2036-12: Talons Season Preview: The Offense C/IF

[jiminyhopkins]

As we begin the Season Preview Series, let's take a look at the vaunted Talons offense, starting with the infield.

C Andres Martinez (6/5/10/8/6 Talents)
Martinez recorded a career best 3.5 wars last season, and was even named MVP of the World Cup. Picked up as a Rule V selection shortly after the Talons expansion franchise was formed in the 2028-29 offseason, Andres has been in the bigs ever since and has only gotten better, hitting 34 bombs and driving in 91 in 2035 as his team went to the playoffs for the first time.

1B Al Gordon (6/8/8/6/6 Talents)
Perhaps underrated, Gordon continues to rake as Phoenix's veteran leader. As the unofficial team captain, the left handed hitter joined most of his teammates in having a career year in 2035, recording 4.2 wars in only 450 at bats. He was even among the league leaders in runs created per 27 outs.

2B Manuel Martinez (7/7/6/3/8 Talents)
This guy literally came out of nowhere. As a throw in to the infamous I-Rod trade, the 24 year old "Zap" was originally an outfielder who converted to the infield just before his rookie season in 2034. Then, only a year later, he led the entire BBA (at any position) with a zone rating of +18.0, which greatly contributed to his war total of 5.1, second best on the team. Thing is, the club has an even better 2B with a 12 position rating in AAA, so Martinez might just have to move again next year.

3B Brendan Kerndl (7/7/8/6/7 Talents)
Let's face it, Phoenix has been looking for a good third baseman ever since Winson-gate. Thats not to say the don't have a good hitter there, as the 23 year old Kerndl hit 28 bombs and drove in 80 last season. But his glove work is average and he has limited range. Long term plans seem to involve Yong moving to 3B and Martinez taking over at short, so a trade may be in the works soon for the young German import.

SS Tu-fu Yong (8/8/9/6/7 Talents)
Yong, often listed among the best players in the league, has a lackluster season in 2035, not to mention a few injuries. In fact, the 24 year old has never quite played a full season. It's tantalizing to imagine what could happen if everything came together for the native of Anqing, China, but fans are still waiting for him to fulfil his promise ever since he was picked up as an IFA in 2028, when the franchise was still in the EBA.

Bench: Craig Jensen (5/6/6/9/7 Talents) will be the backup catcher. "Speedy" Jack Hankey (7/6/6/4/9 Talents) will platoon against lefties at first base. Edgar Pagan (5/5/8/4/4 Talents) will back up in the infield, and is a power bat off the bench. Fellow infielder Joe Pike (5/4/6/4/8 Talents) will be the primary pinch runner and defensive replacement.