2055-0004: Talons Season Preview: The Hitters (OF/DH)

[jiminyhopkins]

Daytona Beach, FL --

It's that time again. Time to eschew the 6 points for previewing another team and get 10 points for shotgunning out 5 TN's about our own. So let's look at the Talons' outfield, eh?

Left Field: Jorge Pena
Yep, Phoenix really did sign this guy to a 5 year ML contract, a guy who has yet to sniff the big leagues. But he met the club's requirements: he has a 10 power rating and is currently breathing. So with that, Pena could be a .214 hitting bust, or be the Johnson League ROY. Take your pick.

Center Field: John Oliver
Who? No, not the weird British political comedian from 30 years ago. Formerly of Atlantic City, Oliver has a job due to a trio of 9's: those being his power rating, speed rating, and his positional rating in CF. Can he be better than Manoell Whanon and his dismal performance last season? The bar (0.3 WAR) is not high, but Oliver may struggle to clear it.

Right Field: Julio Rivera
Please tell us this is a joke. No? Ok, please tell us that this guy will simply hold down the fort until the Talons can sign a real right fielder. Ok, I guess it's not so bad. But sign one already! Quick!!

Designated Hitter: Reggie Vargas
Finally! A real hitter. Not exactly a defensive gem, but Vargas doesn't have to worry about that as a full time DH. His 8/9/10/7/7 ratings VsR are exactly the kind of numbers that tick the Talons' boxes. He joined the club in the middle of 2054 and hit 17 home runs in only 65 games. More of that, please!

BENCH: Vargas will be joined by RP/DH Don Jaramillo, who will hit against lefties. Yes, the Talons have a platoon at DH. How pathetic. Anyway, the two outfield backups are a pair of long-time organizational contributors: Last season's feel-good story Jyri Kulmala and, of course, Toledo Liberty legend Chris Wright.

Go Talons!