2063.16 A Modest Request, Accepted

[Trebro]

"It's time, Mac," said Angel Cuevas, sitting beside GM Rob McMonigal while the two enjoyed a beer together in the GM's office. McMonigal didn't drink with most of the staff but the two of them had a special bond. "I've run the Road Runners for 10 years and three champions. I'm ready for a new challenge."

McMonigal sipped his drink thoughtfully. He hadn't really considered it but there was an opening. After losing several coaches for various reasons, McMonigal had moved Juan Betancourt up to Santa Cruz from Silver Springs and Martin Florez took the Tarpons job, leaving Cat Island vacant.

"Angel, the work you do for us in Alamogordo is invaluable, though. Those kids come in from all different places – high school, some college, all over the damned world! – and you make it work. Mold them into a force to be reckoned with. Give them a taste of what it means to be a Champion. I think it's a key advantage we have as an organization and I'd hate to lose it."

Cuevas stood up from the old, comfortable chair that looked out at the field below. He took a long drink from his bottle, and waited quite a bit before speaking again.

"Mac, here's the thing. We went down this road once before. I asked back in 2058 to move up and you asked me to stay. So I did. I was a good soldier. I did it because I felt like I owed you. After I got let go in Santiago despite winning there, I felt like I'd never get another chance. You gave me that chance."

The veteran manager downed another swig, and continued, while McMonigal listened, barely touching his own beer.

"And you know exactly what I've done with that chance. 10 consecutive winning seasons. Only one year with less than 40 wins. Nine trips to the playoffs. THREE Championships. I could leave tomorrow and have my pick of jobs. You know that and I know that. But I'd rather be here. The question is – can you make what I want happen?" Cuevas finished his drink and slammed it down on the end table.

McMonigal looked up at the six foot two Cuban. He'd never gone anywhere as a player, but he'd been smart. Very smart. He'd gotten into coaching back in Havana shortly after ending his playing days in Single A ball. Part of why McMonigal hired him was that the men who ran Yellow Springs's international complex there told him about Cuevas taking menial work at the site just so he could be around the players, looking to see how coaches improved the skill of raw talent.

It's why he'd been perfect for Rookie Ball.

Now he wanted more. Was McMonigal prepared to give it to him?

"Angel," said McMonigal, standing up, "you're exactly right. You've done everything I could have asked from you and more, and did it without complaint. I can't get you into Yellow Springs, you understand that, right?"

"Not what I'm asking for. And I have too much respect for Bill [Inkster]. Back when he was the manager here in the 2040s, I met him several times in Havana. He could have ignored me. He could have dismissed me. Instead, he sat and answered every question I had. And not just once, either. I owe a lot of what I'm doing today to what Bill taught me back then."
"I'm glad to hear that," said McMonigal. "I have an idea – how would you like to follow your best Champion players up to Cat Island and see if you can go back to back?"

Without hesitation, Cuevas reached out his hand. "Deal!"

"Great, let's start talking about who to promote. Oh, and I realize we're a few beers in, but go grab a few more, will you?" McMonigal grinned. Angel was still his man, and would be for a long time to come.

[jiminyhopkins]

I do enjoy promoting and developing coaches just like players. Its satisfying to see them move up the ranks.

[Trebro]

I do enjoy promoting and developing coaches just like players. Its satisfying to see them move up the ranks.

Cuevas has been asking to move up. Winning the 3rd Championship + my screw ups (covered nicely by short stories! PP to make up for it LOL) made this a no-brainer. I don't think he'll ever be a BBA manager- doesn't have enough soft skills but he really seems to do well with the newbies.