Big news out of the AL West as the Seattle Mariners have signed Eric Sim, known as @kingofjuco on social media, to a one-year deal worth $4.2 million. The announcement was first broken by Holly Baylor of FAX Sports, outpacing the traditional sports media, including the notably tardy Jeff Passan.
Sim, who will don the Mariners' jersey and wear number 69, is set to play as a designated hitter (DH) and also pitch, bringing a unique dual-threat capability to the team. His signing was humorously announced with the phrase, "The Mariners wanted Bloatani, they got Bloatani," a playful jab at the Mariners' previous interest in Shohei Ohtani, now with the Dodgers. When pressed on the nickname's relevance to Seattle, Sim swiftly changed the topic, highlighting his victory over Jose Canseco in the Going Yard Derby this past October in Houston. "I know he's really old now, and it was a minor league stadium, but I beat him bad as far as we know," Sim interjected randomly during a Skype call with reporters.
The reaction within the Mariners' locker room has been mixed with intrigue and humor. Catcher Cal Raleigh commented, "It's going to be interesting. We've got a guy who thinks he's both Babe Ruth and Shohei Ohtani rolled into one. Let's see how that plays out." Meanwhile, shortstop J.P. Crawford added, "He's already challenging the whole lineup to a home run derby in spring training. It's either going to be really fun or we're going to need extra balls."
Sim's arrival has not just been about his skills but also his personality. His challenge to the Mariners' starting lineup for a home run derby in spring training has added a layer of excitement and competition. "It's all about hitting tanks, throwing gas, and having fun while doing it," Sim stated, hinting at his approach to team dynamics and morale.
As Seattle welcomes Eric Sim, the city's baseball fans are buzzing with anticipation, wondering if this "Bloatani" will indeed make waves or simply add to the lore of Mariners' quirky signings. One thing's for sure, the Mariners' season just got a lot more interesting with Sim in the mix.
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