Holdin' Onto Hope: A Houston Astros Dynasty (The Show 12)

[TheNumber35]

Since I've dumped my xbox for a PS3 (its about time lol) my Tigers franchise is kinda dead, so after scouring the Show forums and reading through the hundreds of pages of Astros content...I decided on them. I'm waiting until Scott's rosters come out to officially start, but I wanted to make the page now so I wouldn't forget later. I'm planning on doing a play 1, sim 5 strategy with this one, that way I can get into the franchise further and actually use some of those prospects Houston has been collecting. So without further ado...

Holdin’ Onto Hope: A Houston Astros Dynasty

Rosters: Scott's Rerated ZiPS Rosters (once they drop)
Schedule: 162 games
30 Team Control: On
Sliders: TNK's Realism Sliders
Hitting Difficulty: Veteran
Pitching Difficulty: All-Star
Fielding Difficulty: All-Star
Injuries: On

2011 Recap

The 2011 season was not kind to the Houston Astros as from the very beginning they were experiencing the woes of being a club rebuilding. Brett Myers outpitched Roy Halladay on Opening Day, and handed the ball to closer Brandon Lyon…however Lyon got only 1 out and ended up giving up a walk-off to the Phillies. The Astros never recovered from that and just were terrible the entire year. The Astros were so far out of it that they sent away productive young players Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence to Atlanta and Philadelphia respectively. For such a productive duo, they brought in a haul of young prospects which included 1^st baseman Jonathan Singleton, RHP Jarred Cosart, RHP Paul Clemens, and RHP Brett Oberholtzer. After dealing away their talent, the team continued to struggle right up until the end. They finished 56-106 and came in dead last in the NL Central, with the worst record in all of baseball. There were very few reasons to be optimistic about the team going forward but the contributions of 20 year old Jordan Lyles and 21 year old Jose Altuve were both positives that give some hope. In the offseason, Houston dealt closer Mark Melacon to Boston in exchange for Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland.

Looking Forward
The immediate future looks bleak for Houston, with a major league roster that is devoid of talent outside of established veterans Carlos Lee and Wandy Rodriguez and budding stud JD Martinez. The ‘Stros leave a lot to be desired with the lineup. It lacks power and speed as a whole. The rotation is probably the team’s strong point, with established lefty Wandy Rodriguez anchoring the team as the ace. Behind him is ace-in-waiting Bud Norris, the very average JA Happ, touted youngster Jordan Lyles, and the team’s scapegoat in Lucas “Milk Carton” Harrell. However, the minors do hold some hope for Houston as super prospect Jonathan Singleton is about a year away from making a major impact at the big league level. Not to mention first overall draft pick Carlos Correa (SS) and compensation pick Lance McCullers (SP) being a couple of years away as well. George Springer (OF) and the multitude of talented 2B players the Astros have in DeShields, Paredes, and even Altuve. Jared Cosart, Brett Oberholzer, and Kyle Weiland look to make impacts later this season or early next season in the rotation and bullpen.

Lineup

1. CF Jordan Schafer
2. 2B Jose Altuve
3. 3B Chris Johnson
4. 1B Carlos Lee
5. LF JD Martinez
6. C Jason Castro
7. SS Jed Lowrie
8. RF Brian Bogusevic
9. Pitcher Spot


Bench

2B Matt Downs
RF Travis Buck
C Chris Snyder
SS Marwin Gonzalez

Rotation

1. Wandy Rodriguez
2. Bud Norris
3. JA Happ
4. Jordan Lyles
5. Lucas “Milk Carton” Harrell


Bullpen

RHP Wilton Lopez
LHP Wesley Wright
LHP Sergio Escalona
RHP David Carpenter
RHP Brandon “WPOC” Lyon
RHP Fernando Rodriguez
RHP Brett “The Human Pinata” Myers (Closer)

Houston Astros
#	PITCHERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
28	David Carpenter	RP	R/R		6'2''	215
55	Rhiner Cruz (AAA)	RP	R/R		6'2''	205
52	Sergio Escalona	RP	L/L		6'0''	215
30	J.A Happ	SP	L/L		6'6''	195
64	Lucas "Milk Carton" Harrell	SP	S/R		6'2''	210
59	Wilton Lopez	RP	R/R		6'0''	205
41	Jordan Lyles	SP	R/R		6'4''	210
37	Brandon Lyon	RP	R/R		6'1''	200
39	Brett Myers	CP	R/R		6'4''	240
20	Bud Norris	SP	R/R		6'0''	230
43	Fernando Rodriguez	RP	R/R		6'3''	235
51	Wandy Rodriguez	SP	S/L		5'11''	195
53	Wesley Wright	RP	R/L		5'11	180
#	CATCHERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
15	Jason Castro	C	L/R		6'3''	215
18	Chris Snyder	C	R/R		6'4''	240
#	INFIELDERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
27	Jose Altuve	2B	R/R		5'5''	170
9	Marwin Gonzalez	SS	S/R		6'1''	195
23	Chris Johnson	3B	R/R		6'3''	220
45	Carlos Lee	1B	R/R		6'2''	270
4	Jed Lowrie	SS	R/R		6'0''	180
#	OUTFIELDERS	POS	B/T	AGE	HT	WT	SALARY
19	Brian Bogusevic	OF	L/L		6'3''	220
6	Travis Buck	OF	L/R		6'2''	230
16	Matt Downs	OF	R/R		6'1''	190
14	JD Martinez	OF	R/R		6'3''	205
1	Jordan Schafer	OF	L/L		6'1''	190

[TheNumber35]

Houston Astros Depth Chart - 2012

• Catcher
• Jason Castro
• Chris Snyder
• Cole Armstrong (AAA)

• First Base
• Carlos Lee
• Jed Lowrie
• Brett Wallace (AAA)

• Second Base
• Jose Altuve
• Matt Downs
• Jimmy Paredes (AAA)

• Third Base
• Chris Johnson
• Jed Lowrie
• Brett Wallace (AAA)

• Shortstop
• Jed Lowrie
• Marwin Gonzalez

• Left Field
• JD Martinez
• Travis Buck
• Matt Downs

• Center Field
• Jordan Schafer
• Brian Bogusevic

• Right Field
• Brian Bogusevic
• Travis Buck
• Matt Downs

• Starting Pitcher
• Wandy Rodriguez
• Bud Norris
• J.A Happ
• Jordan Lyles
• Lucas "Milk Carton" Harrell
• Kyle Weiland (AAA)

• Relief Pitcher
• Wesley Wright
• Sergio Escalona
• Wilton Lopez
• David Carpenter
• Fernando Rodriguez
• Brandon Lyon

• Closer
• Brett Myers
• Rhiner Cruz (AAA)

[TheNumber35]

Milk Carton In Hospital due to Brawl

HOUSTON, TX-- Astros Right-Handed Pitcher Lucas "Milk Carton" Harrell was hospitalized late last night in connection with a brawl at a local Houston bar. Harrell, 27, was apparently sitting alone at the bar alone drinking a soda when a man came up to him and began yelling profanities at him and saying how much he sucked at pitching. The man then began rapidly beating him with a baseball bat and rambling something about his "ugly mug" according to Harrell.

Harrell was set to compete for the 5th starter spot with Kyle Weiland in the Houston Rotation. Harrell had a slight edge because of his age, but Weiland is definitely the higher upside pitcher and Mills could go with him right from the go, so he can get his feet wet in the majors. Now, with Harrell injured for awhile, Weiland has an opportunity to take the job right out from under Harrell.

Houston manager Brad Mills had this to say when asked about Harrell's incident, "Someone said he sucks? Ha, I can't argue with that...I mean he's had some good outings for us, but he's cost us more than he's won us. Oh? He's in the hospital you said? Wow, I must look like a dick...I wasn't told the whole story by upper management yet, you guys hit me as I'm walking in the door to our facility with questions about a pitcher who hasn't proven anything to us yet, and I try to joke around...little did I know that he was actually hurt. I'll get in and talk this over with management, see what our plan is. But for now, I hope Milky gets better and can get back in camp ASAP so he can compete with Kyle for that 5th spot in the rotation."

[TheNumber35]

Office of Jeff Luhnow (General Manager of the Houston Astros)

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Harrell’s down for a while, looks like Weiland is going to have every chance to steal that job from him…it’s about damn time.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brad Mills

Look man, I don’t know what the hell your deal with this kid is…but he isn’t a horrible big league pitcher. He’s just young, a year or two in the bigs and I think he could be a big asset for us.

Mills slowly paces back and forth and takes a drink of water from the cooler in the corner. Luhnow looks at him and sighs.

Quote: Originally Posted by Luhnow

My deal with him is that he just isn’t talented enough for this team and it feels like we’ve been pressured into keeping this guy by Mr. Crane. I for one couldn’t stand it, so I did something about it…

Before Luhnow can finish his sentence, Brad interrupts him in shock.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mills

You what?!?! Jeff you didn’t…there’s no way that was you, the description didn’t fit you. And do you even understand how sick you sound?

Quote: Originally Posted by Luhnow

Well…I didn’t do anything, but I never said that I didn’t get someone to do it for me.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mills

Look Jeff, I don’t wanna know anything more…I think you’re a sick bastard and if what you’re telling me is true, you better not get caught. Because if you do, you’ll cost the whole organization their jobs. Including me, and I don’t agree with what you did.

Quote: Originally Posted by Luhnow

You may not agree with it, but you aren’t running to Mr. Crane to go tattle on me are you?

Quote: Originally Posted by Mills

Well I don’t like Mr. Crane as much as the next guy…but seriously, you better tread carefully man.

Mills leaves the office and Luhnow looks through his notes, writes something down, and smirks.

Quote: Originally Posted by Luhnow

Don’t worry about me…its Harrell and Mr. Crane you should be worried about, soon enough, this team will be ours for the taking Brad.

[TheNumber35]

Eastern Michigan University


Mr. Crane is at EMU giving the commencement address to the graduating class of 2012. After its completion he checks his phone, only to discover the news about Harrell’s incident. Right as this is happening, a young man in a cap and gown approaches Mr. Crane and begins to speak with him.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jim Crane

And who might you be? Sorry if I seem rude and direct son, but I just got some horrible news about a player on my ball club and I need to handle it.

Quote: Originally Posted by ???

Me? My name’s Brandon Gillespie sir, pleasure to meet you. I just graduated from EMU with a degree in Sports Management and I’m coming to you to ask if you may have a job opening in Houston for me. Which may seem ridiculous at a time like this because you’ve got to deal with Mr. Harrell’s injury and all. I just think I could really be helpful to your organization.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mr. Crane

Well that’s very honest and forward of you, and you know about Lucas’s injury? Mind filling me in? I’m kind of out of the loop here.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

No problem, apparently………………..

The two men chat back and forth for about an hour about Harrell’s injury, then they drift to talk of the Astros in general, their future, and finally a job.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mr. Crane

Is that so? Thank you for that, it seems like you’re a very knowledgeable young man. Tell me, why should I hire you over all the other more experienced baseball minds? I mean, there’s hundreds of guys who would kill for a chance to work as an assistant to a general manager…it’s a big break and I’d like you to convince me.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Well, if our conversation today about your organization wasn’t enough to convince you…actually, I’ll revise that. I don’t know why you’d still be standing here talking to me if I already hadn’t convinced you. You’re a very busy man and I’d imagine you have hundreds of better things to be doing than sitting here shooting bull with some kid you hardly know, unless you like me.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mr. Crane

You are every bit as smart as I thought you were Brandon, get yourself down to Houston by Thursday and you’ve got yourself a job. You’ll be working with my GM, Jeff Luhnow, so you had best be prepared.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Thank you Mr. Crane, you won’t regret this…I’m going to work harder than anyone you’ve ever seen.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mr. Crane

I’m counting on it…

[TheNumber35]

Office of Jeff Luhnow
March 20th, 2012


Exerpt from THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE
"The Astros have gotten off to a horrid start to spring, losing 15 of their first 18 games and really not looking like a very good team in the process. The lone bright spot has been...Milk Carton himself. After spending 2 weeks out of commission, he came back and began to battle with Kyle Weiland for the 5th spot in the rotation. Before coming back however, Lucas had a meeting with the new assistant to the General Manager, Brandon Gillespie.

The two chatted about many things, and made small talk. But they eventually got to the topic of pitching...something Gillespie knew very well. Gillespie had once been a very formidable pitcher, and one who had first round dreams back in high school, Of course, that was before blowing out his elbow his junior year. At times, he was considered to be the best player in the state of Michigan, and maybe even the country. Using his vast baseball knowledge, he began to mold Lucas in various parts of his mechanics and with his video work. Eventually, Harrell came on extremely strong and began to understand what Brandon had been teaching. He hasn't allowed a run this spring and is the only Astro to earn a victory, donning a 3-0 record with the sparkling 0.00 ERA and 21Ks."

Jeff Luhnow sits behind his desk reading the paper, once he finishes reading the article, he slams it down on the desk in frustration.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Damnit! I get this kid hurt, and give Weiland a shot...but for what? This Gillespie kid comes out of nowhere and suddenly Milky is ****ing Cy Young!

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Unbelievable, I had this kid's foot out the door...and some washed up high school pitcher comes around and fixes him? Who is this Gillespie kid anyways? I don't like him. He's smart, and he knows his stuff, he could be a problem for me in the near future if I don't figure out a way to deal with him

Luhnow hears a knock on his door and yells to see who it is, Wanda, his secretary, responds to him.

Quote: Originally Posted by Wanda

Mr. Luhnow, Mr. Gillespie is here along with Mr. Mills to have your weekly meeting...should I let them in?

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Yes of course, come on in gents.

Quote: Originally Posted by Gillespie and Mills

Thanks.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Now, let's go over our roster entering the last week of spring. Here's how I see us for position players right now: C Jason Castro, C Chris Snyder, 1B Carlos Lee, 2B Jose Altuve, 2B Matt Downs, 3B Chris Johnson, SS Jed Lowrie, SS Marwin Gonzalez, OF Jordan Schafer, OF Brian Bogusevic, OF JD Martinez, OF Travis Buck.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow (Continued)

And our Pitchers: LHP Wandy Rodriguez, RHP Bud Norris, LHP JA Happ, RHP Jordan Lyles, RHP Kyle Weiland, LHP Sergio Escalona, LHP Wesley Wright, RHP Wilton Lopez, RHP David Carpenter, RHP Fernando Rodriguez, RHP Brandon Lyon, RHP Brett Myers. Any complaints?

Gillespie looks over his notes and the men who the GM had listed and one name comes to mind.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Jeff, why is Lucas not on the roster? I mean, he's been our best arm all spring and he's definitely outpitched Kyle...as much as I love Kyle, he doesn't deserve that spot over Luke.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brad Mills

I agree with the kid, don't you want us to have a shot to win games? Milk Carton gives us that, more so than Weiland right now. I think its foolish to put Kyle in there right now, he just isn't quite ready yet.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Well I think he is, and I do have the final say on all this...don't I?

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Look Jeff, the bottom line is this: Weiland has pitched poorly this spring and Lucas hasn't. We offered up an open competition to both of the men and we damn well better reward the one who's won it.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Look here you cocky hotshot, you may think you're some awesome big league talent evaluator because you used to play baseball 40 million years ago...but you aren't. I've been doing this for years and you don't know jack squat. I'm taking Kyle out of camp, and that's final.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Hotshot? Look man...I don't know how I've rubbed you the wrong way, or how Lucas has, but you've lost your damn mind if you think for one second I'm backing down because you used a stern voice and tried to push me around. I may be a lower rank than you, but my knowledge is just as valuable as yours!

Just as Luhnow was about to respond, Wanda enters the room and begins to speak.

Quote: Originally Posted by Wanda

Sir, there's a telephone call for you...its from the Trainer, he said something about Kyle Weiland straining something?

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Put him through...ummhmm? Really? Well I guess that settles that...

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

What was it Jeff?

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Weiland is going to be out until May with a strained groin, he pulled it when doing PFP this morning. Nothing serious, but we'll have to fill his spot.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brad Mills

Well, looks like this argument is settled then...we take Harrell as our 5th guy for now, revisit in a month. Agree?

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Absolutely, that's all I asked for anyways...and I think that's all you wanted too right Brad?

Mills nods his head

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Fine...we'll take Milk Carton for now. Alright guys, I think we're done for today right? I'll see you both in a week to finalize our gameplan for the first week of the season.

Gillespie and Mills leave the room and once they do, Jeff turns to his computer and begins typing out the roster.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Damn...I cannot believe my hand got forced here, well its alright. Carton will fall flat on his face in the Bigs and then my plan can really start to come into fruition. Everything hinges on him, if I can get him to fail, then all my dreams will begin to come true. GM of a last place baseball club? Ha! Not for long, soon, I'll be the former owner of a last place ball club...but a rich one at that.

[TheNumber35]

Office of Jim Crane
March 21^st, 2012

Jim Crane has always been a simple man, he’s always known what he wanted and he’s done an excellent job of working hard to get it. Crane wanted to own a big league team, and worked his whole life to put together a successful business so he could purchase one. When the Astros became available, he pounced on the opportunity. Everything was great; he had reached his dreams and couldn’t have been happier. But that was a long time ago, things were more complicated now. He had made a mistake, one simple mistake, but it was coming back to haunt him now. Crane, while being a man of excellent character, had one fatal flaw. He was too emotional in his decision-making, which wasn’t always bad. But it was coming back to bite him now. The conversation he had with Jeff Luhnow a month ago was still flashing in his mind, like a coal that just wouldn’t burn out.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

Look Jim, you better understand exactly what’s going on here. You will be losing this year, and you will be turning over majority rights to the team to me. And you know why? Because I made you…I’m the whole reason you are where you are and it’s high time I got to collect on that!

Quote: Originally Posted by Jim Crane

But Jeff, this is MY dream. Not yours, not anyone else’s, it’s mine. I worked hard for this and I won’t be intimidated by the likes of my GM. I don’t care if you’re the reason I’m rich, I won’t be bullied around by you anymore!

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

You don’t seem to get it do you? The whole reason you are rich is because of stuff that I did, posing as you…stuff that if connected back to you, would be damning. Selig wouldn’t stand for these things being connected with his owners…so he’s nail you to the wall, and give the club to the innocent old, financially sound GM of the club. Who loves and cherishes his hometown Astros. You’ll be out of here by next season regardless.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jim Crane

…..What can I do to make you reconsider? I know. Jeff, you fancy yourself a gambling man right? Well I’ve got a bet you can’t possibly refuse.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

I’m listening…

Quote: Originally Posted by Jim Crane

I bet you all the evidence that you have of my “foul play”, that I can find a way to make Lucas Harrell into a serviceable big league pitcher. You know him, Mr. Milk Carton himself. He looks helpless out there at times, if I can make him an average big league pitcher for this upcoming season, you’ll resign and go away forever. If not, you can go public and start your turn of events.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jeff Luhnow

You’d really stake your future on this kid? You really are desperate aren’t you? Ya know what? I’m amused, you’ve got yourself a deal.

Why had he been so naïve? When a man approaches you and says that he can make all your dreams come true as long as you will reward him with whatever he pleases, you say no! Not get all giddy and have feelings that drive your thinking. Because of that, he had gotten himself into this mess with Jeff. Thank god for Brandon Gillespie, that guy might be the best hire he’d ever made. He was single-handedly saving his life. But he wouldn’t be able to do it forever, Harrell wasn’t a special talent…no matter how good a teacher Gillespie was, he wouldn’t fix Milk Carton. This would still blow up in his face. There was no way this kid could sustain this for a whole season. He was screwed.

[royals19]

I'm definitely following this. I like how its written from a front office standpoint!

[TheNumber35]

Quote: Originally Posted by royals19

I'm definitely following this. I like how its written from a front office standpoint!

Thanks! I'll get into the playing part of it and the team a bit more once Scott's rosters come out. But I definitely like the turmoil above concept, it adds intrigue and interest to everything going on with the club.

But I'll be simming the first month of the season to catch up to where I was in my first franchise once the rosters come out. So I'll have an end of April update and then get into playing games.

But again, thanks for following and I hope you enjoy!

[TheNumber35]

Apartment of Brandon Gillespie
March 25th, 2012
Houston, Texas

He walked in the door, feeling exhausted and worn out from another long day of work. He heard the shower running in the next room over the sounds of the TV left running on the Housewives of Orange County, Jersey Shore, or some other stupid reality show...he couldn't tell the difference honestly. He opened the fridge and grabbed a cold bottle of water. He sat on the couch, clicked off the TV, and finally relaxed for a second.

His right elbow ached with a phantom soreness, from the memories of baseball's past...as it did every once in awhile. Even though he'd had surgery years ago, the memory of sharp pain like that never completely leaves a man. That day lives on forever in his memory: It was a 1-2 count on May 22nd, 2006. Two outs in the bottom of the 7th inning, he was dominating crosstown rival Northville, winning 7-0. He had yet to allow a hit and had punched out 10 already. His catcher called for a heater, up and in. Of course that's what the catcher wanted, he could throw 98 with pinpoint control. He nodded, wound up and delivered the pitch. As soon as he did that, he felt a sharp tearing sensation in his elbow. He dropped to the ground in agony, writhing in pain, gripping for someone, something to come help him. The pitch? A swing and a miss. His 11th of the day and the final strikeout of his baseball career.

Quote: Originally Posted by female voice

Babe? You alright? You've been awfully quiet in there since you got home.

That was his girlfriend, Lisa. They'd been dating since the end of his senior year of high school. He graduated from Novi High School in Michigan after his injury and got a summer job. That's how he met Lisa. They worked at the same Subway and as soon as he saw her, he knew she was the girl for him. It took a lot of convincing and an extremely romantic ultimatum, but she agreed to date him. Since then, the two had been inseparable and were madly in love. She was a year older than him and they dated all throughout college. When Brandon was offered the job in Houston, Lisa was the first one to suggest she was coming with him. She was still adjusting to a life in a new town, as was Brandon.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Yeah, I'm alright. My elbow is aching again and I was just re-living that day again...but I'm alright. So how was your day?

Quote: Originally Posted by Lisa

It was great actually, I met some new people at work and we went out to the mall! They seemed like really nice girls...it's nice to finally have met some people around here.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

That's great honey! I'm happy you met some friends in town that you can go out and have fun with. So what's the plan for Friday night? We still going out to celebrate our successful move?

Quote: Originally Posted by Lisa

Of course we are! I can't wait to get out and celebrate! I feel like we hardly get to see each other anymore...

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

I know...I wish I had more spare time to spend with you, but Jeff (Luhnow) is really working me to the bone. I feel like he really has it out for me. But I have every Friday night and then all day Saturday/Sunday off. We can spend all that time together.

Quote: Originally Posted by Lisa

Brandon, your boss doesn't have it out for you. He's just testing you to see how committed you are. But that's good about your days off, because I miss you.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Well I miss you too. So what do you want to do tonight?

As Brandon finished talking, she walked over and cuddled up next to him. She kissed him on the cheek and put her head down on his shoulder. She slowly started to dose off.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie

Gotcha, good night beautiful. Sleep tight.

Brandon slowly reached for his PS3 controller, careful not to wake his sleeping girlfriend, and booted up his copy of The Show. He perused the roster of his virtual Astros, looking to see something that he may have missed. He was in May of 2013 in his Franchise and the Astros were out of it by June, so he turned and dealt off the main pieces off for a prospect haul. Something he thought may be happening in real life this year...but he'd have to wait and see.

Gillespie noticed a pad of paper on the coffee table that he had been scribbling notes on. The top of the paper read "Possible Trades to Suggest if Need Be" and underneath there was about 30 trades scribbled down with various comments written around each trade. Brandon read over his notes...smirked and thought to himself.

Quote: Originally Posted by Brandon Gillespie's Thoughts

Luhnow may not like me now, but honestly...I'm just gonna keep working hard and if the situation presents itself for me to prove my worth, I'll be prepared. This may be my only chance to make it big in this business, I can't blow it. I have to succeed.

Gillespie looked at the clock on the table to his left...1AM. He laughed to himself and turned off his Playstation. He picked up Lisa and carried her into the bedroom, he set her down on the bed and tucked her in on the right side. He then proceeded to get into the left side of the bed and turn off the light. He started to drift off, as thoughts of his elbow floated back into his mind. The pain came back, but as Gillespie looked to his right, he smiled and remembered exactly why he'd come to terms with his injury. Everything had worked out alright for him in the end, and this job was the last part of that dream.