2041-06: Talons Meet Team News Minimum by Writing About How Bad Their Team Is (Or: The List of Players Over 2.0 WAR)

[jiminyhopkins]

Phoenix, AZ--

It was one of the worst seasons in Talons history, exemplified by the fact that the vast majority of players are replacement level and below. But there were five (count 'em, 5) players that managed to achieve some level of respectability in 2041. Wanna read about 'em? Well go ahead then!

DH Bartolo Ortiz (4.1)
The longtime Talons DH was as good as ever, despite missing the 40 HR mark once again. Ortiz recorded the second highest OBP mark in his career and led the team with 36 homers and 130 RBI. He set a career mark in doubles with 52, and his .992 OPS was second highest. Bartolo has an Opt-Out after next season, so expect him to escape the dumpster fire as soon as he can.

3B Pankratz Isekenmeir (3.5)
Young Pankratz turned heads in his second full season as the Talons starting 3rd baseman. Although he has limited range, his glove and arm bring his defensive skills to near average for the league. A slash line of .311/.365/.542 underscored his skills with the bat, while the 7 triples and 13 steals showcase his sneaky speed.

C Sang-Duk Sim (3.3)
Although the scouts say that Sim "won't form a long term attachment to a team", the Korean catcher inked a 6 year deal last winter, and the early returns are good. Known for his defense and game calling abilities, Sim could probably work wonders with a better pitching staff at his command. Interestingly enough, Sim hit a career low 9 home runs but clubbed a career high 40 doubles.

SP Charlie Iron-Knife (2.6)
The erstwhile knuckleballer had some major control issues this season, but with league wide pitching being so horrible, his ERA+ of 99 showed that he was still just about average. He tempered the walks by cutting down his HR allowed to a career low 19, and led the team in K's with 168.

SP Cesar Aguilar (2.3)
Cesar found himself the veteran of the staff this season, this being his 6th full campaign for the Talons. And though he too had an ERA north of 5, it was still league average, matching Iron-Knife's ERA+ of 99.He did stay healthy this year, notching a career high 184 innings, and recently signed a budget extension of 2.5 mil/year for the next two seasons.

Welp, thats it. Just 5 good players. In fact the team is so bad on pitching that they are actually considering picking up the team option for Maxence Mace. Yup, you read that right. And there's just no pitching out there, and none in the system. So get used to it, Talons fans! The good days are long gone!