Thursday is an off-night for the 2016 World Series, but there will still be baseball-related programming on FOX.
The network is airing the latest edition of its new drama “Pitch.”
Entitled “Alfonzo Guzman-Chavez,” Thursday’s episode focuses on the impending MLB trade deadline.
The trade deadline always creates tension in the clubhouse, and rumors that Blip – Ginny’s one true friend on the Padres – could be moved make the matter personal for the MLB’s first female pitcher.
FOX made the episode available to critics in advance of Thursday’s broadcast. Based on our screening, here are five things to expect (minor spoiler warning):
The harsh reality of trades
On the whole, the character-driven “Pitch” underscores the humanity of professional ball players. They may be freakishly talented and making millions of dollars to play a game millions of people play for free, but they are still real people with real flaws and real emotions.
This episode reminds viewers that from the organization’s standpoint, they are faceless “assets.” They are chess pieces.
When it comes to navigating the trade deadline, the organization cannot worry about loyalty. It cannot fear uprooting a player — and his family — from the place they call home. It can only focus on doing what it takes to win more games and sell more tickets.
The players understand this from a conceptual standpoint. When they agree to accept millions of dollars to play a “kid’s game,” they know they are agreeing to be used as chess pieces. Until they earn enough clout for a no-trade clause, they know they can be moved to another team with no warning. They know they are not supposed to care.
Logic, unfortunately, does not dictate emotion. Knowing you’re not supposed to care does not prevent you from caring. It does not thwart attachment to a city. It does not prevent players from establishing friendships with teammates (and their families).
As someone new to the jaded, commercially driven world of the majors, Ginny is particularly troubled. Knowledge that *she* is safe in San Diego does little to hasten the blow of the overall situation.
Blip and Alfonzo Guzman-Chavez
Is Blip on the trading block?
Rumors say yes, and Ginny is understandably worried. She is beginning to click with the rest of her team, but Blip remains her only legitimate “friend.” She is also very close with his wife and children.
More accustomed to the stress of the trade deadline, Blip tries to wear a brave face. But as a longtime Padre with roots in the San Diego community, his internal worry is very obvious.
The good news is that there is no simple, two-team scenario in which Blip would be traded. Numerous dominoes would have to fall.
One of those dominoes? The Orioles would have to trade a player named Alfonzo Guzman-Chavez.
As long as the Orioles keep Guzman-Chavez, Blip is probably safe.
Of course, if they do trade him, the prospect of a Blip trade will quickly become very legitimate.
More Ginny flashbacks
“Alfonzo Guzman-Chavez” provides another set of Ginny flashbacks — and an introduction to another interesting person from her past.
This week’s focus? A boy (and fellow baseball player) with whom Ginny became close (platonic) friends in high school.
On the surface, the connection between the flashback and present-day storylines is pretty obvious: as Ginny stresses over the possibility of her friend Blip being traded, she reflects on a past friendship that was affected by circumstance.
Do not, however, assume everything is quite so simple.
This week’s flashback storyline concludes on a different note than you’re probably expecting. It also connects to Ginny’s narrative in a manner you’re probably not anticipating.
An update on Mike and Amelia
Minor fights are inevitable in relationships.
Those minor fights can kill temporary flings. They, on the other hand, can serve to make real relationships even stronger.
Mike and Amelia’s relationship is tested by a minor quarrel in this week’s episode. In dealing with the fallout of that fight, Thursday’s episode will reveal whether their relationship was a casual, carnal diversion or something meaningful.
Kevin Connolly, Josh Peck appear
Thursday’s “Pitch” features guest appearances by Kevin Connolly and Josh Peck.
Connolly plays Charlie, the interim president of baseball operations. The patronizing character imposes a thrifty spending limit on Oscar, who was hoping to make big moves at the trade deadline.
Peck plays “Ross,” a goofy, incredibly upbeat analyst who helps Oscar navigate the complicated trade landscape.
The “Alfonzo Guzman-Chavez” edition of “Pitch” airs at 9PM ET/PT.
