2038-10: Talons Season Preview Series: Left Field

[jiminyhopkins]

On to the left fielders, then. Did we mention that we stole this format from Edmonton et al? Well we did. So did a lot of other people. A lot more points than writing a "Team Preview" for someone else's franchise, eh?

ML Platoon VsR: Jean-Luc Lacaze (5/5/7/7/5 Talents)

Jean-Luc was one of those Dollar Store Specials, where a team just wants to rid itself of a contract. After the 2035 season, the Talons had some room and added the popular Frenchman to the roster. The fans loved it. The club immediately platooned him, and enjoyed a 1.9 WAR season in 2036 along with increased ticket sales. In 2037, however, the former EBA uber-star reclaimed some of his former glory with a 3.7 WAR season in only 386 at bats. Now, in the last guaranteed year of his contract, Lacaze looks to put together one more decent season before he is likely cut loose.

ML Platoon VsL: Sergio Cordova (5/6/8/6/5 Talents)

Cordova was signed in late 2036 for the express purpose of platooning with Lacaze in left field. He ended up having a great 2037 season, hitting 13 homers and driving in 50, helping to bring the total WAR for LF to 4.5. In addition, Sergio has taken his team captain role seriously, and helped make the Talons clubhouse one of the best in baseball. Could be a future managerial candidate.

Minor League Depth: Breen Lydon (4/5/7/5/5 Talents) and Donald Robidoux (4/4/4/6/5 Talents)

These guys aren't really that good, but they're the only ones that could actually kinda sorta play defense if called upon.

Prospects to Watch: Reynaldo Avila (7/7/7/4/8 Talents) and Jesus Valenzuela (5/6/8/6/4 Talents)

Avila is the tenth ranked Talons prospect, and is decently far along as a 19 year old. He was acquired in the Tu-fu Yong trade as a throw-in. Not particularly eye-opening in the field and quite a slow baserunner, It's doubtful that he would ever see a full time job on anything other than a rebuilding team. Same goes for Valenzuela who, though possessing a power bat, just doesn't look to be anything more than a one-dimensional ballplayer.

[Ted]

Don't sell yourself short. That rag from Edmonton has nothing on these fine team newses.