A Rookie In The Baseball Team Is Too Good [EN]: Chapter 476

The Baseball Team’s New Recruit Is Too Good 476

The Baseball Team’s New Recruit Is Too Good 476

101 The Last Piece of the Puzzle (2)

Around 10 AM the next day.

Jisub and the rest of the Future Strategy Planning Department were visiting the office of Chief Director Brian Spann.

They were there to report on their conversation with Joseph Carter, the inaugural owner of the Tampa Bay Rays.

“Hmm, so that’s how it went.”

After listening to Jisub’s report, the Chief Director slowly nodded and rose from his seat.

“It seems the Future Strategy Planning Department is certainly blessed with luck.”

That was his impression.

“To think that the person you met by chance at the stadium entrance was the grandson Joseph Carter cherishes so dearly…….”

“Well, shouldn’t we attribute it to our Kim’s meticulous work rather than luck?”

Charles Flex cleared his throat and continued.

“Isn’t that right? How often does a deputy manager pay attention to a spectator arguing with a stadium security guard?”

“Rather than simple luck, it’s thanks to his diligence in not overlooking even the smallest details… Is that what you mean?”

The Chief Director wore a faint smile.

“Now that I hear it, that’s true. My thinking was short-sighted. Flex, you see the matter accurately as always.”

“Haha, isn’t it a subordinate’s role to take credit for the boss’s achievements? Kim is just too oblivious in these matters.”

Charles Flex leaned back and laughed heartily, but Jisub’s expression remained stiff.

It was fortunate that things had worked out smoothly, but he felt there was a point that needed to be addressed.

“I apologize, Director.”

Jisub bowed slightly.

“It wasn’t intentional, but looking back, I think I proceeded with the matter too independently.”

“Hmm, independently?”

“Yes, according to the work manual, I should have reported to you before contacting Joseph Carter.”

If it were KH Cannons, he would have received a scolding from Sahalin Park.

Therefore, Jisub continued to speak with a very serious attitude.

“Originally, I was going to report to you as soon as I received the call from Louis Carter, but Joseph Carter himself suddenly appeared… I apologize. I should have been more careful.”

“No, you did very well.”

The Chief Director stated firmly.

“The work manual is certainly important, but there comes a point when individual judgment and explosive drive become more important. And in my opinion… Kim has already passed that point a long time ago.”

“Does that mean…”

“It means you don’t need to be too bound by that manual, doesn’t it? It means you can be a little more reckless!”

Charles Flex raised the corners of his mouth and nudged Jisub’s shoulder.

“In my opinion, Kim, you tend to be too by-the-book. Why are you like that? What’s so bad about getting cursed at?”

“Oh, Flex! We should understand him.”

John Lama chimed in slyly.

“Kim has probably been cursed at enough in his career to last a lifetime, right? So he might not want to be cursed at now!”

“Ah, is that so? Now that I hear it, that makes sense? He was a pitcher who threw 80 mph four-seam fastballs, so…”

“Why are you bringing up 80 mph again? Huh?!”

Jisub glared at his colleagues with a dissatisfied expression, while the Future Strategy Planning Department chuckled at Jisub.

Brian Spann, the Chief Director, who had been watching them with a gentle gaze, changed the subject by tapping the desk.

“Returning to the main topic…”

Feeling the Future Strategy Planning Department’s expression turn serious, the Chief Director adjusted his glasses.

“Joseph Carter has agreed to negotiate with our team, right? And he’s willing to discuss the team valuation process?”

“Yes, that’s correct. He said he would be happy to meet if Tampa Bay Rays would select and send a responsible person.”

Jisub nodded.

“Joseph Carter initially showed a very indifferent attitude… But after that, the conversation went surprisingly well. He was the one who suggested meeting this weekend.”

At Jisub’s words, the Chief Director’s eyes narrowed.

“Yes, it’s certainly welcome news. It’s also a tremendous achievement. But… there’s one thing that bothers me.”

What could be the reason?

The Chief Director furrowed his brow.

“Wasn’t Joseph Carter against the construction of the new stadium? He even cut off contact with people around him and went into hiding when the situation became difficult… Why has he suddenly changed his attitude?”

“Ah, that is…”

Jisub had a guess.

“I think Joseph Carter has something to rely on.”

“Something to rely on?”

“Yes, have you checked the address I sent you? It’s the place Carter designated for the meeting.”

“Oh, there was such a thing? Just a moment.”

The Chief Director took out his phone and rechecked the message Jisub had sent.

“Oh, it’s Manhattan, New York. West 51st Street? That seems to be near the Major League Baseball headquarters… Aha.”

It was at this moment that a bewildered smile appeared on the Chief Director’s face.

The identity of the meeting place designated by Joseph Carter, the answer appeared on the phone screen.

“Zeus Analytics Group.”

Oh dear.

The Chief Director clicked his tongue softly.

“Our St. Petersburg city advisory committee member… has really found a reliable team valuation company.”

* * *

With the news of [Zeus Analytics]’s appearance, the face-to-face report concluded.

Chief Director Brian Spann seemed to need a day or two of leeway. If the opponent was [Zeus], he needed some preparation.

The follow-up measures were to be discussed at the team’s regular strategy meeting in two days, and they were leaving the Chief Director’s office.

“…Hmm.”

John Lama, who had been following a step behind the group, approached Jisub and asked.

“Hey, Kim.”

“Yes?”

“Is Zeus Analytics… such a strict certification company? Is our boss so troubled by them?”

He seemed to be trying to say something comfortable as usual, but this time it seemed to be based on some evidence.

“After the story came out yesterday, I looked it up a bit. About this Zeus something certification company.”

“Oh, really?”

“It certainly has a great reputation. They’ve conducted external audits for the New York Yankees, and they’ve given team valuation certifications to the New York Mets. But…”

John Lama blinked.

“The people at Zeus Analytics… They seem to have a surprisingly generous side?”

“Generous? Based on what?”

When Charles Flex reacted indifferently, John Lama quickly showed him the phone screen.

“Look here! According to this promotional material… Zeus Analytics has given team valuation certifications to all the teams they’ve been in charge of so far. A 100% certification success rate!”

Jisub glanced at the material John Lama held out and then smiled and turned his head.

He had already seen the material, but he knew the meaning hidden within it.

Of course, there was no need for Jisub to explain what that ‘meaning’ was.

“Hey, Lama!”

Charles Flex slapped John Lama on the back.

“What did I say? When reading promotional materials from companies, you have to look at every corner carefully, right?”

“Yes?”

“Read the fine print at the very bottom of that material. Then you’ll know what I mean.”

“No, what exactly is written there…”

The owner’s son tilted his head and zoomed in on the phone screen.

And not long after, a short scream of ‘Ah!’ escaped from his mouth.

“Wait a minute, what is this? The certification rate is limited to teams that have completed all of our certification processes?”

“Hehe, our Taylor [John Lama’s nickname] has grown a lot, hasn’t he? He found the key point right away.”

Yes, that’s exactly it.

Charles Flex scratched his chin.

“Zeus Analytics is famous for its unique way of working. They’re not like other companies that just quickly scan the team’s current state and leave.”

“They don’t turn back?”

“Until the issues they point out are corrected, until the standards they set are met… They never move on to the next stage.”

Charles Flex smiled slyly.

“Teams don’t have many options. They either find a reasonable basis to change Zeus’s standards, or they reluctantly change the team’s constitution.”

“That means it takes a lot of time?”

“That’s right. It takes a lot of time. But there’s something that teams care about more than the time it takes.”

Internal organizational conflict.

Charles Flex stated firmly.

“Everyone knows, right? How arrogant people working in Major League Baseball are. They believe they’re the best in the world, and they believe they’re the most reasonable in the world.”

From one step behind, David Wilson coughed.

He seemed to feel a little guilty.

“Imagine those people being criticized by outsiders for at least a few weeks, or even months. Would their pride allow it? Would they just listen quietly?”

A huge backlash was obvious.

In fact, during [Zeus]’s internal certification process, many team employees left.

There were also cases where the conflicts that arose at that time became resentment and negatively affected the team’s atmosphere.

“Damn it, Joseph Carter really had something to rely on? If it’s a certification company that’s so notorious, we might be intimidated and back down…”

“Even so, he’s the man who created the Tampa Bay Rays team. You have to say he has unusual skills. And he probably has a lot of resentment for being deprived of the Tampa Bay Rays that he worked so hard to create.”

Well, then.

It was at this moment that Charles Flex clapped his hands and turned to Jisub.

“Kim, what do you think? How are you going to respond?”

“Well, there aren’t many options in this situation.”

Jisub’s reaction was rather calm.

“Shouldn’t we focus on negotiating with Joseph Carter first? Zeus Analytics is also a group that moves at Joseph Carter’s request.”

If he couldn’t avoid Zeus Analytics’ participation, he needed to dull their blade even a little.

Even one or two things would be good. If he could get a few concessions from Joseph Carter, the subsequent process would be much smoother.

Jisub, who had become quite familiar with the negotiation process as a front office member, recalled his past experiences and mentioned his own opinions-

“No, no! That’s not what I’m asking right now!”

Charles Flex shook his head vigorously.

“This team valuation certification project… I’m asking if you’re prepared to take charge of it.”

“Me… take charge?”

Jisub tilted his head.

“Why would I do that? Wasn’t team valuation certification a project led by at least a vice president?”

“Oh, look at this guy! Did you forget what Brian said earlier?”

It was time to break away from the manual.

Now more boldly, more actively.

Recalling the Chief Director’s advice, Charles Flex clenched his fist.

“Kim, I like you. Since I’ve been with you, I’ve been spending more fun days than I did in my youth. In some ways, it’s a much more dynamic and rewarding day than dating wonderful women.”

“…….”

Jisub was silently looking into his eyes.

“So I want you to go to a higher place. Then I can see a more wonderful scenery from a higher place. If we do well, we might even be able to engrave my name on the new stadium.”

That’s why I’m saying this.

The Tampa Bay Rays’ ‘Greatest Showman’ sent a strong look.

“Tell me your determination. Just say it! I want to go to a higher place! I want to be the top of this team! If you just say that, I… Yes, maybe even John Lama and David Wilson here!”

Putting his hands on the shoulders of the two friends, Charles Flex was saying very clearly.

“I guarantee it. We are ready to pour everything into it.”

Until the team valuation certification process is successfully completed.

Until the new stadium construction project, which has been going on for nearly 20 years, is completed.

Until the deputy manager of the Future Strategy Planning Department rises to the top of the team.

“I’m sure. This will be the last and best investment of my life.”

John Lama and David Wilson quietly nodded at Charles Flex’s words.

Charles Flex gave Jisub a rather handsome smile as he stared at the three of them.

“Well, then, Kim! My smart friend! Won’t you give me an answer now?”

About whether you are prepared.

About whether you will move forward.