Today in the CBO
News and Notes - Reports from around the Commonwealth
by Nat Wright-Kowalski
16 May 2297 - Abernathy Rookie Taking Leave
Bradberton-signee Shop Pour, a rookie infielder for Abernathy's minor league team the Bunker Hill Gun Fu, is taking a leave of absence. Pour simply said, "I'm not feeling it."
Bunker Hill manager Brent Bellemare said that they would respect Pour's request and give him a chance to cool off. "He's going to take a trip back to his home in Bradberton, maybe go take a ride on the roller coasters. Then he's going to let us know if he's coming back or staying home."
In two appearances with the Gun Fu, Pour is 2 for 3 with a run scored.
16 May 2297 - Nordhagen Beach Considering Call Up
The Nordhagen Beach Party Boys are struggling as a team. With a 6-12 record, pitching can be the biggest blame on the last-place start 30% through the 2297 season.
The Party Boys are last or near the bottom in all pitching categories in the Brotherhood League, including last in runs allowed (128), Starters ERA (7.32), and Bullpen ERA (4.91). That seems like changes are needed. Since there are no current pitching prospects to save the day, though, the Boys may need to make a different change.
According to a source close to the organization, one change that Nordhagen Beach could make is to help produce more runs. The Boys are doing well in that category, 3rd in the BL in runs scored (106), 3rd in batting average (.303), and 2nd in home runs (26). However, they are struggling at the bottom of the lineup where 3B Tommy Talkington is batting .176, though he does have 4 home runs and 12 RBI, and SS Taboo Richardson is batting .183 with a home run and 5 RBI.
Ryan Combs, currently playing with the Greentop Nursery Night People, whom the Party Boys acquired in a trade in 2296, has been hitting well. On the season, he is batting .338, going 22 for 65 with five doubles, 13 runs, and 10 RBI. He has walked 15 times and struck out 11.
While Combs is best suited as a second baseman, he can play any infield position in a pinch. Also, the Party Boys' leadoff hitter Brian Masterson could move to shortstop if needed, allowing Combs to slot in at 2B. That would not make the defense as strong, but it should make the offense more efficient.
We will see if Nordhagen Beach does make the move, but scoring more runs could help balance the pitching deficit. In our opinion, it would be a good move to shake up the team and get it on the right path.