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i didn't even think ppl would read it so i didn't think this had to be repeated, but i do not want it in public spaces. it is LOCKED for a reason

usually yapping and/or touching for no reason, bc they're the exact same type of annoying. sal is fucking GLUED to him (and quinn, a little bit). dugout, win celebrations, some content stuff like the packers game. these dudes were CLOSE

why didn't i write fic last year when there was actual happiness to be found with this otp!!! like. they really just hit it off THAT fast. he was basically sal's rookie, for god's sake, despite there being, like, 5 other rookies! [mimes shooting myself] and they were locker mates. oh my god, they were locker mates.

like, that's your backup, your platoon-mate, your fellow infielder, your ace—but also, that's your replacement, that's your competition for the coveted SS role, that's the pitcher who's keeping you from being atop the rotation. that's the guy who's taken your closer role.

maybe you're the utility guy and your new friends are all infield starters with relatively fixed roles! or maybe you're the starter who's bouncing between AAA and MLB, and you hit it off with the ace who always takes the ball the day after you do! or maybe your role has diminished and now you're just a defensive sub. or maybe—

i just think there's so much room for beautiful, selfless friendship AND/OR quiet, simmering tension. you're not enemies. but are you really friends? how much ego is involved? is selfishness truly avoidable in a competitive league?

i think about this a lot with the Brewers (who by all accounts seem to get along great)! for example:

D-Ham joining this infield with zero 3B experience and the org's expectation to replace TWO players at once (Durbin at 3B and Mona at utility IF)

Harrison immediately becoming the #2 starter behind Miz

while we're at it, Sproat being the third googly-eyed head in that one dragon meme, at least compared to these two

Coop's locker being between Joey and Brice

also, Spring Training '25, when Joey and Brice were both being tried out at SS?

Gasser being the OG '24 callup (before most of our current guys) before he got TJ, and now he's the #6 starter in the rotation

Perk becoming part of the taxi squad and seeing his plate appearances drop off. also becoming part of a RF platoon with Sal instead of a CF