2008 Phoenix Talons Preview

[Edward Murphy]

Let’s start with the rotation.

David Klopp is one of the stars on the Talons pitching roster. David is just 32 years old, and is in his prime now. Last season, Dave started 33 games, going 225.0 innings with 15 - 8 record and a 3.92 era.

Steve Turb has a stellar 3.15 ERA through 225 innings last year, and his strikeout (6.6 K/9) and walk rates (2.35 BB/9) are right in line with his career norms. He did get more ground balls in 2007 (52%) compared to the rest of his career (49%).

Russell Vanness is the veteran of this rotation at age 35. This guy has the talent to be one of the best pitchers on the Talons. You know what you'll get with Russell, an ERA that will end up in the high 3's or low 4s, lots of strikeouts and innings pitched.

Tim Buchanan was actually the Montreal Blazers ace five years ago. Finally, he moves into a role more suited for him as the #4 starter. He consistently posted a winning record (103-79 career). He gives Talons a chance to win every time he's on the mound. He keeps the ball in the park and has a 4.18 ERA.

Lorenzo Morales can't put together a full season for the Talons. Instead, he performs inconsistently, but just good enough to finish the season. While he's been a good pitcher most of his career, he's clearly a disappointment based on his last two years performance. Last year Lorenzo received a 5 year, 23 million, contract. The whisper in the club house is Lorenzo feels he is under a microscope. He is unable to get comfortable because after a poor outing he has been moved down in the rotation or to a reliever role. He would like 4 – 6 weeks in one spot to show the Talons what he can do.

Catchers:

Sam Brewington is the work horse for the Talons, hitting .334 AVG, with 25 home runs, and 81 RBI’s. In the past 4 years, Sam made the Montgomery Brewster Baseball Association All-Star Game 3 times. Jeremy Small will be the backup catcher and will have minimal playing time.

Going around the horn:
3B Lindsey Jacinto, has lost a little range over the years, but is a very solid at 3B with a very strong arm and able to start a double play from third.

SS Jack Mckeon Eoff is an average hitter, but is above average in the field, with outstanding range, and knowledge of the game. He makes all the right plays went the pressure is on. If any of the infielders get injured Jack can step in and fill the position.

2B Troy McLauglin is an average hitter, has above average contact, however, he lacks the power to get the ball out of the park. If you are looking for a hit or advancing the runner Troy can do that with a career .300 BA.

1B Vicente Vasquez is an excellent offence player who the Talons can count on to have a rock-solid season. Vicente can produce 30 plus home runs and over 100 RBI’s. One thing Vicente lacks is speed. He is one of those players that can turn a stand up triple into a close play at second. As Vicente goes so goes the Talons.

Covering the Field:

Cory Warr, and Robert Harrell will cover the corners and with Steve Fulkner covering the center, the Talons have the whole field covered. All three of these players are more alike than different. They have the ability to hit a high batting average between .279 - .305. All have outstanding defense ability. On occasion they can flash the leather making outstanding plays for the web gems making them look just like routine plays.

Prediction: The Talons will be in the wild card fight going (88-94) wins ending about 5th in the Johnson league, but missing the post season play again.

[Al-Hoot]

[trmmilwwi]

Great amount of info in there about each player... I like the way you can get an instant read on the type of players in each role. I may try this take on my review for Seattle. Good stuff.