2054-0012: Talons' Long Shot Wild Card Bid Derailed as Late Season Injuries Take Hold

[jiminyhopkins]

Phoenix, AZ--

At one point the Talons looked to be a contender for the fourth Wild Card Slot in the JL. But after a relatively quiet season in the trainers' room, injuries have reared their ugly head. Now, even with a Vegas collapse, the Talons look unlikely to leapfrog Edmonton for the playoff spot. Here are the main players affected:

CF Frederick Brisset
The Talons don't have many prospects to give and not much cap room, but they decided to try and shore up a weak CF position with the 75-rated Brisset in a trade with Yellow Springs. In his first seven games, the veteran outfielder had already contributed 0.4 WAR, mainly due to speed and defense. But before his bat could come around, the 34 year old suffered an ankle injury and will be out the rest of the season.

RP Tiernan O'Macken
The 35 year old reliever was not up to his usual standards in his tenth season with the Talons, but he was still a valuable lefty out of the pen and a good veteran presence. That's why it was extra sad to see him suffer a shoulder injury that will keep him out of action for the next 2-3 months, as well as place his future success in jeopardy. Unfortunately, in a business decision due to cap considerations, Tiernan, a pending free agent, was granted his release from the club this past week.

RF Chris Thomas
Having already missed 4 weeks in June and July due to back problems, Thomas once again succumbed to his herniated disc a few days ago and will miss the rest of the season as well. Thomas was on his way to one of the better seasons in his career, already at 2.5 WAR, but he'll be watching from the sidelines until his player option comes up in November.


So what will the Talons do? Sure, September callups will help, but it's probably too late to get ahead of the pack in the crowded JL Wildcard picture. At least the club won't have to wait until Sept 28th or so to be emiminated!

[Trebro]

All eyes in Phoenix turn to Toledo!

I really feel bad about Brisset. I wanted him to have a shot at a playoff run. Will be interesting to see what happens in the FA market for him.

[jiminyhopkins]

I feel worse for O'Macken. Came from YS and was the longest tenured Talon pitcher.

[Jess64]

Tough injuries for sure