2036-22: Talons Make Positional Changes, and They Work Out, Actually
Posted: Sun Nov 18, 2018 6:00 am
Phoenix, AZ--
During the least few weeks of the season, the Talons have been trying out various players at new positions. Based on the results generated so far, it's safe to assume that these will be more permanent going forward into next year.
Mario Deortez, the Talons slugger who recently completed his third straight 40-100 season, was transferred to first base as regular 1B Al Gordon recuperated from his injury. All reports indicate that Mario has taken well to his position, and has even set a career high in war due to his defensive contributions.
Moving Deortez to first base means that the DH slot was open, and it was a natural fit for Bartolo Ortiz. Although Ortiz has some impressive career batting numbers for a 22 year old, his defense in right field was among the worst at any position on the team. Initially, Ortiz was skeptical of the move, but being able to concentrate on hitting and, more importantly, not having his defense negatively affect his value, has allowed the young hitter to establish a career high in war as well.
The final positional switch was brought about by a phenom center fielder. Weaver Ripley, who looks to have game changing ability on both sides of the ball, was brought up for September and immediately felt at home in center. This left Thad Meyer, once a phenom himself, without a position. But when Ortiz moved to DH, that allowed right field to open. Thad also grew into the new slot quickly, and already has the same position rating in RF as he had in CF.
With Meyer in right, Ripley in center, and veteran Jean-Luc Lacaze in left, the Talons now have the best defensive outfield in franchise history.
Go Talons!
During the least few weeks of the season, the Talons have been trying out various players at new positions. Based on the results generated so far, it's safe to assume that these will be more permanent going forward into next year.
Mario Deortez, the Talons slugger who recently completed his third straight 40-100 season, was transferred to first base as regular 1B Al Gordon recuperated from his injury. All reports indicate that Mario has taken well to his position, and has even set a career high in war due to his defensive contributions.
Moving Deortez to first base means that the DH slot was open, and it was a natural fit for Bartolo Ortiz. Although Ortiz has some impressive career batting numbers for a 22 year old, his defense in right field was among the worst at any position on the team. Initially, Ortiz was skeptical of the move, but being able to concentrate on hitting and, more importantly, not having his defense negatively affect his value, has allowed the young hitter to establish a career high in war as well.
The final positional switch was brought about by a phenom center fielder. Weaver Ripley, who looks to have game changing ability on both sides of the ball, was brought up for September and immediately felt at home in center. This left Thad Meyer, once a phenom himself, without a position. But when Ortiz moved to DH, that allowed right field to open. Thad also grew into the new slot quickly, and already has the same position rating in RF as he had in CF.
With Meyer in right, Ripley in center, and veteran Jean-Luc Lacaze in left, the Talons now have the best defensive outfield in franchise history.
Go Talons!