2038-16: Talons Season Preview Series: Closer

[jiminyhopkins]

And finally, the closer. The Talons go in a new direction this season, as they look to a veteran to bridge the gap between Bakitski and Cuevas, the club's closer-in-waiting.

ML Closer: Dillon Young (9/6/7 Talents)

Young, the veteran fireman, had racked up 360 saves in his 14 year career. Signed to a team friendly deal of $3 million this season with a team option for next, Young is the perfect mentor to Cuevas, who looks to take the reins once he's ready. The ideal situation would be for Young to pitch well up to the trade deadline, then be dealt for more talent as Cuevas takes over. Last season, Young was worth 1.4 WAR, which was coincidentally the same value that the vaunted VODAK provided.

ML Backups: Julio Cuevas (10/6/7 Talents) and Adrian Garcia (9/5/8 Talents)

Cuevas is, of course, the next great Talons closer. Garcia, the longtime setup man, has pitched well in the past when he has been given ninth inning duties, saving 13 games in 2036.

Prospect to Watch: Mitchell Purssell (12/8/7 Talents)

We can't wait for this guy. A monster bullpen prospect, Purssell has a few years yet, but could be deadly as a closer. He was part of the Tu-fu Yong deal, and will be given all the time he needs to reach his full potential. With Cuevas in the bigs, there's no need to rush this kid, who has a chance to be better than Bakitski ever was.

[Ted]

Dillon is not so young anymore (Lame I know, but I've run out of things to say).