End of an Era As Mudge Leaves Seattle

In tears, Seattle Owner/GM Mack Shultz announced a franchise-changing trade today. Seattle is sending three-time Outstanding Batter of the Year and cornerstone Gregory Mudge to the Hickory Huskers. Mudge was accompanied by two young, promising reserves--Danny Lorenzen and Lonnie Machen--as well as Seattle's next first round pick.

"It's a tough day for the Monarchs family," said Shultz. "I mean, Greg has been with the Seattle organization since its inception and he has been a key piece of the team's success. But, you have to do what is best for the team."

What, you ask, could have garnered such a bounty? Seattle receives in return Dong Lutz and disgruntled outfielder Tony Demiras.

"I've always loved Dong," said Shultz. "I mean, he's got a big stick. He can really stroke it."

Word from inside the front office is that Seattle insisted on putting Mudge in the deal, and not for the salary dumping reason some may believe. Instead, Seattle wanted to try to make sure Mudge continued to play every day on his march to the SDMB OOTP Hall of Fame. "The last thing anyone wanted to see was Greg either sitting on the bench or being given away for nothing," said the insider known only as Sugar Bear. "That would have been really sad. Mack loved that guy and couldn't bear to see him hurt like that."

Lutz has been off to a slow start this year, hitting only .254. But, his consistent power, his perennial .400 OBP, and his youth (only 26 years old) made Lutz an irresistable target for Seattle. Lutz will clearly be the starting first baseman and a fixture in the middle of the order.

Demiras, who has complained about his playing time, is not likely to see things improve in Seattle. He is expected to take over the super-sub/pinch-hitter role filled so beautifully by Machen the last few years. Meanwhile, Bill Bivens, called up on June 16, will become the primary backup infielder.

As a final gesture, Seattle held an impromptu parade for Mudge on his way to the airport. Fans cheered heartily for the man with a career .904 OPS and who stands second on the all-time SDMB OOTP career home run list. It was a tough day for Mudge. "I love Seattle. It's the only place I've called home in the majors. But, I'll adjust to Hickory. For one thing, I've heard a dollar goes a lot farther there and that's nothing to sneeze at in these economic times."