Tripoli, February 25, 2046 -- As Spring Training Opens for the 2046 Tripoli Piranhas, there's a battle afoot for centerfield. CF was one of many problem spots for the last place team in '45, and fans are watching closely as four players -- the incumbent, the veteran, the free agent and the prospect -- try to earn the starting job in center for the new season.
THE INCUMBENT
29-year old Francisco Mendez was last year's starter in CF, but was mediocre at the plate and terrible in the field. The only thing keeping him in contention for the job is his $1.3 million salary, and the possibility that the other contenders are worse.
THE VETERAN
Only a year older than Mendez, Domingo Romero has probably overstayed his welcome with the club. Romero held the starting CF job in '44 and then lost it to Mendez and ended up demoted to AAA in '45 where he hit below .200. He's still hanging around, bitter and snarly, and is likely to be a cut if either of the newcomers pans out.
THE FREE AGENT
The first newcomer is BBA veteran Wilson Ford, who spent seven seasons with the Long Beach Surfers and the past season in Vancouver. With the word defense in the UMEBA, Piranhas GM Mike Dunn lured the 28-year old Ford over as a free agent simply for one reason: his glove -- he can cover virtually the entire outfield. If Ford wins the starting job, how he hits will be irrelevant. He'll be there for his D.
THE PROSPECT
The fans are most excited about this option: getting a surprise invite to spring training is CF prospect Paul "The Pearl" Wapshott, the team's fifth round pick in the 2045 UMEBA amateur draft. Wapshott fared well in his first year in the pros, splitting time between A and AA, but scouts doubt he is ready. Still, he is the team's top rated offensive prospect, and the scribes would love a great storyline if the Kid beats out the others for a starting gig in the bigs.
The low down: Wapshott is a long shot -- but anything can happen when competition ensues, and that is what makes spring training fun to watch!