Despite a pair of rough outings during the final series vs Boise, Talons reliever Jodie Hanna has just completed a season that included many career bests from the BBA's first (and so far, only) major league female player. With a career-high 80 innings this season to go with career low 1.23 WHIP and 3.21 FIP, Hanna tallied a 6-0 record to go with 1.4 WAR. Notable in her season stats, for a soft tossing righthander, is her .554 opponents' OPS in 126 at bats vs left handed batters. It's her 10th season of pro baseball, and the fresh-faced young woman is now becoming a grizzled veteran, so to speak.
With a contract paying her $1 million per season through 2062, the girl from Whitby, Ontario is not just secure in the history books as a BBA trailblazer, but also as one of the Talons' most consistent and reliable relievers. Yes, that "93-95mph" on the scouting report is absurdly generous, reportedly dating back to a single scout with a fast gun. Most of her pitches top out at just above 90 on a good day. But it's her command and consistency that makes her an arm to be counted on, even if she is far from the archetype of a dominant reliever. Hanna's intelligence and understanding of opponents' scouting reports are a big part of her performance.
One question remains, however... How much of her success is genuine, and how much of it is due to the Talons' extremely careful handling of Jodie, as well as the situations she pitches in? According to sources, Jodie has always had the same 'role' within the Talons' bullpen hierarchy, that of Long Reliever - Avoid High Leverage - Mopup. Is Jodie's team doing her a disservice by limiting her late game appearances? Or are they doing the right thing by setting her up for success and having her consistently and reliably fill a role that is usually reserved for replacement level players? Let us know in the comments!
Go Talons!
