A Rookie In The Baseball Team Is Too Good [EN]: Chapter 302

Chapter 73: How to Feed a Carrot (5)

The opportunity…

…came unexpectedly.

“Then we’ll head over first!”

“Hurry up, Kim! You know how hard it is to get a seat if you’re even a little late!”

It was lunchtime after the coaching staff meeting.

Jisub had originally planned to eat with his colleagues from the Future Strategy Planning Department.

However, a call from the University of Port Myers caught him off guard.

Professor Kevin Pryor had assigned a ‘pre-assignment’ to the MBA students, and the deadline had passed.

‘Damn it, wasn’t that due next week?’

The assignment was to read a paper designated by the professor and submit a review.

Of course, Kim Jisub wouldn’t just sit at his desk and read a paper from the start.

He roughly skimmed the conclusion, wrote that it was a very impressive paper, that he had learned a lot, and was about to press the ‘Submit’ button after filling the required length-

[The submitted assignment will be used in a meeting with the professor.]

[Assignments receiving a grade of D or lower may be required to be rewritten by the professor.]

A ‘note’ from the teaching assistant, written in small print on the assignment submission site.

“…….”

Jisub stared blankly at the message and retrieved the paper file he had just put in the ‘Trash Can’.

Scratching his head and sighing deeply, he looked at the paper on the club’s management strategy.

“Kim?”

A voice from behind.

Jisub turned his head to identify the speaker, a look of ‘of course’ on his face.

The manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Mike Clemblas was entering the Future Strategy Planning Department’s office.

“Ah, Manager.”

Jisub stood up from his seat.

“What brings you to our office? It’s lunchtime, have you eaten?”

“No, I don’t usually eat lunch. I need to be a little hungry to concentrate during the game.”

Then, Mike Clemblas asked Jisub a question.

“What was his name again? The analyst from the Future Strategy Planning Department who came into the meeting room with Kim earlier.”

“Ah, David? David Wilson.”

“Yes, I came to see him. There were a few things I wanted to check about the umpire’s decision data…….”

Manager Clemblas looked around the office and spoke again.

“It seems I didn’t time it right.”

“Haha, I’m sorry. Taylor offered to treat us after a long time…….”

Jisub took out a memo pad.

“I’ll let David know. Should I tell him to come see you as soon as he gets back?”

“I’d appreciate that. If possible, with the recent game data of home plate umpire Pete Walters today. Uncle Charlie only has data from last year.”

“I understand. I’ll let him know.”

A faint smile appeared on Jisub’s face as he nodded and took notes.

He was already curious about the expression David Wilson would have when he received this memo.

If he knew the manager came to find him, he might jump for joy.

He had to film that expression and tease him with it forever. As he was thinking that and tearing off the memo pad with a ‘rip’.

“…….”

Mike Clemblas came into Jisub’s view.

He had clearly finished his business, but he was still lingering, unable to leave.

‘Aha.’

Jisub knew what he was thinking but pretended not to know and spoke.

“Is there anything else you need?”

It wasn’t bad to feint in situations like this.

“Since you’re here, would you like a cup of tea? The coaches really like the snacks in our Future Strategy Planning Department.”

“No, I don’t need tea…….”

Manager Clemblas scratched the tip of his nose with his finger, looking a little embarrassed.

And then, he brought up what could be considered the main point of the day.

“Well, it didn’t work…….”

“What do you mean?”

“The ‘compliment operation’ that Taylor mentioned yesterday. I was told that giving a lot of compliments would improve relationships with people…….”

Manager Clemblas took a deep breath, looking very serious.

“Looking at the meeting today, it seems like it created more distance rather than improving the relationship.”

* * *

When he heard the manager’s words, the words that came right up to Jisub’s throat were these.

‘Did you think that would work?’

What kind of person sends compliment messages at 3 a.m. when everyone else is asleep?

How many people would take a message that comes at that time literally?

To try to improve relationships with coaches with such a message, where are the screws loose from?

Honestly, if they hadn’t met as manager and front office staff, he would have poured out at least 10 minutes of nagging.

However, after understanding Mike Clemblas’s tendencies, Jisub decided to bring up a more important story.

Yes, the story he had been curious about from the beginning.

“May I ask why?”

Jisub carefully opened his mouth.

“Why are you so concerned about improving your relationship with the coaching staff?”

“Yes?”

The manager’s eyebrows twitched.

“I don’t know why you’re asking that question. Isn’t it a natural duty? As a manager, to maintain a smooth relationship with the coaching staff.”

“That’s generally the case, but…… there are always exceptions.”

Jisub continued.

“I read an article in the media about your managing style. Since taking the helm of Tampa Bay, you have consistently kept your distance from players and coaches.”

There was no eating together, no sharing silly jokes, and no offering even a short compliment on most things.

Of course, as someone said, it wasn’t intentional, but he had certainly led the team in that style for the past several years.

“Some have criticized you for being too authoritarian, but you’ve done well, haven’t you? Except for last year, you’ve advanced to the postseason every year, and you’ve won the ‘Manager of the Year’ award twice.”

“…….”

“But why are you trying to change your style now? I don’t think you need to.”

Mike Clemblas didn’t answer Jisub’s question for a while.

Was he surprised by this Asian employee who was throwing a ‘direct ball’ at him? Or was he having similar concerns himself?

“…….”

Mike Clemblas looked around the office silently, without making eye contact with Jisub.

Then, as if he had an idea, he brought an empty chair and sat across from Jisub.

And he brought it up. The answer that Jisub hadn’t even thought of.

“It’s for the championship.”

More precisely.

“The World Series championship.”

Thinking about it, this was the second time.

Someone in the Tampa Bay Rays mentioned the ‘World Series championship’.

Since General Manager Brian Sphan first mentioned the championship, Jisub hadn’t met anyone who brought up the championship story for a while.

“Kim, you know it well.”

Manager Clemblas said.

“Although it was a bit of a slip-up last year, our Tampa Bay Rays have been a team that has consistently performed well in the regular season every year.”

That wasn’t wrong.

Other teams often created seasons with over 100 wins, which they called ‘historic’.

“But at almost the same time, it’s also a team that strangely loses its strength when it comes to the postseason.”

This wasn’t wrong either.

They would build momentum with 90-win seasons and 100-win seasons, but they would collapse like ghosts when they reached the postseason.

Jisub remembered about six seasons. The struggles in the postseason were a long-standing concern for Tampa Bay.

“How can we perform well in the postseason? And how can we win the World Series? I met many people to find the answer. And the answer I received in common…….”

Advisor. A trustworthy advisor.

Manager Clemblas continued.

“The managers who have won the World Series in the past all had excellent advisors by their side. Someone who understands the manager’s tendencies, understands the team’s situation, and can always give the best advice.”

“…….”

“In the postseason, it’s easy for the manager to lose his composure. Thinking that they only need one more win, thinking that they only need to get over this hurdle, they make choices they wouldn’t normally make…… and that often leads to ridiculous defeats.”

“You mean a good advisor can avoid that problem.”

“That’s right. That’s it.”

Mike Clemblas nodded.

“Even Lou Piniella, who had a fiery personality, and Tony La Russa, who was as cold as ice, all had someone like that in the dugout. Someone who always gives the manager accurate advice, and points out what the manager is missing. But for me…….”

You saw it at the meeting, didn’t you?

The manager shrugged.

“Everyone is just looking at me, and no one is saying a word properly.”

“I think that’s largely due to your tendencies.”

At Jisub’s point, Manager Clemblas nodded slowly.

“That’s right. I should take full responsibility. But I can’t just stand still and get burned again in the postseason…….”

I have to change now.

I have to find it now.

A subtle passion began to be seen in Mike Clemblas’s eyes.

“Our Tampa Bay Rays coaches have all been recognized for their experience and achievements. So if just one of them, just one of them, could play that role…….”

Jisub finally understood what Mike Clemblas’s ‘deep conversation’ mentioned last night was.

Please be my advisor. Give me unvarnished advice. I will accept anything you advise.

He wanted to say that, but the atmosphere and place were not easily prepared.

“I understand.”

Jisub nodded.

“I understand what you mean, but finding an advisor can’t be finished overnight, can it?”

“Well…… I guess so?”

What are you trying to say?

Manager Clemblas was looking at Jisub with just that expression.

“I’m curious about what you specifically want. Is there a coach you’ve been watching? Should I arrange a drinking party with him?”

Jisub said it with some confidence, but what came back was Manager Clemblas’s hollow smile.

“Didn’t I tell you? I’ve already had several drinking parties? It ended with just drinking in an awkward atmosphere without saying anything.”

Then,

What does the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays want?

“At this stage…… I see. I’d be grateful if I could just have a normal company dinner.”

“A company dinner?”

From Jisub’s point of view, it was ‘just a company dinner’, but it didn’t seem to be the case for Mike Clemblas.

“That’s right. In a slightly free and comfortable atmosphere, where we can talk without formality…… If such a place is prepared, I think it will be of great help in continuing conversations with the coaches in the future.”

Mike Clemblas was giving a bitter smile after speaking.

It seemed like he thought it was an absurd condition even after he said it.

Until now, he had only scared the coaches, and he had reigned as a dictator in the dugout.

Now, a company dinner in a free and comfortable atmosphere.

“Well, it’s already this time.”

The manager looked at his watch.

“Kim, thank you for listening to me. Talking openly like this makes me feel like my thoughts are organized…… It’s not bad. I know why people look for places like counseling rooms.”

Even at this time, Mike Clemblas didn’t seem to have high expectations for Jisub.

“Please listen to today’s story with one ear and let it flow out with the other. You must be busy with the ‘Yellow Book Project’, so I don’t want to bother you with this problem.”

Then, Mike Clemblas put the chair he had brought back to its original place.

Just as he was about to say goodbye, saying he would ‘go back to the manager’s office’.

Jisub, who had been thinking about something for a while, opened his mouth.

“It’s not impossible.”

“Yes?”

“The company dinner you mentioned. In a free and comfortable atmosphere.”

Jisub continued.

“It’s definitely not a simple task, but if you cooperate, I can arrange such a place for you.”

“If I cooperate?”

It is said that a drowning person will grab at straws.

Mike Clemblas was unknowingly approaching Jisub.

“What should I do?”

He asked.

“Is there really…… a way?”

* * *

Several hours later.

Mike Clemblas was staring at the ground from the home team’s dugout.

Wow!!!

Wow!!!

The top of the first inning had just ended.

After barely finishing the crisis that went to bases loaded with two outs, and barely moving to the bottom of the first inning.

The stands were filled with a mixture of regret and relief, but Mike Clemblas couldn’t pay attention to that atmosphere.

Instead, what filled his head was the story Jisub had told him a few hours ago.

-Do something you wouldn’t normally do.

This was Jisub’s advice.

-If possible, do it during today’s game, if not, it’s okay on another day. Anyway, do something that you would never normally do as soon as possible.

-Something I wouldn’t normally do? What does that have to do with a free and comfortable atmosphere?

-People are naturally interested in unfamiliar and strange things.

Jisub continued.

-If you do something you wouldn’t normally do, the coaches’ attention will be focused on you. Then I’ll take advantage of that time to arrange a plausible company dinner.

-The concentration of attention and the arrangement of a company dinner…… Don’t you think there’s a leap in logic?

-I’m saying this because I’m confident. The choice is yours.

The Asian employee said very firmly, as if there was nothing more to discuss.

Honestly, I thought about just ignoring it, but that very confident expression kept bothering me.

‘Well, nothing changes if I just stand still…….’

From the start of the bottom of the first inning, Clemblas was thinking about what ‘something he wouldn’t normally do’ was.

Should I suddenly compliment the coaches? Should I throw jokes at the players? Or should I swear at the opposing team?

As he was thinking about these ideas and racking his brains, ‘Damn it’.

“Strike! Batter out!!!”

The umpire’s strike call came from the ground.

It seemed that Mark Kohun, the Tampa Bay Rays’ lead-off hitter, had struck out.

‘Mark, that guy, his condition is not improving this season. How many strikeouts is this already this week…….’

As he sighed and turned his gaze to the tablet PC on the desk.

“Hey, Walters! Was that really a strike? Did you see it right?!”

A furious voice came from the ground.

When the manager looked up, he saw Mark Kohun, who had just struck out, taking a step towards the umpire.

“No, isn’t that right? I know the umpire has the authority to call balls and strikes, but there’s a limit to that! That course was a ball during the top of the first inning defense! But why is it a strike now?!”

Mark Kohun had been dissatisfied with the umpire’s ball calls throughout this series.

As it reached the last game of the series, it finally crossed the threshold.

In an atmosphere where he seemed about to touch the umpire, the hitting coach approached the manager.

“I’ll bring him back.”

It wasn’t just ‘I’ll go out’. It was ‘I’ll bring him back’.

Since Mike Clemblas took office, an unspoken rule had been created in the Tampa Bay dugout that they would not protest the umpire’s ball calls.

It was due to the manager’s tendencies.

There was no possibility of improvement by protesting to the umpire, there was a risk of retaliatory calls, and at worst, a starting player could be ejected and a game could be thrown away.

For that reason, the Tampa Bay Rays had been dealing with the problem by simply dragging the excited player in rather than protesting-

“…….”

What was the reason?

The moment the hitting coach was about to step onto the ground, someone’s voice was echoing in Mike Clemblas’s head.

-Do something you wouldn’t normally do.

-An action that will surprise everyone!

-Then I will take responsibility and arrange a meeting with the coaches.

It would be a lie if there was no conflict.

Clemblas, who had always been cool-headed, the head of Tampa Bay, who always moved by calculating gains and losses.

According to his baseball philosophy, arguing with the umpire about ball calls was more of a loss than a gain.

So Mike Clemblas hesitated a little, but soon bit his lower lip.

‘Well, something I wouldn’t normally do.’

He took a step on the stairs leading to the ground.

‘What the heck…… I’ll give it a try!’

Mike Clemblas, who was determined to do so, burst out of the dugout.

“Manager?”

The hitting coach, who was about to step forward, looked at the manager in surprise.

“Wh-what’s wrong?”

The umpire, who had been high-spirited, also flinched slightly at the manager’s appearance.

“No, why is the manager…….”

Even Mark Kohun, who had been red-faced until just now, was greatly embarrassed by the manager’s appearance-

“Hey, Umpire!!!”

Perhaps for almost the first time since he became the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Clemblas’s roar was erupting in Tropicana Field.

“Are you really going to call balls and strikes like that?! Are you looking down on me because I’m being gentle?!!”