As one of two Triple-A circuits, the Pacific Coast League offers a number of vibrant backdrops as players look to complete the climb to the majors.
Like New Orleans, Las Vegas and Nashville, to name a few.
Albuquerque, however, is not high up on Nick Martini’s list of favorite stops and it was perhaps the last place he wanted to be when his phone rang as he picked up his bags upon arriving at the airport on Aug. 26.
The Athletics, a year after employing him as a leadoff hitter during an improbable playoff push, had designated him for assignment.