The Team Meeting
by Steve Meyers
New York Bakers
April 20, 1908
Owner: Thatddeus Wolcroft 75 years old
GM: Julien Henri 32 years old
TW: I’ve got some concerns Julien.
JH: I know, boss, we’re in the cellar, again, but it’s different this time. We are only…
TW: I’m not talking about the team record Julien. I’m looking at that #1 draft pick from last year.
JH: (gulp) Yes, sir. He has struggled a bit with the power but he’s hitting .350. The kid is only 19 and…
TW: I don’t care about the batting average, Julien. .350, .400, I’m looking at what he is going to do for us over the next few years. He can win a batting title in Poughkeepsie but if he can’t do it when he gets to New York it means nothing.
JH: I don’t understand, sir?
TW: Julien, can we agree that Verner Lenn (Scout) knows his apples when it comes to talent?
(Julien nods)
OK, so how do you explain the drop in expectations from when you drafted him until now? He was supposed to be a strong contact hitter and a stellar fielder. Heck, if all he is going to do is field, we should have drafted that pitcher. What’s his name? That other NY player?
JH: Selvey, sir. Henry Selvey.
TW: He’s rated #2 of all the young arms and I can’t even find…what’s our shortstops name, again?
JH: William Curtis
TW: Yes, Curtis. They don’t even have him in the top 100 ballplayers, Julien.
JH: Don’t give up on the young man, sir. We’ve got Micah Delong (HC for Poughkeepsie) working with him and giving him extra attention to develop that bat.
TW: And, this DeLong, is he any good? Because if he can’t get the job done, we’re going to need somebody over there to get it done. Follow my drift?
JH: Absolutely sir.
TW: Okay, Julien, That’s enough for today. Get the team out of the cellar and keep me informed on this, what’s his name, again?
TW: Curtis, sir, William Curtis.