2031.8 - The LB Independent - Sitting Down With Simpson

[Lane]

July 16, 2031
Somewhere over the Midwest

The LB Independent Surfer's beat writer Travis Lin-Mann had an opportunity to speak with first baseman Mark Simpson on the team's recent flight to face Carolina for the completion of the four game home and home interleague series. It was a good time to catch up with the young man, he's in the middle of an excellent season and he's doing his best to prove that not everyone falls prey to the "sophomore slump."

TLM: You're halfway through your sophomore season, Mark. How are you feeling?

MS: I feel great. The city and the fans have been treating me well, and I can't really complain about my performance...most importantly the team is really clicking and on a great pace.


TLM: You're a Carolina boy, drafted and developed by the Carolina Kraken. And then you became a Surfer in a blockbuster trade of young talent. How has that been?

MS: It wasn't easy. But it's the way it goes. Baseball at this level is a business, and we go where we're told until we're free agents. That said, Long Beach is amazing and the fans here love me. I can't imagine a better place to be traded to.


TLM: You faced Arthur Dempster yesterday. You two will forever be linked by that trade. What was it like facing him?

MS: Well, I don't know him personally, but I did get a scouting report on him. He's good...as advertised. I got a hit, so that was nice, but it was one of our tougher games of the year. I was just happy that we won, and tried not to think about the trade or anything like that.

TLM: You've been batting leadoff and second this season. It's a little unconventional for someone with your skill set. Care to comment on that?

MS: I'm happy hitting wherever it helps the team the most. Would I love to be in the middle of the order with some more RBI opportunities? Sure. But it sure is fun jogging around the bases when CarGo hits one of his dingers. That is, if I haven't stroked my own dong earlier in the inning.


TLM: Haha, not sure if we can print that, but we'll see. Speaking of HRs, you're about to pass the 23 you hit last year, in about 3/4 of the at bats. Doing anything different this year?

MS: No, I think it's just coming naturally. We've good some great coaches in the org, and I'm just taking advantage of pitchers' mistakes.


TLM: Well thanks for taking the time to speak with me. Anything else you'd like to say?

MS: You're welcome, it was a pleasure. Just a shoutout to the fans in the LBC and beyond for making me feel so welcome!

[RonCo]

"I'm not sure we can print that." Heh...

[recte44]

"stroked my own dong" was the nugget you should have been looking for, folks.

[Lane]

I thought I might have buried that too deep, but I'm glad it wasn't too much to handle.

[aaronweiner]

Being a member has its privileges.

It was kind of neat having the two face each other; should happen a bunch over the years I hope. I still say the trade made sense for both of us.

[Lane]

Being a member has its privileges.

It was kind of neat having the two face each other; should happen a bunch over the years I hope. I still say the trade made sense for both of us.

Absolutely. Simpson proving my faith in him, and Dempster coming along very well. I hope Dempster kicks ass for you, but he was never going to be a favorite of mine.