A Shot of Redemption: The Story of Will Kane

[PotatoOfCouch13]

...continued

I arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes before I was supposed to. That was due to a combination of nerves and a lack of stuff to do today.

I had no idea what Jeff wanted to talk to me about. I'd never worked in communications before, and my degree was in business law.

Jeff arrived right on time, carrying a big hunk of plastic that must've weighed about 5 pounds.

"Sorry I'm late, I just had a meeting run long. You know, you really ought to get one of these mobile phones," he said, pointing to the huge plastic object. "They really come in handy for people like me that are always on the go."

"No offense, Jeff, but I don't go anywhere, and I have to work within a budget, so I'll have to pass this time."

Jeff muffled a chuckle. "You've got a sense of humor. I love that. So, Will...is it alright if I call you Will?"

"Sure, just don't call me Stupid."

"We'll let history be the judge of that, my friend. So, do you know what you're getting?" Jeff stared down at the menu

*

[OregonDuck1989]

Is Will going to be roundin up any posses in this dynasty?

"Come on Pokes, Let's go save Major League Baseball!"

[RedsoxRockies]

Could you make a new player named Dick Head who is a SS with awesome contact and fielding, ok speed, and little power?

[PotatoOfCouch13]

OregonDuck1989: We'll see. If the situation warrants a showdown, he might have to...

RedsoxRockies: Born in 1972, Richard Givens Head always had dreams of playing major league baseball, despite his unfortunate name. As he graduates high school in 1990, he is the top rated SS in the country, and is expected to be one of the top draft picks in the 1990 draft.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

...continued

1 hour later, I sat back in my chair. That was the finest meal I've had in a long time, perhaps some of the best Italian cuisine I've ever tasted. Jeff was still picking at his cannoli when he pulled out a folder stuffed with papers.

"What's that?" I asked.

"That is what I wanted to talk to you about. Let's take a walk. I'll meet you outside in 5 minutes."

*

[RedsoxRockies]

Ahh! Your posts are too short! And thanks on making "Richard" Head

[PotatoOfCouch13]

RedsoxRockies: Yeah, I was initally going to keep myself at a slow, steady pace, but I think I'm losing people. So I'll start making posts bigger. And we can call him Dick.

*

We walked along the shores of Lake Erie, forcing small talk about families, politics, and current events.

“Look, Jeff. I’m not an idiot. I know something’s up.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Jeff, I’m not an idiot. You wouldn’t drive 6 hours from Indianapolis just to have dinner with me. What are you here for?”

He sighed, then continued: “Will, I’m part of the ownership group that just bought the Mariners. We want you to be a part of that.”

A chance to get back into baseball sounded too good to be true. “I’ll have to think about it…”

“I’ll give you a week. You have my number?”

“Yep.”

*

I tossed and turned. I couldn’t sleep. It was the usual nightmare.

“What’s it going to be, Will?”

“Come on Will! I need to call them back!”

“It’s your decision, Will. Now make one!”

“NO!”

I screamed as I sat up in bed. I was sweating, and breathing heavily. Another night with no sleep. I rolled over and turned on the TV. It was 3am, and nothing was on.

I couldn’t help but think about the offer. It was tempting. I would be able to get out of my dingy apartment, stop working at a fast-food chain, and get back into baseball.

Jeff was offering me a 2nd chance. I’d be foolish not to take it.

*

[jshaw]

i don't think the posts are too short, just to much time between them

[soxfan93]

Yeah, man, I'm really interested in this. Please, pick up the pace haha.

It looks great so far, as your dynasties always do

[PotatoOfCouch13]

jshaw: Sorry. Just trying to pace myself!

soxfan93: Thank you! Hope to keep you interested!

*

2. The First Press Conference

Flashbulbs were popping everywhere as I adjusted the microphone. The neatly-pressed white shirt and the royal blue necktie hid the lump in my throat the size of a small cup of coffee.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’d like to thank the Mariners organization for giving me the opportunity to mold this team into a pennant contender. With several talented young players, I feel that that dream isn’t far off. I’ll take questions now.”

And now, the 500-pound gorilla: “Mr. Kane, you were dismissed from your position with the Royals over a year ago. Can you shed some light on your firing?”

“They’re willing to offer a 3-for-2 trade.”

“It was a difference of opinions in terms of player management. Needless to say, I used all 3 strikes, so I was called out. I have no qualms against the Kansas City organization. But I’m not here to talk about the past: please kindly keep all questions toward this Seattle team.”

“Mr. Kane, how about a timetable for the Mariners winning the World Series?” A lot of laughter in the room; perhaps a joke?

“Well, as you probably know, this franchise hasn’t had a winning season yet in its history. We’ll look to change that this season. I think it goes 1) winning season, 2) compete for division, 3) win division, 4) win pennant, 5) win World Series. Steps 1-5 will be complete by the end of the decade, hopefully sooner.”

“How do you see the AL West shaping up this season?”

“There is no doubt in my mind that the AL West is the best division in baseball. The champion will have a huge edge over the East division winner, simply because there are tougher opponents. I mean, you have the reigning World Champs in Oakland, you have to figure that the road to the ALCS runs through them. You also have strong teams in California and Kansas City, as well as teams in Texas and us Mariners that may surprise some people. It’s tough to tell.”

“2 more questions.” The press secretary was under strict orders to get me out of the press room in a hurry.

“Mr. Kane, how do you plan to deal with the logjam at the 3 outfield spots?”

“I’ll deal with that when the time arises. I’m still trying to familiarize myself with my surroundings, I can’t get caught up in position battles just yet.”

“Last question.”

“Mr. Kane, the team you’re inheriting may be undergoing some serious changes soon. With the potential for 18 players in the final year of their contract, how do you plan on keeping this team intact for the World Series title you guaranteed us?”

“An excellent question. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Hopefully the fans turn out to see Alvin, Junior, and the rest of the Mariners, and we’ll deal with contracts during the offseason.”

*

[filihok]

Quote:
“They’re willing to offer a 3-for-2 trade.”

What in the hell did Will Kane do? I can only think of one thing dastardly enough to cause this kind of trouble...tell me that you didn't

[Mizerak]

Another great beginning...good prose.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

filihok: I have no idea what you're talking about, but I'll slowly reveal some details on what Will Kane did. He didn't kill a h**ker, if you were wondering...

Mizerak: Thanks! Hope you keep reading!

*

3. Lineup Issues

“WHAT THE HELL!? KANE! GET OUT HERE!”

Oh crap. What did I do?

I poked my head out of the ‘office’ at Mariners Spring Training Headquarters in Tempe, AZ. It wasn’t really an office, it was more like a smattering of mobile homes that constituted an office park. Honesty, I’m only there for 45 days a year. I’m not too worried that I don’t have “furnishings” or “secretaries” or “desks”. Besides, everything was packed up to be shipped up north to Seattle. Opening Day was only 3 days away.

Pete O’Brien was marching my way, with hitting coach Gene Clines in hot pursuit.

“Kane! We need to talk, NOW.”

“Right this way, Pete.” I ushered the big man into my shed. “What’s going on?” I asked Clines.

“Found out he wasn’t starting on Opening Day.”

*

“When I signed my contract, [former Mariners GM Woody] Woodward told me that I was his starting first basemen, and when I get to camp, I find out that Davis is at first, and that prick Leonard is DHing.”

“Well, in fairness to them, you were the last one here…”

O’Brien’s fiery Irish temper broke out of control, as he lifted me up and slammed me against the aluminum wall. “Now listen here, you has-been! I want to start or I want to be traded to a place I can start. You have until next week.” He threw me down into the corner of the trailer before stomping out.

I picked myself up and dusted myself off. I turned to Gene.

“Better make sure he doesn’t find Alvin or Jeffrey.”

The coach nodded, and hurriedly chased after the incensed first baseman.

*

[phillies999]

Nice start, I'm liking this!

[PotatoOfCouch13]

phillies999: Thanks! Hope you keep reading!

*

4. Mariner Monday on KJR

“Welcome back to the ‘DJ and the Rock’ radio program here on Seattle’s sports radio, KJR. And Rocky, we’ve got a great program lined up for you today.”

“We sure do, Deej. With the Mariners season kicking off tonight against the World Champion Oakland A’s, we’re introducing a new segment, designed to take you diehard Mariners fans from April to September and hopefully beyond: Mariner Monday here on KJR. We’ll be talking with Mariners GM Will Kane today in a few hours, but first, let’s talk Sonics basketball…”

*

I switched off the radio. ‘DJ and the Rock’ was the most popular afternoon talk show in the Pacific Northwest, and I was going to be on in a few hours.

From what I had gathered by listening to them over the past few days, this wasn’t going to be my toughest test. The interviews conducted were primarily light-hearted, with lots of joking around and a little bit on mudslinging on the side.

While I had a minute, I ought to check The Times to see yesterday’s scores:

- The Rangers outslugged the White Sox, 16-8, taking an early lead in the AL West. Rookie CF Juan Gonzalez went 6-6, with a double, 3 home runs, and 8 RBI in the victory.

- The Red Sox also got 3 home runs from Dwight Evans, and the bullpen hung on for a 12-11 victory over the Brewers.

- The Yankees and Tigers were involved in a much more relaxed affair, with the Yankees and Pascual Perez winning a pitcher’s duel, 3-2.

- Finally, the Giants needed 4 runs in the 9th inning to beat the Padres, 5-1.

Maybe I should look have my scouts look into that 6-6 performance by our rivals’ 20-year-old outfielder. Maybe Junior isn’t even the best centerfielder in our division…

*