NKOtB (kindof) Part Deux: Memphis Drillers

What Happened?: This woebegone franchise may have finally started to turn around. After 11 consecutive 4th place finishes, new owner threester combined managerial talents with the freefall of former contenders San Juan and Nashville to finish 2nd with a franchise-record 80 wins last season.

The team has been in Austin since a brief one-season stay in Mephis as the Shores under temporary ownership. While the Austin market is growing, threester has become increasingly concerned with his young players penchant for late nights on the University of Texas campus. Moreover, the move to Memphis is a direct attack on division rival Nashville's stranglehold on the Tennessee market.

The Fallout: Threester's well-documented Abba love-affair continues with the move to Memphis, allegedly the inspiration of lesser-known Abba hit, Summer Night City, which topped the charts in Ireland, Finland, and Sweden. WCM has learned that Threester is moving to Memphis is hopes of re-connecting with Frida Lyngstad, alledgely a frequent visitor to Memphis' famous Corky's BBQ.

Nashville owner drennantom is rumored to be officially protesting the move to the league office on the grounds that it violates his territorial rights. In all liklihood, he's more worried about losing Graceland as an inspiration to his team.

Graceland

The Nashville Harmonies, firmly planted in 3rd place in the NL South, have won 31 or 55 games at home in Nashville. However, the road has not been nearly as friendly to the Harmonies, as they've won just 20 of 56 road contests. What could possibly explain it?

Harmonie President Tom Drennan had this to say, "In a word, it's Elvis. There's a reason we're the only team in the league that wears Blue Suade Shoes. When we're on the road, we're stuck wearing grey, which the King would never have approved of. We train in Memphis, just 2 blocks from Graceland. Our players meditate there prior to every home game and we take a team bus from Memphis to Nashville. We just can't find the same kind of connection on the road, even at the Heartbreak Hotel."

Harmonie players echoed Drennan's sentiments. Relief pitcher Keith Webster was born in Prinsburg, MN but he's been an Elvis lover since birth. "My mom actually named me Elvis, but my dad said 'Don't Be Cruel', so Elvis is only my middle name. Playing in Nashville is a dream come true, and the ladies here really love the lamb chops. I just don't get that kind of respect on the road."

Keith Webster Nashville Harmonies Age: 29 B/T: R/R Born: Prinsburg, MN Position(s): P (LRB) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Long time Harmonie reliever Douglas Clark is another huge Elvis fan. "I've made over ten million dollars in Nashville. I'd trade it all to have the voice of the king. Instead, I'll have to settle for his looks." Clark wouldn't comment on a reported restraining order filed by Priscilla Presley.

Douglas Clark Nashville Harmonies Age: 36 B/T: L/L Born: Donnellson, IA Position(s): P (LRB) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The season continues for the Harmonies and they're not likely to turn it around on the road until they play in Las Vegas. Unfortunately for the Harmonies, they're not scheduled to 'Viva Las Vegas' until next season.