it was his stat line that wowed the voters. .329/.441/.618 with a 1.059 OPS and a 8.1 WAR. These sexy numbers, plus a solid 38 stolen bases, gave him the edge over other candidates in the Frick.

With 477 career homers, Ly is hoping to clear the magical 500 but it will admittedly be more challenging in the pitcher-friendly Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Park. It’s even less likely that Ly will win a Monty in Edmonton to add to his single 2046 title won in Omaha. But there are worse places to be, and Ly will ply his trade and play for his next contract in 2059.

Meanwhile, GM Mike Bauer was pumped about the signing of Ly and as excited as onlooked have seen him in months.

“Andre is going to be a great fit here,” noted Bauer. “Acquiring him will allow us to start Matthew Woods at first base more often, and this will bolster our outfield defense. And when we face right-handed pitching, we’ll have both as left-handed home run threats that teams will have to pitch carefully to. We’re also excited to add Andre’s speed on the bases. And the fans already love him. I hope Andre may consider a second one-year deal but let’s see where this season takes us.”

But it isn’t all peaches and cream for the Edmonton offense. “The one tough thing about this signing is the playing time ramifications. Making room for Ly means Ly himself, Woods, Gonzalo, Spork and Scooter will all have less at-bats as our new depth allows us to be more platoon and matchup-oriented in 2058. You can also expect to see Ly get some starts at center for Dickens, especially when we play in visiting home run parks. We’ll make sure there’s decent playing time for everyone, but it seems unlikely any of our hitters will go over 550 AB’s. This will require sacrifice for the greater good and we’re asking players to check their ego at the door and support the guys.”