Muralitharan to join New York Yankees

[Dale61]

The record multimillion dollar signing of Alex Rodriguez to the New York Yankees, has created further trade interests for the illustrious side. Creditable rumours have filtered from the dugout that Yankees management have actively pursued Sri Lankan ‘bowler’ Muttiah Muralitharan for the impending season.

Muralitharan impressed Yankees talent scouts who mistakenly caught the wrong connecting plane, which instead of Japan went to Sri Lanka where the one day series was being played. “ Yeah man, all I can remember was Tequila, the airport lounge and the taxi ride to some ground in Sri Lanka”. With several hours until a suitable flight was on offer the Yankees Scouts decided to observe the game in progress between Australia and Sri Lanka. It is believed that almost immediate interest had formed once the scouts watched Muralitharan in action. Initially it was believed they where at a baseball match and had consumed too much alcohol, however after further observation the Yankees believe they have potentially found “One of the best pitchers in the modern game in action” says a friend of the Yankee scout.

When asked about the technical side of transferring from cricket to baseball, and more importantly from bowling to pitching at Major League level, great confidence has been expressed in an effortless integration. “ Mr Muralitharan has already got the perpendicular arm action required for pitching…which is half the battle, plus he can change the flight path of the ball to move both ways”. Says the friend of the scout. When asked about the need to improve Muralitharan’s fielding a simple technique is being devised by biomechanics expert “They know he is a crap fielder, so they are giving him a glove to wear on his left hand… he’ll catch most things with that on his hand!”.

Sri Lankan cricket authorities would not comment on the transfer rumours only saying “ Muralitharan is committed to pitch for the Sri Lankan cricket team…Baseball is out of the question as far as we know.” It should be a interesting period of time for the Sri Lankan, who is believed to reveal his new delivery in the forthcoming tests against Australia. The delivery is greatly anticipated as a new action is involved where his arm is believed to be straight on release and ‘spins’ straight from the bounce!

http://www.thebladder.com.au/content/contribution/default.asp?ContributionType=1&fullreport=2763