2037-10: Talons Season Preview: Catcher/Infield

[jiminyhopkins]

Next in our Season Preview Series, we will examine the infield part of the Talons offense, which last year ranked among the very best in the BBA.

C Andres Martinez (6/5/10/8/6 Talents)
The veteran backstop, claimed by the Talons as a Rule 5 pick when the team was still an expansion franchise, turned in another great performance in 2036 and remains one of the Talons most powerful hitters. His 3.8 WAR last season represent a career high, and he is always a threat for 30 home runs. His runners thrown out percentage is down from his career highs, but he still has a positive zone rating and is among the leagues' better backstops.

1B Mario Deortez (8/9/9/6/7 Talents)
With Ortiz now at DH, Mario needed a place to play. Turns out, Deortez has taken quite well to first base and already rates a 6 at the position. Not bad for a career DH. And why was he a DH? The bat, of course, that powered him to a third straight 40HR, 100RBI season in 2036. Still only 25, Mario is on his way to an amazing career that could see him approach 500 home runs before its all said and done.

2B Arturo Barron (5/8/9/6/4 Talents)
Barron has a powerful bat, one that was good enough for 39 home runs at AAA Ashland in 2036. Where he really shines, however, is with the glove, where his 10 range and 10 error rating equate to an 11 positional score at the keystone. Even with a lower batting average, his power could still get him close to an .800 OPS, which combined with his defense can mean a positive WAR performance. Not really a favorite for Rookie of the Year, but that's more due to his center field teammate than Barron himself.

3B Brendan Kerndl (7/7/8/6/7 Talents)
The Talons have done much to revamp their defense, but third base is still a problem area. Kerndl is a fine player with a good bat, but he just doesn't have the range and glove for the position. Still, 55 home runs over the last two seasons is a plus, and enough to keep his yearly WAR above 2 despite his below average fielding.

SS Voitto Stromberg (6/5/7/8/8 Talents)
One of the return pieces in the Tu-fu Yong trade, Voitto represents a cost savings as well as a defensive upgrade from the Talons' former shortstop. He already has a decent bat, and at 24 years old, still has time to hone his batting eye and become even more valuable. He is also a threat on the basepaths, making him the clubs' best all around player, aside from a certain ROY candidate we'll talk about in the outfield article.

Bench:

Rob Drew (5/5/7/5/5 Talents) will handle backup catching duties., after recording a .773 OPS in the same role last season.
Al Gordon (7/7/8/6/5 Talents) is left without a starting job. The Talons hope to trade this talented hitter so he can play full time.
Hyun-oo Yong (5/5/1/5/5 Talents) and Joe Pike (5/4/5/5/8 Talents) represent the Talons defensive replacements and pinch runners for the infield.

[Ted]

Barron is interesting in that I have no idea how valuable he is. He'll at worst be a regular you're happy enough with. But will his glove be so excellent he'll become a good player despite his one dimensional offensive profile?