Team MVP’s – 2054 (AAA) Tucson Inferno (Hoppy Endings, pre-sim 26) [PP:2054.32]

[neugey]

In their inaugural season in Tucson with the Inferno moniker, Edmonton’s plucky AAA squad missed the playoffs but posted a very solid 81-63 record. This was the best record posted by an Edmonton AAA team since 2041.

The team celebrated the end of the season with a fun golf outing, and afterward the following MVP awards selected by GM Mike Bauer (two pitchers and two offensive players) were announced to the group of players:

SP Takiji Takahashi – “Double T” spent time in the Boise farm system but became a minor league free agent after 2053. Edmonton snatched up the righty starter and gave him a $75k bonus. From there, Takiji made the most of his opportunity in AAA, starting 22 games in AAA and another 6 in AA, posting good numbers at both levels. With the Inferno, he finished with a solid 3.41 ERA and 2.5 rWAR to lead the rotation.

CL Carlton Ogea – Like Takahashi, Ogea was also an off-season free agent addition new to the Edmonton organization. At age 31, he took control of the Inferno bullpen, posting a 2.88 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with 9 holds and 19 saves. He could be on the cusp of making the majors in the BBA or GBC if he continues like this.

3B Eric Jones – Jones holds a majors/minors contract and played his third season in a row at AAA for the Jackrabbits system. 2054 was his best effort yet as he recorded a .303 average and 2.2 WAR playing mostly at the hot corner. The former longtime Seattle player is now 34, and it will be interesting to see if he continues his career as a AAA stalwart. There might not be an opening in the infield for Jones in Edmonton or elsewhere.

LF Jose Salas – Management was delighted when they were able to agree to terms with former Edmonton star Jose Salas to join the AAA Inferno for a $115k bonus. He served as the Inferno’s everyday leadoff hitter and hit .316 with 13 homers and 14 steals in only 335 at-bats. If a spot opens up, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him be reunited with the big league Jackrabbits in 2055 or subsequent seasons.