2054-0013: Talons' Single-A Affiliate Toledo Eliminated from CPL Post-Season, Three Liberty Players Get Call to Majors

[jiminyhopkins]

Toledo, OH

After a playoff-opening no hitter in Game 1 at Mankato, the Liberty were riding high after completing a 114 win season, the second-highest total in team history. But as the short, three game first round matchup returned to Toledo, things took an unfortunate turn, as the Moondogs won the next two games to eliminate the Liberty from trying for their 11th CPL Championship.

As previously reported, upcoming minor league age limits likely mean the end of an era of Liberty domination over the Pegler League, something the 19,000 Toledo fans were well aware of as they filed out of their home stadium for the final time in 2054. Shortly thereafter, the Talons announced three additional September callups to the big club, one for a veteran major leaguer, another for a 25 year old prospect, and finally, the last for a local legend. Here they are:

1B Juan Mateo
Juan is no stranger to the major leagues or Phoenix, spending three of his 13 seasons with the Talons. Mateo was signed as a minor league free agent in mid May, and proceeded to produce 3.8 WAR in 83 games. He brings excellent defense, good baserunning, and his trademark line-drive bat to the big club as a backup first baseman.

RP Tian-bai Chio
Yes, Toledo actually had a couple prospects this season, and Chio was the best, racking up a 21-1 record and 2.59 ERA as the Liberty's ace starter. Still working on perfecting his four-pitch repertoire, he'll pitch in Phoenix as a reliever, where he has a potential 17 stuff rating.

RF Chris Wright
Some may say a strictly ceremonial pick, but Wright could well be auditioning for a big league job next season, as his speed and defense in the corners make him a candidate for a 5th outfielder slot. It's his first major league cup of coffee in his career, and the Legend will surely enjoy every moment.

Go Talons!

[Jwalk100]

19,000 fans at a Single A game!!!!!!!!

[Trebro]

Really glad to see Wright get his shot

[ae37jr]

End of an era in Toledo.

[CTBrewCrew]

I wanna check their fan loyalty in game. Its gotta be 100. 19k for A is incredible

[jiminyhopkins]

I wanna check their fan loyalty in game. Its gotta be 100. 19k for A is incredible

Toledo has drawn almost a million fans a year for like the past decade

[Jess64]

Those fans in Ohio love their baseball!

[Trebro]

Those fans in Ohio love their baseball!

Toledo is probably better than Yellow Springs right now