Veteran Ace on the Move Again

As the Shackamaxon Lenape filed onto the bus that would take them to Ft Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport at the end of spring training, GM Michael Weintraub pulled ace starter Bruno Talamantez aside.

"Is it true you won't negotiate during the season?" Weintraub asked. 

Talamantez, in the final year of his contract, nodded as he handed his duffelbag to a clubbie. He didn't want any distractions. The wear and tear of a long career was starting to extend his daily training, and he knew he wasn't going to win that elusive last Cecil Cup with Shackamaxon this season. He would play his best, and sign the final contract of his career next winter. That was the plan he made after he was traded to the Lenape earlier in the offseason.

"Ok, thanks," Weintraub said, and looked down at his phone.

Four hours later, when the team's charter plane touched down at Philadelphia International Airport, Weintraub pulled Talamantez aside again. He told him, plainly: "We've traded you to Brick. Go get that ring and I'll be in touch after the season."

The assembled press, waiting for the team's return from spring training, was stunned. As Talamantez silently looked for his Uber ride to take him to Brick, NJ, the team's GM had to look down at his phone repeatedly as he explained the trade.

"We're getting four young players from Brick, including three pitchers. Zack Sullivan will go in our bullpen, Jake Glenn in our AAA rotation in Arizona Bay, Dave O'Brien will bat cleanup at AA Kalmar, and George Pepin will be our closer at single A Caprica. We also gave Brick our 3rd and 6th round draft picks. Fred really likes those sixth round picks.

"We don't know who our new fifth starter will be. I've been assured that Alejandro Baez is ready to take on the role of staff ace now. If you'll excuse me, I need to talk to Henry."