Byline: Max Offen Sichtlich
Off Topic
Loss of Dixon Looms Large
October 1, 2055
The Sacramento Mad Popes have completed another season, sweeping the highly coveted Pacific Division banner back to the Basilica in grand fashion. It’s their third-straight division title, and their 7th in the past nine seasons. “Life is good,” said assistant General Manager Carlos Camacho from beside his GM during yesterday’s luncheon meet and greet and Can Padro’s deli. The club’s 95 wins was down a ittle from general expectation, but workable as far as the fans are concerned.
Though, admittedly the fan base was a little perplexed when Collins took the podium.
“We’re excited for the exhibition season to start,” said GM Ron Collins. “I know we’re going to get to wow the fans by playing either Nashville or Hawaii (who meet in the Geoghegan Round of the postseason), and I’m sure a great time will be had by all. And even though neither one of them won a pennant, I besiege all our fans to treat them as if they are just as worthy of praise. I mean, you know, not everyone can win a championship.”
Afterwards, Mae Flowers, the manager of the deli, scratched her head.
“I don’t know,” she said. “It’s almost like he doesn’t know the season isn’t over.”
This comes after a season of erratic behavior from the General Manager, who has made several interesting moves, but has generally been seen as slow-witted and out of touch after several seasons away from said competition.
Regardless of all that, the big question looming over the club has to do with what they will do about the gaping hole that Dallas Dixon’s sprained knee leaves them at second base. Dixon has no measurable power to discuss, but has slashed .292/.342/.358 and stole 30 bases in 36 attempts. Defensively, he hasn’t been particularly rangy, but is sure-handed and can turn two with the best of them. More importantly, there really is no great answer in the team’s deck of cards. Ultimately, it looks like Rich Dares will take the spotlight front and center, and we all know the questions that have been centering on him all year. At least Dares had a semi-tepid September, slashing .246//.297/.286 with three doubles. Arguably his best month of the year. Yeah. As if that’s solace.
“Dallas is a guy we really didn’t want to lose,” said Camacho after Collins had left, his gaze flashing to the green-eyed woman who represented the medical staff at the briefing. “But we’ll be exploring our options.”
The doctor said Dixon was unlikely to recover before the postseason “exhibition” was over, so we’re not sure what Camacho meant there.
There’s a week to find out, though, so stay tuned.
| POS | Player Name | Age | B | T | OVR | POT | Con | Con P | Gap | Gap P | Pow | Pow P | Eye | Eye P | AvK | AvK P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2B | Dallas Dixon | 29 | R | R | 70 | 70 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| Source | Ht | Wt | SPD | STE | RUN | CAB | CAR | IFR | IFE | IFA | TDP | OFR | OFE | OFA | ||
| DR45.1 | 6'2" | 200 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 4 |
| POS | Player Name | Age | B | T | OVR | POT | Con | Con P | Gap | Gap P | Pow | Pow P | Eye | Eye P | AvK | AvK P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3B | Rich Dares | 27 | S | R | 50 | 50 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Source | Ht | Wt | SPD | STE | RUN | CAB | CAR | IFR | IFE | IFA | TDP | OFR | OFE | OFA | ||
| Trade | 6'2" | 200 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 8 |
