Help Is On The Way
June 11, 2035: San Juan, Puerto Rico – Last week saw the start of a new era. New General Manager, J.D. Caldwell took over the Coqui organization and quickly went to work. Just days on the job, Caldwell oversaw his first PEBA Amateur Draft. However, more immediate attention was needed on the big club in San Juan.
Going into the week, the Coqui were in a tailspin losing 12 of their last 15 ballgames. Starting outfielders Wally Glasser (shoulder) and Kelvin McDonald (wrist) were on the injured list while starting shortstop Roberto Salazar has battled nagging injuries all season and would miss the series at San Antonio. This left infielders Hae-young Pak and Oscar Wetherby fighting through exhaustion but playing nonetheless.
Caldwell got busy and brought up veteran infielder Freddy Brooks and outfielders Hyung-ki Ka and Martin Butterworth, with his swing as sweet as maple syrup. No word if Mrs. Butterworth made the trip with Martin. Caldwell also brought up starting pitcher Marcel Osterhout from the Santo Domingo Tourists, replacing Tetsuzav Shimada.
In San Antonio, the Coqui bit the bullet, giving several starters much-needed rest, and lost the first two games 1-0 and 7-5. San Juan bounced back with a 1-0 combined shut out from starter Antonio Avila and closer Jose Gomez.
The Coqui came home to drop their series opener with Scottish 4-2 on a rare blown save by Jesus Luna. San Juan then took the next two games 6-1 and 3-0 giving the Coqui three wins in four games and some momentum to leap forward in the coming months in the fight for a playoff spot in the Trans Atlantic.