2049-0014: Talons Officially Part Ways With Longest Tenured Player, 10 year veteran 3B Pankratz Isekenmier

[jiminyhopkins]

Phoenix, AZ--

With Option decisions pending, intrigue around the league has been buzzing about teams' and players' decisions in the coming days. But the Talons have already made their intentions known.

Third baseman Pankratz Isekenmier was the 21st overall pick in the 2037 draft, and found himself in the big leagues a little more than two seasons later at age 19. After that September cup of coffee, Isekenmier began a 10 season run of consistent production at the hot corner, with a good blend of contact and power, and equal ability against both right and left handed pitchers. Although range-limited for much of his later career, his sure hands and strong, accurate arm still make him a competent 3B to this day. And also to this day, he has the unofficial record for most trade inquiries of any Talon in franchise history.

After the 2044 season, the Talons and Pankratz both celebrated a 6 year contract extension for a player who, at the time, was one of the most popular Talons in the franchise. His 2045 season represented a peak, with a .303/.348/.528 slash and 4.0 WAR. He regressed the next two seasons but was still reliable, until a torn quad late in 2047 caused a further decline in his output in 2048-49. With Isekenmier due for a 13M team option for 2050, and the Talons already selling off talent the last half of 2049, today's official declination of that option was pretty much assured. Especially with Murray Healey ready to play full time at third base.

Pankratz is still only 30 years old with 8/8/8/4/8 ratings, so surely he will catch on somewhere, or even have a sort of second career in the UMEBA like many Brewster veterans. One thing is for sure, with 25.8 WAR for Phoenix, the German third baseman can expect a call from the Talons Hall of Low Standards as soon as he hangs 'em up!

Go Talons!