Moneyball 2: Electric Boogalo (OOTP 14)

[TheStraightGooch]

It was Danny's first game in the O.Co coliseum. He had a good one, slamming two home runs off the reeling Yankees.

"Danny, I'd like you to meet Derek Jeter. He's gonna be your mentor. He's won four gold gloves at shortstop and played third base last season."
"Good to meet you, Derek. Been a fan since I was young."
Derek was used to this role. "Just sit quiet and do your job, Rook. I'm going to teach you the ropes, tonight."
Derek Jeter looked as if he suffered from insomnia. His eyes were wide open, edges dipped in a grime-like yellow substance, and his face was warmed by a blanket of stubble.
Danny Vicioso reached for his glove.
"No need to bring your glove, Danny. You are a ballplayer." Derek Jeter discretely disseminated the information to the student. Derek motioned towards a shiny card in his wallet. "I got what you need."
Danny grinned. He hated taking errant grounders off his knees.

[TheStraightGooch]

[TheStraightGooch]

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Bruce Bochy opened the door to his office. It was late, after an April 30th night game with the Tampa Bay rays, and a meeting was occurring with a player.
"Billy, how ya holdin' up". The mood in the locker room had grown sour. A particular player was to blame.
Billy was very nervous. "I don't know where it went wrong. We all agreed on the plan."
"It's bad enough he can't hit. He's been a little incensed this month. He's popular, for sure."
"The other teammates seem to pick up on his vibe. That is the source of the discipline problems."
"Bruce, bring him in."
Jeter enters the room.
"Bruce, Billy, glad to see you here. What seems to be the problem?"
"Jeter, your attitude is troubling the team. We need you to be a positive influence. You seem to be grinding your gears."
"Bruce is saying your attitude blows, party-boy. Step it up."
"Yes, sir. I am working through frustration in an unprofessional way. I am sorry. I believe Danny has made progress with his work at third and I wish to continue to mentor him."
Bruce thought, so far, Danny was improving.
"Just be ready for the game Derek, be ready tomorrow."

[TheStraightGooch]

Danny was expecting Derek to tutor him on Monday the 4th after a loss to Detroit. The wily veteran seemed to have slipped out of the clubhouse unnoticed.
Danny left the stadium looking for Derek. He moved towards his car parked in the lot.
"Hey, no training today, Danny. You deserve a vacation." Derek had pulled up in a fancy red convertible.
Danny didn't like taking grounders off the knees.
"Who is the girl, Derek?"
"A local friend. Do well, and I'll let you get to know her. Picked her up downtown. Red light district."
Danny jumped into the car. He was in the backseat with the girl, Citronella.
"Danny, what's it like being a big-league star? I always ask Derek but he has shut lips."
Citronella hands him a flask of whiskey. Jeter exits the stadium down a back road to avoid traffic.
"Don't let Rook over here Bogart the booze." said a straight faced Derek. Derek took the flask and had a gratuitous sip.
"Derek, isn't that somewhat illegal behind the wheel?"
"Rook, I'm Derek Jeter. Illegal doesn't apply to me. I know this is your first year in the league, but you don't need to act like such a baby."
"I'm not sure it's going to be in Oakland, Danny, but you are a ballplayer. You'll be singing big checks. That's what I'm here for."
"Derek is so dashing when he's buzzed" stated Citronella. She climbed into the passenger seat leaving Danny by his lonesome.
Danny liked being on the big league team.

[TheStraightGooch]

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The team bus pulled outside the stadium. They had arrived from Oakland.

Oakland Manager Bruce Bochy thought the team needed some practice.
Derek Jeter was teaching his rook Danny.
"New Jack City. The place to be for a baseball player. I've been to every club in this town. This is my homecoming. They'll cheer me on the field."
"and later, they'll expect me in the clubs. Fancy restaurant. Rook, did you get those singles for us?"
Danny nodded.
"Atta boy, Rook. You're learning well. I might need to give you a nickname."
"Let's see... I'm known as The Captain, so you've gotta be my sidekick. I'm gonna call you Cougar, Rook."
"The cougar. A ferocious animal who prowls the canyons. I like it, Derek."
"A'ight, Cougar, we're celebrating after you go earn that paycheck. Let's get our mind on the game now."