2030-03: Talons Preview: OF/DH

[jiminyhopkins]

Part three of our team preview series discusses the outfield and DH.

Left Field: Ned Breur deserves a shot here, but the front office panicked and signed veteran OF Stephen Ireland instead. So while Breur sits in AAA, old man Ireland will "earn" 1.3 million putting up a 0.2 War like he did in 2029. Oh wait, that was 2028. He didn't even PLAY last year. Here's hoping the Talons come to their senses and go with the younger player before too long.

Center Field: Speaking of panicking, thats what the fans in Phoenix will be doing when they find out that Pei Tsou will once again be manning the center field expanse at Paul D. Lunn Memorial Stadium this year. Although Tsou is an adequate fielder and probably the fastest man on the squad, this guy does not belong as a full time player on a major league team. Its amazing how Pei's 2028 EBA performance (3.6 War) is still influencing Talons management.

Right Field: So is there any hope for the outfield in Phoenix? Maybe, if you try to block out the fact that former EBA phenom Luis Baca is coming off a knee injury (and subsequent setback) as well as a contact rating lump from 9 to 7. Make no mistake, Baca is certainly a swell hitter and capable defender who will bring fans to the yard. But he is no longer a franchise type player, despite his 6 year/$65 million contract. A 3.0 War season is about the best that can be expected going forward.

Designated Hitter: Former EBA prospect (sensing a pattern here?) Frank Bud will man the DH spot this year. Bud made his major league debut last season as a 26 year old, and slashed .402/.419/.539 in 102 at bats for the Talons.

Backing up the outfield will be Byron Budge and Francisco Diaz, both speedy players who can play all three slots. Waiting at AAA will be the aforementioned Ned Breur as well as the intriguing Felix Avila.

Stay tuned, as we wrap up the preview series with parts 4 and 5 (starting pitching and bullpen) tomorrow, to be followed by the farm system roundup (Part 6) in a couple days.

Go Talons!

[Ted]

I Breur is probably a better player than Ireland, although maybe not by much. He's a better defender in left at the very least.