August 25, 2048
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
The trade deadline is one of the most exciting parts of any BBA season. Cellar dwellers are trading away aging veterans for younger pieces while contenders try to add the missing pieces for their playoff pushes. The Nashville Bluebirds seem to be on the bubble every year and this 2048 season is no different. One week after a blockbuster trade with Des Moines and GM Chad Nason is still at it - this time acquiring a potential Hall of Famer.The Bluebird have acquired Dennis French’s services for the final month of the season in exchange for a handful of prospects. The Valencia Stars are retaining the remainder of French’s $17m salary to keep Nashville under the salary cap and will receive 21 year old pitching prospect, Can Behramoglu and two minor leaguers out of options next season, LF Arnold Norris and 2B Kevin Mitchell.
LF Dennis French
Although French is having a down season with a slash line of .298/.332/.441, history shows French is in the elite tier of BBA players. A true five tool player that will help Nashville’s lineup vs RHP while dramatically improving the outfield’s defense. Les Paul Field is not quite the pitcher’s park that is Dunn Field, so his offensive numbers should improve. Worst case scenario is French’s leadership helps boost morale and he can teach rookie Martin Hemming a thing or two. Hemming has tried to mimic his craft after French’s mold, but has not shown the speed or defense that French possesses. This could be the final piece to push Nashville into the playoffs for the first time since 2041. One can only hope he improves the team and he doesn’t retreat under pressure like his namesake.
In a separate trade, Nashville is sending RP Hotha Buyoya to El Paso in exchange for SS Lou Tinter and RP Samuel Vankrimpen.
