The camera flickers on as GM Mike Brouillette steps in front of the podium, removing his tie and staring into the sea of reports.
Last season was a tough and rather confusing season for the Bruins as the team blew the lead in 21 games over the first months, losing a staggering 66% of those games before failing to miss the playoffs and win the division for the first time in team history.
The Bruins lost in the LCS’ again last year this time to the Boston Rebels in 6 Game series that saw the teams star closer Juan Morales blow two games – which eventually led to huge overhaul of the bullpen mid-year.
The pre All-Star break blow-up at a media session by famed manager Brad Anderson did exactly what he thought it was revitalize his team, allowing the Bruins to post a top record after the All-Star break.
However, it was for not.
The Los Angeles Bruins won 93 games and missed the playoffs by a single game on the first day of the season to their divisional foe Maui Tropics, but the Tropics first Post-Season appearance was basically a sweep at the hands of the eventual World Series Champion Hitmen (a team the Bruins beat last year in 5 Games, and in 2010 lost to in 7 during the LCS).
Many (ok, all) believe GM Travis Hays instructed his manager to rest guys, thus ducking the Bruins and allowing Maui to put in work versus the Hitmen’s AAAA squad.
GM Brouilette puts on his trademark smirk and runs his hands through his increasingly awesome bread, and begins in.
“ Well, amidst the rumors that came flowing out of Hendersonville I’m not surprised they ducked us. We were the superior team, playing in a superior division and with superior players. “ a smirk, “ Scott Hill be damned. “
The seas of reports begin to talk and type notes, tweet, send emails to their editors and continue to record the conversation on their seemingly ancient tape recorders as GM Brouillette continues to talk, this time about the fury of moves.
“ While we felt organizationally that our pitching was our strength, we all agreed that finishing 27th of 28 BSA teams offensively given the stand-alone talent we had, was not expected. These things usually average themselves out. As of next year, our entire pitching staff will be back in the fold alongside newly acquired Ghidean Hassan. .”
GM Brouillette pauses for a moment, pulling out a piece of paper and unfolds it.
“ Old school, “ he jabs, “ Our 2B combo of Matt Roberts and Butch Hogan will be back in the fold with Roberts getting the majority of the starts –however, Hogan’s speed and ability to play multiple positions will definitely get him into the game in many other places; fan-favorite and self-proclaimed Asian Sensation, Jong-Ming Kim will be returning to shortstop with David Pena returning to 3B. Tony Warrillow will continue to patrol left-field for us and our A-Lister, Cooper Newell will continue to play RF throwing out base runners with a staggering rate.
Now, McDaniel in AAA had a fantastic season for us, and is absolutely amazing in the outfield defensively, and with his speed we expect him to be playing nearly everyday whether it’s exclusively in center or rotating between all three positions. We felt that even given our offensives struggles last year, Jesus Maestas was something we could sacrifice and have replaced him with OUR PUDGE, Jose Moya coming over from Greenville. This leaves 1B and DH open, and we plan on using DH as a way to keep our bats in games but substitute guys in and out of the everyday lineup to keep everyone fresh. “
GM Brouillette takes a sip of water and presses on.
“ Now. We are pleased to announce we have offered three-year deals to both Tony Warrilow and David Pena, both of which we expect to sign. But now for the man you’ve all been waiting to meet, Julio Ortega. “
Julio Ortega steps out of the back with a smile donning a Bruins jersey with the number 88 on it. He stands and takes a photo with GM Brouillette before he moves closer.
“ Julio was brought over in the huge trade that saw us part ways with recently acquired star outfielder Gregg Burkholder, a player that NO DOUBT we have coveted as well as fan favorite, the swift hitting-defensive minded Woody Garner. Dealing two players for a player who plays first base only isn’t something our organization normally does or values, but in Julio’s case the exception was easily made. Julio Ortega is a former Rookie of the Year, MVP, and absolute monster at the plate. We expect he, David Pena, and Cooper Newell to be an absolute terror to get through. “
Julio stands up and shakes the hand of GM Brouillette who hands him the Bruins cap. As he puts it on, it’s a tad small and the hat oddly rests on the brim of his head, causing the reporters to laugh.
“ Thank you for everyone’s warm welcome. “ says Julio, “ With the Haddonfield franchise relocating, this was an easier transition that I had earlier expected. Leaving an organization that you’ve spent your entire career with isn’t easy, but with GM Steve Trucotte coming and doing a wonderful job reshaping the roster before the move to Indianapolis, I feel confident the team will continue to take the necessary steps moving forward to continue being competitive in what’s turned out to be the most talented division in baseball. I do however, continue to ponder how the city of Indy continues to steal teams in the dead of the night. “
This gets a chuckle from his new adoring audience.
“ Last year I played hurt and through the pain, and put up what I’d like to call a substandered year. I’m aware of the degree of difficulty in putting up homers in the city of Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to be contribute in other ways. I’m going to continue to draw walks, get on base, and smack the ball around this beautiful park here at Staples Field. “
“ We will now open the floor to questions, “ says GM Brouillette speaking into the microphone.
“ Yes. I have a question, “ says a man standing up from the back.
The man, dark in tone appears to look familiar. His sideways grin and devilish eyes land burn an imprint and GM Brouillette stares, wondering.
It takes him a moment.
“ Rudy Yan. “ says GM Brouillette, “ What are you doing here? At his LOS ANGELES BRUINS press conference. I thought you were an embassador for the New Orleans Looters. “
Yan smirks. “ Right, right, right. “ continues Rudy, “ I just wanted to see if I can get try-out, finish my career where it all started. The overhaul has been impressive. “
“ Not that impressive, they missed the playoffs last year. “
The room erupts with low-key laughter, sending GM Brouillette into his calm, cool, and collected tone. Ignoring the man, he continues.
“ Rudy, you are aware this is Los Angeles, correct? “
“ Los Angeles? “ he adds confused.
“ Yes Rudy, this is the Los Angeles Bruins presser. “ he pushes on, “ We are introducing Julio Ortega today. “
Julio waves.
“ Who? “
“ JULLLLLLLIO. “ adds Ortega, “ Not Who. “
“ I think he meant, ‘Who is Julio Ortega’ “ adds GM Brouillette.
“ Who am I? “ he asks
“ Yes. “ finishes GM Brouillette.
“ I see. “ says Julio, grabbing his newly formed beard he appears to be growing out.
One team, one mindest.
GM Brouillette motions to his security who grab Rudy Yan by the arm and slowly start to escort him towards the door.
“ RUDY, RUDY, RUDY, RUDY, RUDY “ says Yan pumping his fist as he looks around and is escorted from the building.
“ Julio will hit 4th behind Cooper Newell. “ says GM Brouillette as Julio nods and the presser continues.
“ Whose going to hit before and after those two? “ asks a younger, slim report who hasn’t been seen before. “ Jantz Mathers, “ he pushes on, “ LA Times. I’m the new Bruins beat writer. “
“ Excellent. Welcome. “ he pushes on, “ I have yet to sit-down with Brad and talk about whose going to hit where, but I’d assume David (Pena) is going to get the first shot at protecting Julio. He had a tremendous year for us last season. Tony should be in the mix also.
We’ve made many moves to get ourselves in a good financial situation and looking over the team we have many talented guys ready to compete, many of whom this is the first time they’ve been on a contender. As of now we are expecting to break out of spring with the following.
SPs Ricky Bolden, Earl Harper, Jesus Moran, Declan Parsons, Warren Piniella, Domingo Ruiz, Jose Murillo, Phillip Moran, Zhi-hung Chou, Ghideon Hassan, Joe Cameron, C Leon Moya, 1B Julio Ortega, 2B Matt Roberts, 2B Butch Hogan, SS Jong-Min Kimg, 3B David Pena, LF Tony Warrillow, CF Jim McDaniel, RF Cooper Newell. With other aquirees C Cajani, 1B Perez, SS Doyle, etc etc getting the first shot at making the roster in the spring.
We obviously have some depth to build, but we have put ourselves into a great financial situation to do that via trades and free agency, and will continue to build through-out. “
“ But what about Joe Brooks? “ asks Jantz Mathers again, new Bruins beat writer.
“ Mr. Brooks was inadvertently looked, causing us to lose his Type A status while we were in the process of making a flurry of moves towards the deadline last year. Mr. Brooks agent has been notified of our interest. He’s priority number one as long as he’s willing to resign. “
That seemed to be enough, because Jantz began flipping through pages. Cutting off another reporter, he began in again.
“ What of the rumors you’ve been shopping Earl Harper. “
A smile crept across the face of GM Brouillette.
“ 258k, 59walks. 1whip, 3era, blah blah. Read into it as you may, but I can assure you the Bruins have began to take all steps necessary to extend Mr. Harper when the time comes. In fact, a proposal has been written. However, the Bruins entertain offers for Harper, Bolden, Newell, etc on a weekly basis. The Bruins lines are always open for negotiation. That’s what makes it so great to be apart of this organization. We are constantly trying to improve and we will do whatever it takes to achieve this. “
“ Any questions for me? “ asks Julio leaning into the mic which gets a chuckle from the people in attendance.
“ I’ll bite. “ says Jantz again, “ What’s your thoughts of the Bruins organization as a whole. “
A small chuckle escapes Julio.
“ Well, for one I know not go buy a house or anything, “ which now gets a chuckle from everyone; “ But I do know this, I am team player. I will do whatever is asked for me. 1B, DH, learn a new position it doesn’t matter. “ he pushes, “ But, Mike… “ he says turning to GM Brouillette, “ I am quite disappointed. I thought their was going to be super-soakers, and the attractive woman here today. This is HOLLYWOOD!!! “
That gets a rise out of the crowd.
Just then a song begins to blare and one woman, after another, after another, etc etc begin to make their way out of back in blue and gold bikinis with the words ‘Oh, Julio’ written on the cheeks.
A huge goofy grin spreads from ear to ear and the camera cuts out and the Bruins 2014 quest begins.
