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"Mr. Jockety?"
"Yes, Keith. How are you today?"
"Uhh.., fine, sir. Fine. Look, I've got to talk to you about something-"
"Hold up. Before you start, have you started talks with Escobar? What does he want? 1.45? incentives?"
Walt's personality was built for the job of general manager, however years of worrying and stress have turned him into a quick paced, rough person.
"That's what I need to talk to you-"
"Did you start talks with Escobar or not? We need another outfielder, dammit!"
Keith snapped, knowing this was likely the last conversation he'd have with Walt Jockety.
"Sir, if I may interrupt you, but I am resigning my position with the Reds?"
Silence.
"... You're resigning? Why?"
His hot temper, worked up by Keith's lack of work, cooled down as a hot summer day would after a storm.
"I've accepted the job as the general manager of the Columbus Captains, of the Federal League. That's why I've been inactive."
"The Federal League? What the hell is that?"
Keith took another breath, and held back from unleashing another torrent at his former boss.
"It's a league," with teeth gritting, "that's trying to bring major league baseball back to smaller cities, like Columbus."
"But why the hell are you leaving the Majors? I mean, hell, if you were still the general manager of our Triple A team and was offered the job, I'd understand. But you've reached the top. Why leave now?"
"I haven't reached the top. I'm not THE general manager, and with this team improving, I have no chance for at least a decade. I need control, my own team to build. I'm sorry Walt."
More silence, typically meaning a storm, this time from Walt, coming.
"Look here, son. I worked with you, patroned you, championed-"
"Shut Up! I've decided I'm moving on, and I don't need your commentary any more about my own personal choices. Goodbye Walt."
For once, Keith got to slam the phone down on Walt, not the other way around. What a nice feeling!
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