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"Kitt, can you tell me what is going on with Delaney and Shafto? Both of them seem to really be having trouble putting the wood on the ball this season."
"I can't rightly say John. Shafto was injured earlier and missed a few days, but he had a good spring and looked like he was his ol self. As to Delaney, Ima thinkin maybe hes agittin abit long in the tooth."
"Delaney is only 30 years old Kitt, he can't be losing it already."
"Now John, you know as well I as I do, some players lose it before others. And this may be the case. What does Sellers think about Delaney?"
"Sellers? Hell Kitt, he taint got any idea about baseball or players. I only hired him as the scout because Mr. Boyer forced my hand."
"Maybe so John, but, it wouldn't hurt to ask him his opinion I suppose."
A knock on the door by Sara Topin interrupted my conversation with Kitt.
"Yes Sarah?"
"Sorry to disturb you Mr. Smith, but Earl Barber is here, says he wants to speak with you. I told him you were in a meeting with Mr. Dellas, but he said that he needed to speak to Mr. Dellas also, so it's best that he's here."
"Send him in Sarah."
Looking over at Kitt, I raised my eyebrows, and he shrugged his shoulders in response.
"Sorry to disturb you Mr. Smith, but I needed to speak with you, and since Kitts here, it made sense to talk to both of you togather." Earl Barber stated as he walked into my office.
"It's ok Earl, what seems to be on your mind."
"Well, I'ma thinking its time to hang up my cleats after this season. taint doing the team much good just sittin on the bench, and well, Ima thinkin its time."
"Earl," Kitt Dellas replied, "I hope this decision isn't based on your playing time. You still have something to offer the team."
"No sir Skipper, I'm 36, and I know that is old by baseball standards. No, playing time dont have much to do with it. But think ya for the kind words."
"Earl, what you have planned for after baseball."
"Well John, I don't rightly know, I was hoping maybe I could land a job doing coaching or some such with the team. I plan on staying in Las Vegas and such."
"I think we can do that, however, you might have to coach one of the minor league teams, Denver or Plano. Think you can handle that?"
"yes sir."
"Get with me at the seasons end Earl, and I will let you know what openings we have and see what we can arrange."
"Thank you Mr. Smith, and I'll see you on the field skip."
After Earl left, Kitt sat back and the room was silent for a few moments.
"Teams agittin old John. First Earl, then Javier Sanchez, and so on. Hell, Tyler Young might even decide to hang em up."
"Team is starting to get old Kitt, and so is Mr. Boyer, thats why you need to get us past Raleigh and a league championship." I replied, "As to Tyler Young retiring, hell, I imagine we will have to bury him under second base."
Kitt shook his head laughing.
"So, you going to meet with Sellers and ask his opinion on Shafto and Delaney?"
"No Kitt, I dont think so. Ima thinkin he needs to head down mexico way and experience life on the road as a scout. I think it will do him some good."
"Him or you?" Kitt asked laughing.
"Both." I replied laughing back.
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