A/N: This really happened recently in the Braves' world. And it hit into my story outline so I had to run with it. In the real world, Brian McCann has returned home and will be the Braves' every day catcher. But in my world, he's the back up to Zach. It's Atlanta Braves baseball and I'll admit, solely for me. Just humor me please.
And a certain review, that I treasure, with the reviewer watching a sports channel, wondered about Zach's stats. That tells me my FF character is making a mark with my readers. That review was HUGE for me. And keeps me driven to write.
Chapter 3
Three days later, while Zach and Caleigh were feeding the twins, Zach's cell phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and shook his head at Caleigh. "Hi boss. I'm pampering my knee per Dr. West's orders."
Alex Anthopoulos laughed. "I like that report. But that's not why I'm calling. Zach, I owe you an update on things around here."
"Alex, I appreciate that," Zach said. "But I'm putting you on speaker phone so I can set it down and get my son to give up his final burp after his lunch."
"Go for it," Alex smiled. Zach, with his honed technique, got Trevor to produce a loud one. "I heard that," Alex said. "What are you and Caleigh feeding those two?" he laughed.
"Enough to get them growing. They started as light weights. We're trying to get them caught up."
"I get that Zach. Julia, Cristina's and my second was a preemie. So I really get that. But I've got news Zach, big news."
Zach looked at Caleigh. "I like the sound of that," he smiled.
"Zach, losing Fiddle to the Nationals didn't bother us. We already had something in the works."
Caleigh looked at Zach. "He signed a two year contract with the Nationals, at age thirty-five for over two million a year. Hell I would take that if I was that age."
"Why we wished Kurt all our best and thanked him for his service to this team," Alex said. "But Zach, we're three hours away from announcing something better."
"Boss?"
"Brian McCann," Anthopoulos simply said.
Zach looked at Caleigh and shook his head. "You're shitting me Alex."
"No I'm not," Alex said.
Zach smiled at Caleigh. "That is huge!"
"And Zach," Alex said, "please understand. Brian knows his role with this team. He's won a World Series ring with the Astros. He brings veteran leadership to the clubhouse. And you have a solid back-up. And Brian knows that is his role. You are still our number one catcher."
Zach looked at Caleigh. "I appreciate everything you've said Alex. It means a lot. To all of us. I want that run at the World Series as much as you do."
Anthopoulos smiled. "Buckle up Cob. Tomorrow's news will be just as big."
"Alex?"
"We're making moves. You put this team on your back and got us to the playoffs. We want more. We're this close to signing Josh Donaldson."
"Holy shit," Zach said, smiling at Caleigh cooing at Taylor. Taylor looked at her, recognizing the face.
"And we're closing in a deal with Jonny Venters. Zach, the MLB Network is going to carry the news conference live. Please watch it."
Zach smiled at Caleigh. "I think I'm following Brian on Twitter."
"McC16 Cob," Alex said.
"Got it boss," Zach smiled. "But what about Charlie? He wears number 16."
"Charlie Clutch is my next call. I don't think that'll be problem."
"Neither do I boss," Zach smiled. "But Alex, we really, really need Cake in right field and in the clubhouse. I get it. With his age and the AL with the DH, he could score a big contract. But Alex, we need him."
"I totally agree Zach. I'm playing the waiting game on that one. Trust me."
"You got it boss," Zach said as he looked into Trev's eyes. Trevor looked into his dad's eyes and gave him the same recognition that Tay did to Caleigh. "Thanks for the updates." They shared good-bye pleasantries.
"They're starting to recognize us," Caleigh smiled at Zach.
"I know," he smiled back. After spending time with the twins, they put them to bed and headed downstairs.
Zach sent a text to his dad, Jack and Dave. Check out the MLB channel two hours from now. Big news!
A bit later in the afternoon, Jack and Henry boarded their school bus. Jack showed Macy, the bus driver, a text from Beth, allowing Jack to get off with Henry. "Is a text OK?"
"That's fine Jack," Macy smiled. Jack and Henry went and sat down together.
"Bye Macy," Jack and Henry said together, clambering off the bus. Jack said good-bye to Henry and ran down the sidewalk and into Zach and Caleigh's driveway. He walked up to the garage and put in the security code to open the garage door.
Caleigh, hearing the garage open, came out of the kitchen. "What are you doing here?" as Jack pushed the button to put the garage door back down.
"I need Zach to help me with my algebra. And I want to watch the news conference with him. How're the kids?" he asked, pulling off his backpack.
"Sleeping," Caleigh smiled, taking his bookbag. "Leave your coat on. Molly needs to be let out."
Zach came into the entry way. "And I need a walk. The news conference is in an hour."
Jack looked at Zach. "How big bro?"
"Huge," Zach smiled, pulling on his coat.
"Let's do it bro," Jack smiled. Zach softly whistled for Lexie.
"Zach, put in the fridge whatever Beth has out for dinner. They can come here tonight."
"Got it babe," he smiled.
Zach, Jack and the dogs came in the door twenty minutes later. Lex and Molly raced in looking for Caleigh while Zach and Jack took off their coats.
Caleigh smiled at them. "I've already texted Aaron, Beth and Dave that dinner is here tonight. Aaron said he and Dave will watch the news conference at the BAU and then head home."
Zach put Jack's bookbag on the lunch counter in the kitchen. "Guess what you're doing?" he smiled at Jack.
"I get it," Jack smiled. "Mr. Haskins started us today with problems that have both "x" and "y" in them. The "y" is throwing me for a loop." Zach shook his head at Caleigh who smiled. Fifteen minutes later, Jack looked at Zach. "It's that easy?"
"Yup bro," Zach smiled.
-00CM00-
Anthopoulos introduced Brian McCann to the assembled media. "Brian the mic is yours," he smiled. McCann walked to the podium.
Jack smiled. "I remember that."
"So do I," Zach said. "Why I didn't shit my pants is beyond me." Jack laughed.
McCann looked at the assembled media. "I'm thrilled to be a Brave again. Atlanta is home for me, my wife and our children. When the Braves contacted my agent, I told him 'get it done. It's them only'. I want to be home and be a part of this up and coming team."
Jonathan Kerber, the Senior Media Coordinator of the Braves said off camera, "Brian will now take questions. As always, Dave O'Brien of the AJC gets the first. Please identify yourself before asking your question."
O'Brien took the press mic from the intern. "You said you're glad to be home. We get that. Please extrapolate out more your thoughts about re-joining the Braves."
"Good to see you again Dave," McCann smiled. "Being home was the first. That's a no-brainer. And yes, I took the big Yankee contract and left. A decision I regretted every day. And I loved my time in Houston, especially winning a World Series."
"I've got that opportunity again with this up and coming club. Alex is making all the right moves. Remember, I started in the Braves organization. I've played for Snit before. To get that chance again is just….," he said, shaking his head with a smile, "is a total gift. Snit is that good."
"Then there's the team here. To play with Freddie Freeman and the young kids like Albies, Acuna, Minton and Swanson? That's some wonderful energy. And this team is moving forward. I want to be a part of that and be that veteran presence in the clubhouse." He looked at the reporters. "And I want another World Series ring. This club that Alex and John Schuerholz have built has that chance."
"But the biggest, other than being home and playing for Snit, is to work with Greg Maddux and Zach Hotchner." McCann shook his head. "Two of the best minds in baseball. I know my role. I'm the back-up catcher. But that still means I get to work with those two day in and day out. And with this young pitching staff." He smiled. "I can't wait for pitchers and catchers camp. I just hope my learning curve can handle all of it." The reporters laughed.
"Neither can I Bee," Zach smiled at the TV, rubbing Jack's head.
Dad and I like that answer Dave texted Zach.
Me too Zach texted back. This is huge for us.
Jack sniffed as they watched more of the press conference. "What smells so good?"
Caleigh smiled. "Pulled pork in the slow cooker."
"As in pulled pork sandwiches for dinner?" Jack asked. Caleigh smiled at him. "Yes!" Jack said.
Zach shook his head. "I'll need a two mile walk tomorrow."
Caleigh rubbed his shoulder. "Patience my husband. You're back in the pool in five days."
"I need it," Zach said.
"And the elliptical machine?" Jack asked with a smile.
"Screw that," Zach growled. Jack and Caleigh laughed.
An hour and half later, Aaron and Dave fed the twins as Caleigh and Beth put the finishing touches on dinner.
Dave looked at Jack as they enjoyed their dinner together. The twins were in their usual spot: on the comforter on the living room floor with Lex and Molly doting on them. "Hits the spot Champino," Dave smiled.
"It sure does Uncle Dave," Jack smiled back.
-00CM00-
While they all were are sitting around, Zach's cell beeped with a text. He looked at it. "It's from John," Zach said. You're about to get a phone call. Take it.
Two minutes later, his cell phone rang. Zach answered it. "Hi Zach. Brian McCann calling. I hope you don't mind Schuerholz giving me your number."
"Hell no Brian," Zach smiled at the group. "And welcome aboard man. You are going to be huge for this team."
"I can't wait to join you all Zach," McCann said. "But Cob, what I'm really, really looking forward to is working with you and Doggie."
"Doggie is a trip," Zach laughed. "But he's right. Why I bought into his philosophy so many years ago. The over-throwing pitchers don't win baseball games. The pitchers that can locate do win games. And if they can spot that pitch with velocity, all the better."
"You and Minnie have sure the hell proved that. Andy should have won the NL Cy Young."
Zach shook his head. "The Mets deGroom deserved that. Minnie would be the first one to admit that. I agree as well. Jason deserved it. And Minnie is just honored to come in second in the voting."
"I totally agree with you Cob. But you and Doggie had trouble with the young staff?"
"You're right Brian. They are the new age flamethrowers. But we're picking them apart; one pitcher at a time. We got Ajax on board. But he lost it in the playoffs, being jack upped. That's where you're gonna come in man. This team needs playoff experience. And Minnie and me being the College World Series two years in a row doesn't mean jack shit to them."
"Ajax?"
"A.J. Minton," Zach smiled. "Our closing pitcher."
"Cob, I might need a text from you with the nicknames," McCann smiled.
"Done dude," Zach smiled.
"But Cob, listen to me. I'm your back up. And your rock. You don't send me that list until after the first of the year. You shut down now, enjoy the holidays, especially with those two new kids. You, Doggie and me start hitting it January second. And Cob, for the record, you and Minnie with back to back College World Series wins is why you two excelled in the playoffs. Don't doubt that."
"Bee, I love you my brother," Zach smiled. Jack smiled at his dad.
"Let's get this done dude," McCann said.
"Welcome aboard Brian," Zach smiled. "I can't wait to work with you man."
###
A/N: My chapter is lit up with yellow of things to explain. And it's mostly baseball stuff. Sorry, I told you at the top this a baseball chapter.
Charlie is Charlie Culbranson. Otherwise known as Charlie Clutch. He hit two walk off homeruns for the Braves last season resulting in a win. Two huge needed wins. I watched them both.
Cake is Nick Markakis. He plays right field for the Braves. And is free agent. That means his contract is up and he can sign with any team. But given his age (35 YO), he would probably fit better into an American League (AL) team with the designated hitter rule (DL). That means the pitcher doesn't hit. Another player, that does not play defense hits for the pitcher. The National League, which the Braves play in, does not have that rule. With the DH, Nick could extend his career another two to four years. As a Braves fan, I want him to stay. He's a veteran anchor in the clubhouse. That means a lot to a team with young players. I'm not betting on him staying. Sorry, Braves fan talking.
AJC is the Atlanta Journal Constitutional. It is the hometown newspaper of the Braves.
NL Cy Young Award is for the best pitcher in the National League as voted upon by the baseball writers. I totally agreed with Jason deGroom winning it.
Rockie's baseball teaching session (and fan ranting) is done. :D
Feel free to scorch my butt in your reviews. I write for me sometimes. This one is my "me" chapter. I hope I'm allowed.