Tuesday, June 7, 2016

End of an era in Shackamaxon

The Shackamaxon Lenape announced a hastily-convened press conference this afternoon to announce the departure of two franchise legends, and the trade of another current star to shake up the rebuilding franchise.

"We are announcing the release of future Hall of Famer John Grondin, as well as Scott Loman," GM Michael Weintraub stated. "Both players were illustrious members of our 25th Anniversary Team, and valuable stars on our recently-successful teams."

Grondin was in the final year of a $82m extension he signed after the 2024 season, following the completion of his initial 7 year, $200m contract he signed back in early 2019. 2028 was his tenth season with the team, and his second as the first baseman after spending the first eight seasons as the second baseman. Unfortunately, time caught up with the now 36-year-old, as he only slashed .217/.289/.348 with 5 home runs and 52 strikeouts in 41 games this season.

Loman was a valuable part of the franchise's pitching staff for eight seasons before leaving for free agency in 2026. After a year away from the team, he signed a $650,000 contract and won the 5th starter job in spring training. Unfortunately, Loman went 0-6 with a 12.60 ERA in eight starts this season.

Replacing those two on the roster will be two youngsters acquired from Norfolk's AAA team today in a blockbuster deal: Ben Turner will be the new starting first baseman, and Emilio Perez will join the back of the Lenape rotation. Both players were acquired for star catcher George Robinson. The Lenape also acquired Norfolk's 3rd and 4th round picks in next season's amateur draft.

Fighting back tears, Grondin vowed to keep playing. "I'm not done yet, I can still play. Someone might need a DH..."

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