OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - The Bright Side of the Bay: An Oakland Athletics Dynasty

William Foster · 08-12-2009, 02:46 AM

Meanwhile...

Zalman Orloff was a busy man as GM of the A's on July 12th. Despite leading the AL West the A's had major holes in their offensive department and just couldn't seem to hit no matter what he tried. The impending return of Cust, Nomar, and Buck would help that, but for now he had other worries as he picked up the ringing phone.

"What is it now Theo?" Zalman said questioningly into the phone with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"Alright Z I know we've been discussing this trade for the last week or so but I'm prepared to listen to your counter offers now because I decided I really want to get this deal done." said Theo Epstein GM of the Boston Red Sox. He spoke with calmly, confidently, and diligently to Orloff as though he had seniority. A world series ring tends to go to anyones head.
"I told you I'm not giving up Coleman and Copeland for nothing," Orloff replied. "Maybe if you gave me Smoltz, HA!"
Theo paused as though contemplating something in his mind. His years of experience in his position were about to come in handy and Zalman could tell.
"Alright how about I take Coleman, Copeland, and that contract of Ducsherer's off your hands in exchange for Smoltz," replied Theo. "That way you get an ace pitcher for the stretch run and I get a decent arm with a pair of prospects that anyone would like."
Zalman was stunned for the first time in his career as a General Manager. Did he have an opportunity to improve the team here?
"I'm going to want more than just Smoltz," he said with his gameface on. "Perhaps if you add Jon Van Every to replace Copeland on the bench we would have a deal."
Theo spoke with a sense of happiness in his voice. "I think we may have a deal Z.. well for once at any rate."
"I'll call the Chronicle and tell them the news then, Best of luck to you Theo and may both our teams get better from this."
"Oh sure of course."

The young GM was feeling a mixture of joy and fear from his first trade. Coleman wasn't exactly a blue chip prospect but he had a fair bit of pop for a Shortstop and Ducsherer was very popular with the fanbase. Smoltz was the pitcher the A's would need to advance beyond the first round in the playoffs and was worth both of these players to him. The fan base and papers might think differently though.
"Oh well," he said as he dialed the number for the Chronicle and prepared to tell them the news. Negative criticism was to be expected after all.

08-12-2009, 02:46 AM	#16
William Foster Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 120	Meanwhile... Zalman Orloff was a busy man as GM of the A's on July 12th. Despite leading the AL West the A's had major holes in their offensive department and just couldn't seem to hit no matter what he tried. The impending return of Cust, Nomar, and Buck would help that, but for now he had other worries as he picked up the ringing phone. "What is it now Theo?" Zalman said questioningly into the phone with a hint of annoyance in his voice. "Alright Z I know we've been discussing this trade for the last week or so but I'm prepared to listen to your counter offers now because I decided I really want to get this deal done." said Theo Epstein GM of the Boston Red Sox. He spoke with calmly, confidently, and diligently to Orloff as though he had seniority. A world series ring tends to go to anyones head. "I told you I'm not giving up Coleman and Copeland for nothing," Orloff replied. "Maybe if you gave me Smoltz, HA!" Theo paused as though contemplating something in his mind. His years of experience in his position were about to come in handy and Zalman could tell. "Alright how about I take Coleman, Copeland, and that contract of Ducsherer's off your hands in exchange for Smoltz," replied Theo. "That way you get an ace pitcher for the stretch run and I get a decent arm with a pair of prospects that anyone would like." Zalman was stunned for the first time in his career as a General Manager. Did he have an opportunity to improve the team here? "I'm going to want more than just Smoltz," he said with his gameface on. "Perhaps if you add Jon Van Every to replace Copeland on the bench we would have a deal." Theo spoke with a sense of happiness in his voice. "I think we may have a deal Z.. well for once at any rate." "I'll call the Chronicle and tell them the news then, Best of luck to you Theo and may both our teams get better from this." "Oh sure of course." The young GM was feeling a mixture of joy and fear from his first trade. Coleman wasn't exactly a blue chip prospect but he had a fair bit of pop for a Shortstop and Ducsherer was very popular with the fanbase. Smoltz was the pitcher the A's would need to advance beyond the first round in the playoffs and was worth both of these players to him. The fan base and papers might think differently though. "Oh well," he said as he dialed the number for the Chronicle and prepared to tell them the news. Negative criticism was to be expected after all.