2037-29: Talons Win JL SB Division Despite Playing .500 Ball Since July 1st

[jiminyhopkins]

Phoenix, AZ

On July 1st, the Talons were sitting at 53-29 and looking like one of the dominant forces in the BBA. Since that day, the club has played exactly .500 baseball, and only managed to win the division by default, limping to the finish after yet another rash of injuries to the starting rotation.

Thad Meyer had an incredible start, and was even in the early MVP conversation as he was on a 11 WAR pace for the first two months. Lawrence Columbus LaLoosh, just off a massive free agent contract, was the steady ace the club had always needed. Even when his shoulder started acting up in mid-June, it only looked like an 8 week layup would be required. The Talons were even leading the JL in runs scored for much of the year, with a hugely powerful attack that, for the first time, featured good speed and defense as well.

But then LaLoosh needed surgery, Bob Corrigan also tore his Labrum, and starting SS Voitto Stromberg missed a month and a half, derailing a hot start. In addition, Mario Deortez suffered through a season long funk that saw him turn in the worst season since his rookie year. The two star rookies, Arturo Barron and Weaver Ripley, ended up being little more that Rob Deer-esque strikeout machines. Brendan Kerndl hit for power, but was a defensive black hole at 3B, being replaced in the field in the late innings of nearly every game.

So how did the Talons do it? Well, as mentioned before, the club has tremendous power, hitting 282 home runs. The bullpen ERA of 3.93 was actually 4th in the JL. Even the beleaguered starting rotation saw guys like Jesus Tonche step up and provide innings, not to mention RP Alexandre Renard, who as a starter recorded a 1.73 ERA in September. Team defense, never a strong suit in Talons history, was second in the BBA in total ZR, and fourth overall in defensive efficiency.

Now they face the Hustlers of Las Vegas, a club whom the Talons crushed during the season, winning the series 11 games to 1. In the playoffs, anything can happen, and the Talons are enjoying the ride, even if they're not sure who's driving the bus!

GO Talons!

[recte44]

And you move on, as we completely expected. Our offense completely disappeared and Troop gave up a big first inning in Game 3 which I believe was the turning point of the series.

[ae37jr]

The Jacksonville/Phoenix series is going to look more like football scores then baseball. Both teams can swing the lumber and have some pitching injuries.

[Ted]

Almost missed this one.