2054-0009: Talons Sign First Round Pick Cesar Torres for $1.5 Mil. But Is He Good Enough To Play for the Toledo Liberty?

[jiminyhopkins]

Toledo, OH--

A common derision from the Talons reclusive GM, when it comes to the draft, is that the players available "Aren't even good enough for my Single A team". But is that true? Especially after the franchise decided to not roll the pick and actually sign the guy?

Cesar Torres was mainly a cost pick for the Talons, given that his projected bonus was way under the draft budget. But a recent draft recap article noted that the 20 year old righthander's "stuff is far and away the best in the draft", plus scouts say he could be ready for the bigs this year. With 14/10/4 ratings, Torres could either be too much of a liability in close games. On the other hand, he could be what they call 'effectively wild'. Not to mention the fact that opposing managers will load up on left-handed hitters against him.

Torres was eager to sign and reportedly requested to be assigned to the Liberty, as opposed to a lower level team. "What better way to start your pro career than with the best team in BBA history?" he said with a grin, leaving others to gauge his level of sarcasm. So, is it hubris? Is Torres really going to show up all of those 30-somethings on the Liberty? Or does he really see this opportunity as a stepping stone to a quick call to the majors?

His pro debut with the vaunted Toledo team was a bit of a wakeup call for the young flamethrower. His first assignment was against last place Long Island, entering in the seventh inning with a runner on first. After a strikeout of his first batter (during which the runner stole 2nd), a routine groundout to the left side moved the runner to third, who promptly scored when the following batter lined a sharp single right back through the box, the 108 mph line drive whizzing past Torres' head. The old "welcome to Single A" moment!

After reaching a full count on his third straight hitter, a deep double scored another run. Calmly, Toledo pitching coach Arend Glas made his way out to the mound, walking slowly so the young pitcher could catch his breath - and his nerves. Another full count to the following batter spurred some urgent action in the Toledo bullpen, but the batter was walked before anyone could even grab a glove. Maybe Torres wasn't good enough for the Liberty after all.

The next hitter was a lefty, supposedly Torres' weak side, and the Toledo dugout knew that this was just one of those days when the young kid had to sink or swim on his own. But Cesar threw three wicked sliders to the back foot and the inning ended with an emphatic strikeout. In a vote of confidence, Torres was sent back out for the following inning, and got two easy ones on a strikeout and a flyout. But after a four pitch walk, the young pitcher was finally relieved by one of those "old guys", Willie Turner. But the damage was done, with Toledo taking only its 9th loss of the season.

The Liberty held Torres out of the next three games to clear his head, and on June 1st he got his next chance. This time, it was 2.1 hitless innings to close a shutout victory, with no walks and 5 K's. A walk in the park. Is this the real Torres? Or the jittery, sweating rookie we saw a few days ago? Yes, time will tell, of course. And just a tad more control could make all the difference given this kid's raw talent. But it's only been two games, and the Liberty are looking for their 11th Championship before their era of dominance comes to an end. Will Torres be a part of it? Or will he be 'sent down' to the Talons long before September?

Stay Tuned!

[trmmilwwi]

He's on the right path! I will be watching his progress for sure!

[Dington]

Enjoying your TN. Keep ‘em coming!

[Jwalk100]

Enjoying your TN. Keep ‘em coming!

Wrong TN. Those are here: viewtopic.php?f=41&t=44866