March 1, 2016 - SEATTLE (AP) - The Seattle Monarchs today announced that they have dealt second baseman Duane Gerhardt to the Danville Dans. In exchange, Seattle swapped first-round picks (moving from the #10 pick up to the #2 slot) and also acquired AA pitching prospect Floyd Crown. Gerhardt is the best base-stealer in SDMB OOTP history, having swiped a league-record 102 bags in 2014 and getting thrown out a staggeringly low 18 times.
"How could they deal Duane?" wondered local fan Joe Schmoe. "Gerhardt's a popular player with me and all my friends down at the local bar. I can tell you my interest in the Monarchs is going to fall as a result of this trade, and I expect those Danville fans will have their interest perk right up."
Seattle management explained the move as both a cost-cutting measure and a chance to play some young infielders, principally Richard Bender. "We think Dick Bender's got an exciting and unique talent and one that our female fans in particular will be intrigued by," said Owner/GM Mack Shultz. Other, more mundane possibilities for the starting infield job will be Paulino Reyes and the newly acquired Roberto Ferrer.
One rumor going around is that star shortstop Camelo Deleon will be moved to second base and one of the youngsters will be installed in his place. "He is named 'The Gimp' after all," said one anonymous clubhouse source.
One thing is sure though. Monarchs fans will certainly miss Gerhardt. He steals bases, has a great work ethic, burns to win, bunts exceptionally, and is an all-around great guy. Basically he's Willie Bloomquist, but actually good.
For perhaps the last time, before tonight's draft, the list of traded draft picks has been updated, to reflect this deal.
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