2057-56: Talons Key Late Season Additions Almost Made All The Difference

[jiminyhopkins]

Phoenix, AZ--

The Talons ended the season 10th in the BBA in attendance and with a $3.2 million surplus. This after starting $11 mil in the hole and being last in attendance by May. The club kept up an incredible 100 Fan Interest nearly the entire season.

But they didn't want the season to end at all.

Phoenix ended up going 2-2 in the final 4 game set, starting the sim with a heartbreaking 12 inning loss to Calgary. Then the Talons won two against Boise, but the final game was lost by two runs as the Talons offense didn't show up. Meanwhile, Jacksonville pulled off a stunning sweep of Charm City to deservedly claim their place in the postseason. Having said that, let's look at some of the in-season acquisitions that almost made the playoffs possible:

SP Alaric Wullenweber was as advertised, making 10 starts for the Talons and going 5-1 with a 2.87 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 1.3 WAR. He was everything the Talons hoped for, and though he didn't factor into the final 4 games, Jax's sweep made that irrelevant anyway.

C Ron Shiplack was brought in to quickly replace the injured Klooster, and, when he wasn't injured himself, put up a 1.107 OPS in 20 games. He was worth almost another whole win on his own. When he got hurt in late August, Aldalgiso Bosendorfer was also quickly brought over to fill in for the injured Shiplack, and hit .323 in 28 games behind the dish.

OF Manuel Torres, a former Talons first round pick, was cast through the forever door by Bikini, and immediately revitalized his career. In 71 games for the Talons down the stretch, Torres hit an incredible 21 homers with 53 RBI and 2.6 WAR.

OF Girolamo Archibaldelli happened to sign a free agent contract just as Andrew Wright got hurt again, and hit .304 with 4 steals and 14 runs scored in 33 games.

Though the Talons were eliminated on the final day AGAIN, these players made it closer than the race had any right to be. The Talons Reluctant GM actually came through and responded to every contingency, but in the end it just wasn't enough.

Go Talons.

[trmmilwwi]

Not the result that was wanted but it was a heck of a season to watch unfold. Injuries certainly made it interesting.

[Trebro]

Your team really overachieved this season. Great work!