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The Oakland Telegraph
29 October 2030
So near and yet so far for Beane, while Detroit win the World Series
By Dee Troy Tigers, Michigan correspondent
Paulie Beane was in a downbeat mood yesterday as he reflected on what might have been. In many ways, it had been a highly successful season. 112 wins, one of the all-time great pitching corps, great defense. They definitely were the best team in baseball this year, even if the World Series crown eluded them. But the year had ended on sour notes. First there was Brad Dundee's nasty injury which will rule him out for the whole of next season. And then there was the disappointing loss to ultimate world champions Detroit.
"Dundee's injury means our payroll budget for 2031 is effectively cut by his $9m salary, to $141m", said Beane, pointing out the blindingly obvious. "Losing him, coupled with Vargas's departure, leaves a huge hole in our rotation. My offseason plans will need revisiting somewhat". One of those plans which may be revisited, it seems, is his alleged intention to trade away starter Nathan Hamilton. This appeared to be on the cards according to a leaked internal memorandum written by one of the A's front office staff. A club spokesman said, however: "We have a policy of not commenting on what purports to be a leaked document, particularly if it is genuine. I can confirm though that we are in fact now negotiating a contract extension with Mr Hamilton".
So the offseason is less than 24 hours old and already the roster move machinations have started. That's another season in the books. Can the A's challenge again and make it a tenth consecutive year reaching the playoffs? There's only one way to find out.
Stop press: our smug and irritating effusive praise correspondent Bette Erthanmostteams has asked the editor to print the following statement. "I have asked the editor to include the following short statement about my 2030 pre-season prediction. I predicted Oakland would make the playoffs but not win the World Series. I was correct. I appreciate that this is not exactly the most improbable prediction ever but it is the first time I've ever got one right. The first time I've ever even come close, to be perfectly honest. I thank you."
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