2055-01: Talons Make Early FA Signings and Trade (boring team news article, nothing to see here, move along, move along)

[jiminyhopkins]

Phoenix, AZ--

The Talons, fresh off another Sept 28th elimination (some traditions never die), have already been active this offseason and the calendar hasn't even flipped to 2055 yet.

This past week, the club came to terms with two rather unproven free agents, who could both provide upside for the franchise over the course of their 5 season contracts. They are considered risk/reward type situations, but if they pay off these could be considered shrewd deals.

24 year old LF Jorge Pena was signed to a $35 million package, with the Talons obviously seduced by his big power ratings. He was a minor league free agent out of the Louisville organization, where he most recently hit 30 homers and recorded 2.5 WAR for their AAA club. The Talons felt that he was ready for the BBA and corralled him in a major league deal, but so far he has yet to record a big league at bat.

28 year old SP Jaypee Estancia does have one decent BBA season under his belt, last year for Calgary. He came over to the Pioneers after a nondescript GBC career, and his primary concern is the work he has yet to do on his four pitches, none of which are at their potential. But if his screwball becomes a viable offering, he could be rated as high as 15 stuff. Even so, he did start 28 games last season at his current level, and recorded a 2.5 WAR. So he could be decent even if he doesn't fully develop. But $43 million decent? That remains to be seen.

In addition, the Talons did make a minor trade with Montreal. As many know, the Talons' franchise is loaded with players who are over the minor league age limits, and only 27 of them can play in AAA. So, two of these players, who could definitely play roles in the big leagues, were shipped to the Blazers in return for three minor league players who will serve to fill out the "system". In the deal, 1B Bryan Gill and LF Fawwaz Amin were dealt in exchange for 20 year old RP Jerome Scovell, 21 year old SP Kshama Chandrasekaran, and 19 year old 3B Will Lucero. The two pitchers may be no more than filler, but at least Lucero has a chance to contribute in the future if his ratings keep bumping.

Go Talons!

[Jwalk100]

Pena is gonna hit a lot of homers. He may become one of the associations all time asshats.

[BaseClogger]

I liked your signings I think they fit your strategy perfectly.