2051-0006: Talons Old Friend Alert: Is the Franchise's Loyalty to Former Players Finally Paying Dividends?

[jiminyhopkins]

Phoenix, AZ--

After spending a few weeks atop the wins column in the BBA, the Talons have taken a step back to 3rd place in the JL Frontier. But the club is very much a playoff threat, with the best offense in the JL as well as the league's 5th best pitching staff, on a runs allowed basis.

But how much of that success can be traced back to former Talons that the club has reacquired in one way or another? Let's take a look at a few and see.

C Ichizo Sugiyama
Acquired: Talons first round pick in 2043
Lost: Trade to Omaha in 2044 (the Kondo trade)
Reacquired: Trade with Omaha in 2049
Now ranked as the number one catcher in baseball, Sugi has been worth 2.7 WAR in 90 games as the club's primary backstop. The club has him on a rest day every 5th game, so hopefully he can stay fresh as the year wears on. Recently signed a 4 year extension for over $50 million.

2B Chua-kah Yang
Acquired: Trade with Omaha in 2039
Lost: Trade with Des Moines in 2042
Reacquired: Trade with Des Moines in 2049
Yang paced the club with 4.1 WAR last season and is on track to do the same this year, despite moving from third base back to the keystone. Although he intends to pursue Free Agency at the end of the season, he could still net the club a 1st round pick under the new rules (Type A for two consecutive seasons).

CF Weaver Ripley
Acquired: Talons first round pick in 2034
Lost: Released in 2042, signed with the GBC
Reacquired: After 8 year GBC career, resigned with Talons as FA in 2050
Ripley burst onto the scene quickly in Phoenix, being only 1 HR shy of four consecutive 30-30 seasons to start his career. After a couple of negative WAR seasons, he was released and went on to enjoy a productive 8 seasons in the GBC, amassing 26 WAR for 4 different teams. Now back in PHX, he's already at 30 homers again on his way to a BBA career best performance.

DH Norihisa Yokoyama
Acquired: Talons third round pick in 2038
Lost: Trade with Des Moines in 2042 (along with Yang)
Reacquired: Trade with Des Moines in 2049 (yes, with Yang)
Having been a consistent power threat his whole career, Yoko has cut down on the K's this season and is on track for his best performance since 2044. It helps that his and Yang's paychecks are 50% subsidized, but it's undeniable that both of them have revitalized the Talons' lineup.

SP Aki Kondo
Acquired: Trade with Omaha in 2044 (the Sugiyama deal)
Lost: OPTED OUT OF HIS CONTRACT AFTER ONE SEASON GRRRRRRR (totally not bitter about this at all)
Reaquired: Trade with Brooklyn in 2050
Yeah, this is the guy who has signed more high value contracts in his career than any athlete in history (nearly $480 million, though he hasn't seen them all through, famously). Now just a wily veteran using up the last fumes in the tank, Kondo is still providing innings and looks to compile a 2.5+ WAR season in the Talons rotation. Plus he's a fan fave and the club is looking at its best ever attendance figure this season.

SP Don Smith
Acquired: Trade with Des Moines in 2042 (for Yang, Yokoyama, and others)
Lost: Released in 2048, days after executing his $16 mil contract option
Reaquired: Minor league contract with Talons in 2051, called up a few days later
Ahh Don Smith. We don't know how he's doing it, and it probably wont last, but Smith has 2.1 WAR and a 3.08 ERA in 14 starts for the Talons so far. We hear that the Labrum Fairy is warming up her wings.

RP Gilberto Sosa
Acquired: Trade with Chicago in 2046
Lost: Trade to Sacramento in 2049
Reacquired: Signed as Free agent after 2049 season
Not the same as he's been, but still has 1.0 WAR and 23 saves for the Talons and is a great presence at the back of the bullpen.

Any other old friends want to rejoin the band?? Contact the Talons front office today!!

[Jwalk100]

Labrum Fairy sighting

images-1.jpeg (3.54 KiB) Viewed 292 times

[aaronweiner]

Yang's very likely to go Type A, yes. I don't know if he's gotten there yet.

And I'm very glad that Yoko and Yang are working out for you so well.

[CTBrewCrew]

Inside the Talons PT room…

[neugey]

Once a Talon, always a Talon it seems!

[woods]

I snagged Feliciano Rafael as a minor league free agent last sim. You want him?

[jiminyhopkins]

I snagged Feliciano Rafael as a minor league free agent last sim. You want him?

I'll give you $1 for him. Rumor has it, his ratings are down to Jodie Hanna territory.