Two Minute Drill (Bases Loaded Jam Series #2)

Ch. 10: Experiment (Scout)

"I'm Scout Ranger," I say extending my hand.

"Gordon Henry," the man replies.

"Where did you play college ball?"

"Here in Alpine," was his response as he pointed to a college nearby.

I looked at the campus and shook my hand. It was a small school, but I wonder why would a guy like him with an arm like his be down here instead of a big-time program.

"I'm having a hard time believing you went to school and played here with an arm like yours."

"Well, there are some things people have a hard time believing these days," Gordon responded.

I laughed at the comment. I had to agree with Gordon that round.

"But seriously, I can't see how someone like you could be here."

Gordon didn't have a response. It was as if he was looking for the right thing to say without making it seem embarrassing for him. I waited for him to answer until he did.

"Well, I sort of got sidetracked."

I nod my head and understood. Certain careers, which have promise written on them don't always go according to script. So, I figured this was a case.

"So, are you an NFL scout?"

"Oh yes," I answer back.

"What team?"

"The Texans."

Gordon laughed.

"No wonder you're down here."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask starting to get a bit peeved about my situation.

"You're desperate to find great players to join your team because they suck right now and you're willing to come to the smallest places picking off random strangers just to suit up and say they're in the NFL to make you're situation a lot worse."

I wanted to get angry at Gordon then and there. He was wrong in his assessment. I wasn't picking off random people. I just got stuck in this mess right now.

"I was returning from a pro day for a quarterback at Texas El-Paso, but I feel confident the tight end is a better player," I reply.

"You mean Duncan Elliott?"

"How do you know him?"

"I follow a lot of prospects that are considering the NFL Draft. Duncan is a capable tight end. Just not sure if it will show. A 5.1 40-yard time. He caught two touchdowns and had only 250 yards receiving last year. Tight ends these days go for over 500 yards these days."

Wow! Gordon definitely did his homework on the players. I wonder if he knew about others that we might be looking at.

"What about Troy Paulson?" I ask him.

"He's probably the best linebacker in the draft. The first five picks don't need a linebacker. So, you might have a chance to draft him. Just make sure no team trades up for him. Even so, he won't be enough to save your defense since they luckily got two of your wins last year."

"We did win three games."

"Yeah, except your defense got away with too many men against the Vikings last year. Plus, that was a clear pass interference that cost the Lions big time like it did against the Cowboys."

I had to admit he was right. We probably should've had one win under our belt last season because our defense was granted breaks due to their stupidity. We just weren't good enough and it felt like the refs wanted to give us sympathy.