Page 51 of Chasing Headlines
“Yeah, maybe. Except Ryo has that pretty-boy hotness factor. And my brother’s fastball could hit one-oh-two, a solid ten miles an hour faster.”
“We don’t need a damned male model. A pitcher, Milline. I need a few God damned starting pitchers.”
You said that out loud.I mentally groaned.
I cleared my throat. “Latske's got solid stats—when he's healthy. Which has been a pretty bigiffor the past two seasons.”
Eberhardt nodded. “Yeah, we knew that was a risk.”
“He also barely squeaked in on the academics requirement, didn’t qualify for additional scholarship help. Who’s on the development list?”
“Stop chewing your nails, Missy.” Schorr shot me a glare. Hazel eyes peered over his bifocals. I pulled my index finger from between my lips. Dammit. I’m not a kid.So stop acting like one.I sat on my hands.
“We considered—” Eberhardt began, but Schorr cut him off.
“No, you’re the scout, Milline. Shouldn’t you be telling us who you’ve been scouting that fits the team’s needs?”
“Is this like a pop quiz? You have me file printouts for two weeks, make a couple of spreadsheets, which also have to be printed—in large font and taped together. And now you’requizzing me?” That reminded me, I needed to ask about Lan and his access to Schorr’s email account.
“Ya damned right I am.” He stood from his chair, drew himself up and crossed his arms against his chest. “Scout, I need a backup catcher. Who ya got for me?” He leaned over and spit in his trash can.
He’s lecturing me about biting my nails and he’s chewing tobacco?I tried not to make a face. “Sure. So, possible backup catchers, you’ve got Tommy Knox, whose nickname ‘Knox-out’ came from knocking a guy out at the plate while playing catcher his sophomore year.”
“True.” Narrowed eyes stared holes through my head. I swallowed against a dry patch in my throat.
“He prefers outfield, but he’s not likely to make it as a starter. His high school catching career ended after a heated argument with his pitcher. Could’ve matured, I guess?” Not based on his locker room performance on day one. “But you’ve also got a utility player. Coop hasn’t played catcher so far in his career, but he’s played everywhere else.”
“And I don't reckon we have any other opening to slot him into.” Schorr’s gravelly voice offered. “Assuming he keeps his nose clean this semester. Doesn't cause any more trouble.”
“Wait, no opening—seriously?” I glanced at Eberhardt. The old guy was out of his mind, right?
“He's a freshman, Liv. It's not like even the best walk into starting positions year one,” he replied.
“Yeah, kid like him. All the fundamentals are there. No program would’ve wanted to pass him up, but he still has ‘ta bounce back.” Schorr shook his head. “Just not firing on all cylinders.”
I thought he looked fine. A bit stiff, but it's still offseason.“Hm. He’s an option, but not my official scout recommendation.”
“No? Let me tell you, scout. I like short, to the point,decisivereports. I don’t need a story with a drumroll or an invitation to some kinda Catcher reveal party.” Schorr grumbled and spit into his cup.
I shuddered and looked away.
“Final answer, hotshot. And so far you’re not getting a passing grade.”
I slid from my spot on the desk and faced him. “Antonio Jimenez.”
“Damned good right fielder.” Eberhardt’s commentary was less than helpful.
“Sure, but, he used to catch for his older brother when they’d practice together. Big brother converted to a position player once he was in the Academy, but he pitched in high school for years. High likelihood that little brother Antonio can be a flexible support for whoever’s on the mound.”
Eberhardt flipped his hat around backwards. It was anoddlook on a guy in, what, his fifties? “How’d you know about his brother?”
“He told me.”
Schorr tipped his cap back and gave me a weird grin. “Well, Jeffrey?”
Eberhardt shrugged. “I hate when you use my full name,Henry. But yeah, yeah. So you’re gonna use this as proof you should have your way then?”
“Coop’s not a catcher.” Schorr threw him a wry look.