March 29, 2057
by Banjo Jackson
Nashville, TN
Spring training ended with some pretty easy roster decision or the Bluebirds. Most of the same roster that won the Heartland in 2056 would be returning aside from Helmut Grün and Ollie Lowry. Grun was replaced with Salvador Allende, but no other changes to the infield were expected. GM Chad Nason is known to make bold moves, however, and shook things up by trading starting SS Niaz Minhas to rivals Vancouver Mounties.
SS Niaz Minhas
“We really regretted out last trade with Vancouver that sent Tony and Jorge north of the border for a prospect we just waived,’ said Nason. “We are out to make things right and we hope this corrects our mistakes. We really wanted to see what Brooks can do at shortstop long term and Minhas was headed for free agency, so it made sense.”
The deal looks eerily similar to that last time Nashville traded a star shortstop except when they traded Sammy ‘Bumper’ McNeill it was on the heels of a terrible start to the season. This move is questionable with an unproven replacement at one of the most important positions on defense, though Eliot should be able to hold it down. Like the McNeill trade, the Bluebirds net a couple of top 100 prospects, 3B Essam bin Eisa and RF RF Raul Pena. bin Eisa appears to be the headliner of the deal, but remains raw for a 21-year-old. He will begin the season in Short A, but the switch hitter can play anywhere in the infield, though he will likely be best suited for 3B. Pena is well-developed, but the Bluebirds have a logjam of youth stardom in the outfield, so his future as a Bluebird is not certain.
3B Essam bin Eisa
Minhas had his best season in 2056 when he accumulated 2.7 WAR while slashing .263/.331/.404. He was also a fan favorite in Nashville and should help the Mounties sell more tickets. Farewell, Niaz.
