The Maltese Falcons joined the Mission Viejo Maulers as clubs waving the white flag in the early portion of the season, making clear that their intentions were focused on 2022 and beyond. GM Gary Falzon and Assistant GM Erik Nielsen have dealt away Bryce Harper, Kyle Hendricks and Carlos Martinez, with only one of those deals adding to the club's Active Roster.
So how do the Falcons sit just 94.5 points out of a Playoff spot on July 29th, just days before the RDBL Trade Deadline and 8 periods removed from being in last place? The savviness of Falzon and Nielsen is the answer.
As they have become known for, the Falcons uncovered several Draft Day bargains that have kept them in the race. The club nailed their Draft Day target of Zack Wheeler (1/$25) who entered play Thursday as the league's 5th ranked pitcher, positing a 2.37 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. A $17 investment in Max Muncy has also worked wonders as the multi-positional threat has posted 283.5 points with a .413 on base percentage while Mitch Haniger (1/$11) has returned to health and All-Star form with a .504 slugging percentage entering play Thursday. Right-hander Tyler Mahle also looks like a foundational piece for the Falcons, posting a 3.71 ERA through 111.0 innings so far following another strong start on Wednesday.
Improbable production from Jonathan Schoop (1/$5) also stands out as the infielder has slashed .284/.326/.457 with 17 home runs while the Falcons have also dialed it back with an emphasis on the bullpen. Ryan Pressley and Raisel Iglesias have combined for 410.0 points as a two headed monster at RP with Ranger Suarez not far behind with 174.0 points and a 1.14 ERA.
Harper's deal to the Alamo Short Stacks netted outfielder Kyle Tucker who blasted his 20th home run on Thursday and looks like he could be a perennial 400 point scorer who is under control through 2023 as a building block for the club. Tucker has matched Harper's production since the deal for $49 in savings.
The Falcons are as diligent as any club when it comes to weekly claims as well with Suarez, Cole Irvin, Austin Gomber, Josh Rojas, LaMonte Wade and Eric Haase providing important depth and several likely Keepers for 2022.
While their Active Roster is humming, their Farm System isn't far behind. The trade of Carlos Martinez landed Gavin Lux with the Falcons. Lux has yet to truly break out with the Dodgers but was considered an untouchable asset just a year ago and looks primed for an everyday spot in the LA lineup for years to come.
Additionally, 2021 1st Rounder Zac Veen, Luis Matos and Tyler Freeman have seen dramatic rises in their stock while Trevor Larnach, Heliot Ramos, Nick Madrigal and Jeter Downs have all either reached the big leagues or are knocking on the door.
Time will tell if the Falcons can pull off the incredible over the next five periods. The club ranks 2nd in pitching and 4th in hitting over the last 28 days which reportedly has Falzon and Nielsen at least monitoring the trade market for reasonable upgrades.
While it might not work out for the Falcons this season, a top two draft pick and the brain power of Falzon and Nielsen will certainly power the club back to the top of the RDBL Standings in the near future.
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