PREVIOUSLY ON PUT ME IN
CARTER
I have to get my position in the rotation back. Next time, I have to throw a perfect game. That’ll show them.
NIC
Think you can do it?
CARTER
I’ve done it before. I’ll have to be optimistic.
CARTER leaves the clubhouse.
_____________________
CARTER enters the dugout. He is slated to be the starting pitcher. He approaches BEN.
BENYou ready to pitch, Carter?
CARTER
As ready as I’ll be.
BEN
What’s that supposed to mean?
CARTER
I’m a little angry I’m still not the ace pitcher.
BEN
It’s fine. You get paid the same either way.
CARTER
It’s not about the money. I just want to be rewarded for my abilities.
BEN
Seems like you’re not going to find all that much of that here.
LEWIS overhears.
LEWIS
Who said anything about Carter not being rewarded?
CARTER
I did.
LEWIS
Yeah, you’re right.
CARTER
Seriously?
LEWIS
Yes. Pitch a good six innings for me, then you’re off to another signing.
CARTER
That’s more like it.
LEWIS
David signed 300 hats yesterday. Think you can beat that?
CARTER
There aren’t even 300 people here!
LEWIS
The front office doesn’t care.
CARTER
They’re comparing my signings to David’s?
LEWIS
Of course! This is all a plan to see which one of you is most profitable.
CARTER
Most profitable? What am I, some product they have on sale?
LEWIS
Pretty much, yeah.
CARTER
That’s ridiculous.
CARTER angrily walks up to the mound. He gives up three hits in six innings, giving up zero runs. He then heads to the open gift shop to sign merchandise. He is greeted by seven people, all holding t-shirts. CARTER signs all their merchandise and returns to the clubhouse. RAY is sitting in there alone.
CARTER
Why aren’t you in the game?
RAY
Lewis took me out.
CARTER
Why?
RAY
Eh, he just does that every now and then. No big deal. How’d your signing go?
CARTER
I had a good seven people at it. Compared to David’s 300.
RAY
That’s not bad considering nobody is here.
CARTER
Is it true that they’re comparing the performance between my signings and David’s?
RAY
I haven’t heard that, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all.
CARTER
I thought I was supposed to be the star of the team.
RAY
You are.
CARTER
I don’t feel like it.
RAY
And I don’t blame you for that.
CARTER
Why?
RAY
You’re not being used properly.
CARTER
I keep saying that and I keep hearing people telling me that, yet nothing ever gets done.
RAY
You should talk to Julian in the front office.
CARTER
Already did that.
RAY
I don’t know what to say then.
CARTER
Should I leave?
RAY
No. You’re too valuable here.
CARTER
Doesn’t seem that way.
RAY
You’re very easy to catch. Your pitches are accurate.
CARTER
Thanks. Doesn’t seem like anyone else here cares too much though.
RAY
How about I try to get David traded?
CARTER
How would you even do that?
RAY
I’ve been here longer than almost everyone. I’m the highest-paid catcher in the league.
CARTER
You think you have leverage?
RAY
Only one way to find out. I’ll see you around.
RAY leaves the clubhouse. CARTER follows moments later.