Epic month-long prank fools baseball player into thinking teammate is deaf

After spending 10 years in the Major League, outfielder Jeff Francoeur found himself playing AAA ball for the El Paso Chihuahuas.  Instead of welcoming Francoeur with open arms, the team decided to spend an entire month playing an elaborate practical joke on him.

They convinced Francoeur that starting pitcher Jorge Reyes was deaf.  Thing is, he's not. Not in the least.  Apparently, it didn't take too much to fool Francoeur, as he bought the whole thing hook, line and sinker!  You have to see his reaction when he finally finds out he's been tricked:

So what do you think?  Epic prank or just mean?