Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
Cincinnati HoundDogs
Last Season: 95-67, 1st place
Studs: SS Rico Romero, SP Carl Maddux
Duds: SS Rico Romero (Teams best player is gifted with the glove, but should hit better than .260)
Outlook: Division champs Cincinnati return the strong rotation that propelled them to the playoffs last season. Outstanding pitching from Joe Marshall, Jose Sanchez, and Maddux was the norm last year, and if the hitters can match the production of the pitchers the HoundDogs should again contend for the playoffs. Look for newcomer Duke Gibbs to make a splash and contend for rookie of the year.
Prediction: 92-70, 2nd place
Durham Pitbulls
Last Season: 67-95, 4th place
Studs: IF Brent Cradle, SP Nate Rodgers
Duds: IF Wiki Vazquez (Talented hitter needs to prove that he can have another relatively injury free season)
Outlook: Durham is bringing the youth up to the big leagues and hoping that it's young talent will produce and develop at the same time. RF Louie Tarraga leads the charge and has potential to be a big time player. 1B Bobby Farr, P George Wohlers, and C Marvin Guerrero also are looking to make an impact. Still, it will be how the veterans perform that will ultimately decide Durhams fate. If Rodgers can get back to all star form, Vazquez can stay healthy, and pitchers Grahame Payton and Kenneth Ventrella can produce, then Durham should improve over last season.
Prediction: 71-91, 4th place
Syracuse Beagles
Last Season: 79-83, 2nd place
Studs: 2B Kenny Blair, SP Ruben Montero
Duds: OF R. J. Hunt (A contact hitter with a good batting eye like Hunt shouldn't hit .248)
Outlook: The pieces are starting to come together for Syracuse as their young hitters and pitchers are maturing and getting used to the big league game. If pitchers Montero, Yorvit Hernandez, and Hoss Carver can reproduce thier stats from a year ago, the offense should be able to give them more run support and hopefully more wins. Blair, OF Jose Cervantes, and SS Angel Vazquez are the heart of a lineup that will only get better as the season wears on. While the fans in Syracuse are sure that next season will be when they make a run, there is an outside chance of a playoff berth this year.
Prediction: 86-76, 3rd place
Wichita Wankers
Last Season: 72-90, 3rd place
Studs: IF Vasco Chantres, RF Grant Keats
Duds: SP Ramon Sasaki (He's better than the 5-13 record he posted last season)
Outlook: This is the season Wichita fans have been waiting for as the management has released the hounds and brought up many of the stud prospects that have been waiting in the minors. This team will sink or swim on the performances of Keats, 2 time AAA MVP Milt Serafini, C Daryl Bates, SP Tony Cho, OF Justin Snopek, and SP Victor Sanchez. If these rookies can produce then the Wankers should have a breakout year, possibly taking the division title away from Cincinnati.
Prediction: 94-68, 1st place
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Team Previews - NL North
Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
Fargo Fug Nuts
Last Season: 110-52, 1st place
Studs: SS Corey Green, P Kirk White
Duds: P Steven Floyd (5.01 ERA and 1.48 WHIP was worst in the rotation)
Outlook: Word Series champs Fargo are still loaded for season 7, even though half the team has been traded away. The offensive core is still in place with MVP candidate Green, Jeremy Hernandez, Wayne Wilson, and Ernest McConnell in place. The pitching staff is above average as well with studs John Chang and Zephyr Burns, but the true pitching strength is the bullpen. Boasting three dominant closers in White, Steven Booker, and Sarma Inge, there is no reason why Fargo can't repeat as division champs and go far into the playoffs yet again.
Prediction: 108-54, 1st place
New York Pick Pockets
Last Season: 83-79, 3rd place
Studs: SP Kirt Hooper, 1B Joseph Pan
Duds: SP Andre Eaton (Needs to master his control issues and stay in the bigs to justify 5.4 million salary)
Outlook: NY has many talented players and if it didn't play in the NL North could possibly contend for a division title elsewhere. But There is still the possibility of wildcard contention, especially if new addition Elvis Christman can match the production of ace Kirt Hooper. If Pan can stay healthy for a full season he should be nicely complemented by Stewart DiSarcina and Louie Sanchez. The defense is solid, and the rotation is good, but the pen is a little suspect. If things go right a wildcard birth is a definate possibility.
Prediction: 85-77, 3rd place
Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
Last Season: 109-53, 2nd place
Studs: SP Vance Weaver, C Vernon Jones
Duds: 1B Ben Harris (Talented hitter is capable of doing much better than .255 BA)
Outlook: The Corn Cleats came within one game of dethroning perpetual division champs Fargo last season, and this year might be the season they break through. New addition Hades Booker is a devastating hitter when healthy, and forms a solid core with all stars Jones and Marino Sierra. The leagues best pitching staff returns all of its major players, with former Cy Young Weaver hoping to bounce back from an injury plagued season and Benito Rodriguez looking to contend for awards. Health issues plague many of the players on this team, but if those are avoided the Cleats could go all the way.
Prediction: 106-56, 2nd place
Toledo Tsunamis
Last Season: 70-92, 4th place
Studs: SS Morris Lloyd, P Timothy Clark
Duds: P Willie Oliva (Needs to prove that his numbers after trade to Toledo weren't a fluke)
Outlook: Steadily improving Toledo is bringing many young talented players to the bigs this season, including Wally Rubel, Pedro Moreno, and Wally Dickerson. Veteran SS Lloyd provides the solid defense that was lacking at that position last season, and the pitching is solid if not spectacular. As the young players develop and the stars in the minors continue to improve the future looks bright for Toledo, but the future is still probably a season away at this point.
Prediction: 73-89, 4th place
Fargo Fug Nuts
Last Season: 110-52, 1st place
Studs: SS Corey Green, P Kirk White
Duds: P Steven Floyd (5.01 ERA and 1.48 WHIP was worst in the rotation)
Outlook: Word Series champs Fargo are still loaded for season 7, even though half the team has been traded away. The offensive core is still in place with MVP candidate Green, Jeremy Hernandez, Wayne Wilson, and Ernest McConnell in place. The pitching staff is above average as well with studs John Chang and Zephyr Burns, but the true pitching strength is the bullpen. Boasting three dominant closers in White, Steven Booker, and Sarma Inge, there is no reason why Fargo can't repeat as division champs and go far into the playoffs yet again.
Prediction: 108-54, 1st place
New York Pick Pockets
Last Season: 83-79, 3rd place
Studs: SP Kirt Hooper, 1B Joseph Pan
Duds: SP Andre Eaton (Needs to master his control issues and stay in the bigs to justify 5.4 million salary)
Outlook: NY has many talented players and if it didn't play in the NL North could possibly contend for a division title elsewhere. But There is still the possibility of wildcard contention, especially if new addition Elvis Christman can match the production of ace Kirt Hooper. If Pan can stay healthy for a full season he should be nicely complemented by Stewart DiSarcina and Louie Sanchez. The defense is solid, and the rotation is good, but the pen is a little suspect. If things go right a wildcard birth is a definate possibility.
Prediction: 85-77, 3rd place
Sioux Falls Corn Cleats
Last Season: 109-53, 2nd place
Studs: SP Vance Weaver, C Vernon Jones
Duds: 1B Ben Harris (Talented hitter is capable of doing much better than .255 BA)
Outlook: The Corn Cleats came within one game of dethroning perpetual division champs Fargo last season, and this year might be the season they break through. New addition Hades Booker is a devastating hitter when healthy, and forms a solid core with all stars Jones and Marino Sierra. The leagues best pitching staff returns all of its major players, with former Cy Young Weaver hoping to bounce back from an injury plagued season and Benito Rodriguez looking to contend for awards. Health issues plague many of the players on this team, but if those are avoided the Cleats could go all the way.
Prediction: 106-56, 2nd place
Toledo Tsunamis
Last Season: 70-92, 4th place
Studs: SS Morris Lloyd, P Timothy Clark
Duds: P Willie Oliva (Needs to prove that his numbers after trade to Toledo weren't a fluke)
Outlook: Steadily improving Toledo is bringing many young talented players to the bigs this season, including Wally Rubel, Pedro Moreno, and Wally Dickerson. Veteran SS Lloyd provides the solid defense that was lacking at that position last season, and the pitching is solid if not spectacular. As the young players develop and the stars in the minors continue to improve the future looks bright for Toledo, but the future is still probably a season away at this point.
Prediction: 73-89, 4th place
Friday, January 4, 2008
Corrections
The editorial staff at the Cobb Times Herald would like to apologize to Chicago Sabercat Kip Zeile for the misspelling of his name in the AL North preview.
Team Previews - AL West
Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
Anaheim Sharks
Last Season: 112-50, 1st place
Studs: CF Alan Peterson, SP J.T. Kydd
Duds: 1B Mendy Strong (.267 BA and .857 OPS is not what he is capable of)
Outlook: AL West superpower Anaheim returns most of the players that got them to the world series in season 6. Loaded in the rotation, bullpen, and their everyday lineup, there is no reason why Anaheim shouldn't repeat as division champs and go deep into the playoffs. Standouts include MVP Peterson, Ernie Jenkins, and Luke Henley in the lineup, and Kydd, Shayne Campbell, and Olmedo Contreras in the rotation and bullpen.
Prediction: 110-52, 1st place
Arizona Devildogs
Last Season: 62-100, 4th place
Studs: SP Victor Gandarillas, LF Carl Hairston
Duds: 2B Robin Gordon (.250 Avg., .306 OBP nneds to improve for the veteran)
Outlook: The Arizona Devildogs are full of good talent in the minors that is just starting to arrive in the majors, headlined by SP stud Gandarillas. Veterans Hairston and Gordon are showing the new kids the ropes until they are ready, probably a season or two yet. Still, they are a feisty and competitive bunch and will acquit themselves well.
Prediction: 68-94, 4th place
Helena Hellraisers
Last Season: 86-76, 2nd place
Studs: 1B Orber Olivo, SP Orlando Manzanillo
Duds: SP Ray Strickland (8-15, 5.62 ERA not good enough for top of the rotation pitcher)
Outlook: The Hellraisers have a talented team in Helena, although not many people know it. Olivo should have been a MVP candidate but was oddly snubbed last season, but is hoping to duplicate his 73 HR season with better results this year. If underachieving pitchers Strickland and Brian Wells can up their games the Hellraisers should challenge for a playoff spot.
Prediction: 91-71 2nd place
Los Angeles Drillers
Last Season: 80-82, 3rd place
Studs: LF Bartolo Castilla, C Patrick Stanton
Duds: SS Glendon Hatcher (Unless .256 avg can improve, this talented glove will be on the bench)
Outlook: The Drillers are looking to challenge for a wildcard berth this season behind several talented position players including slugging catcher Stanton, LF Bartolo Castilla, and Rookie of the Year Donne Harding. The pitching staff lacks a true #1 starter but is solid otherwise. If the hitting can carry the team then they might sneak into the playoffs.
Prediction: 82-80, 3rd place
Anaheim Sharks
Last Season: 112-50, 1st place
Studs: CF Alan Peterson, SP J.T. Kydd
Duds: 1B Mendy Strong (.267 BA and .857 OPS is not what he is capable of)
Outlook: AL West superpower Anaheim returns most of the players that got them to the world series in season 6. Loaded in the rotation, bullpen, and their everyday lineup, there is no reason why Anaheim shouldn't repeat as division champs and go deep into the playoffs. Standouts include MVP Peterson, Ernie Jenkins, and Luke Henley in the lineup, and Kydd, Shayne Campbell, and Olmedo Contreras in the rotation and bullpen.
Prediction: 110-52, 1st place
Arizona Devildogs
Last Season: 62-100, 4th place
Studs: SP Victor Gandarillas, LF Carl Hairston
Duds: 2B Robin Gordon (.250 Avg., .306 OBP nneds to improve for the veteran)
Outlook: The Arizona Devildogs are full of good talent in the minors that is just starting to arrive in the majors, headlined by SP stud Gandarillas. Veterans Hairston and Gordon are showing the new kids the ropes until they are ready, probably a season or two yet. Still, they are a feisty and competitive bunch and will acquit themselves well.
Prediction: 68-94, 4th place
Helena Hellraisers
Last Season: 86-76, 2nd place
Studs: 1B Orber Olivo, SP Orlando Manzanillo
Duds: SP Ray Strickland (8-15, 5.62 ERA not good enough for top of the rotation pitcher)
Outlook: The Hellraisers have a talented team in Helena, although not many people know it. Olivo should have been a MVP candidate but was oddly snubbed last season, but is hoping to duplicate his 73 HR season with better results this year. If underachieving pitchers Strickland and Brian Wells can up their games the Hellraisers should challenge for a playoff spot.
Prediction: 91-71 2nd place
Los Angeles Drillers
Last Season: 80-82, 3rd place
Studs: LF Bartolo Castilla, C Patrick Stanton
Duds: SS Glendon Hatcher (Unless .256 avg can improve, this talented glove will be on the bench)
Outlook: The Drillers are looking to challenge for a wildcard berth this season behind several talented position players including slugging catcher Stanton, LF Bartolo Castilla, and Rookie of the Year Donne Harding. The pitching staff lacks a true #1 starter but is solid otherwise. If the hitting can carry the team then they might sneak into the playoffs.
Prediction: 82-80, 3rd place
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Team Previews - AL South
Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
Atlanta Warthogs
Last Season: 86-76, 2nd place
Studs: IF Enrique Guardado, SP Gerald Kojima
Duds: P Gregory Hanson (10-11, 5.72 ERA in 35 starts)
Outlook: One game from the division title last season, the Warthogs look to make the leap behind a powerful lineup. Guardado leads a lineup that has quality hitters top to bottom. But there is concern for the pitching staff where other than Kojima, questions arise. ERA's were high for all other starters, but if they can improve just a little over last season they could very well win the division.
Prediction: 88-74, 1st place
Charlotte Dogs
Last Season: 79-83, 3rd place
Studs: 2B Dennis Ashby, SP Gregory Rivers
Duds: P Toby Lewis (7-9, 5.87 ERA, 1.52 WHIP)
Outlook: Charlotte is a young and improving team, led by star 2B Ashby. Not much in the way of contact hitters in the lineup, but that is made up for with an abundance of power at several positions. The starting pitching is weak outside of Rivers, but the pen is a strength. With slight improvements the Dogs could make it above .500 and possibly contend for the division.
Prediction: 81-81, 3rd place
Mexico City Diablos Rojos
Last Season: 87-75, 1st place
Studs: SP Phillip Brown, SS Lewis Allen
Duds: 1B Clyde Bird (Aging slugger needs to prove that .270 avg. after trade wasn't a fluke)
Outlook: The Diablos Rojos will go as far as their pitching will take them, which is questionable as future HOF lock Phillip Brown is entering the twilight of his career. Still an ace by any description, Brown should have one more good year left before his decline becomes noticable. The lineup features aging power hitters in Bird and Perry, and aging catcher Banjo Carter. If Mexico City can hold off father time, they have a chance to repeat as division champs. But Father Time waits for no man...
Prediction: 82-80, 2nd place
Santa Fe Wranglers
Last Season: 49-113, 4th place
Studs: 1B Josh Price, SP Glenn Collier
Duds: SP Charlie Thomas (7.43 ERA for a top starter doesn't cut it.)
Outlook: After dealing with ownership issues, the Wranglers moved from San Juan for a fresh start. Led by MVP candidate Josh Price, the Wranglers have a solid hitting lineup that looks to take advantage of their homer happy park. What effect this will have on the pitching remains to be seen, but with active and involved ownership, and better pitching than last season, there is no doubt Santa Fe will improve. Look for big seasons from Price, Walt Cameron, and Adrian Parker. Look for the pitching staff to be putting up umbrellas in the bullpen to protect themselves from the rain of homers that will surely happen in Santa Fe.
Prediction: 69-93, 4th place
Atlanta Warthogs
Last Season: 86-76, 2nd place
Studs: IF Enrique Guardado, SP Gerald Kojima
Duds: P Gregory Hanson (10-11, 5.72 ERA in 35 starts)
Outlook: One game from the division title last season, the Warthogs look to make the leap behind a powerful lineup. Guardado leads a lineup that has quality hitters top to bottom. But there is concern for the pitching staff where other than Kojima, questions arise. ERA's were high for all other starters, but if they can improve just a little over last season they could very well win the division.
Prediction: 88-74, 1st place
Charlotte Dogs
Last Season: 79-83, 3rd place
Studs: 2B Dennis Ashby, SP Gregory Rivers
Duds: P Toby Lewis (7-9, 5.87 ERA, 1.52 WHIP)
Outlook: Charlotte is a young and improving team, led by star 2B Ashby. Not much in the way of contact hitters in the lineup, but that is made up for with an abundance of power at several positions. The starting pitching is weak outside of Rivers, but the pen is a strength. With slight improvements the Dogs could make it above .500 and possibly contend for the division.
Prediction: 81-81, 3rd place
Mexico City Diablos Rojos
Last Season: 87-75, 1st place
Studs: SP Phillip Brown, SS Lewis Allen
Duds: 1B Clyde Bird (Aging slugger needs to prove that .270 avg. after trade wasn't a fluke)
Outlook: The Diablos Rojos will go as far as their pitching will take them, which is questionable as future HOF lock Phillip Brown is entering the twilight of his career. Still an ace by any description, Brown should have one more good year left before his decline becomes noticable. The lineup features aging power hitters in Bird and Perry, and aging catcher Banjo Carter. If Mexico City can hold off father time, they have a chance to repeat as division champs. But Father Time waits for no man...
Prediction: 82-80, 2nd place
Santa Fe Wranglers
Last Season: 49-113, 4th place
Studs: 1B Josh Price, SP Glenn Collier
Duds: SP Charlie Thomas (7.43 ERA for a top starter doesn't cut it.)
Outlook: After dealing with ownership issues, the Wranglers moved from San Juan for a fresh start. Led by MVP candidate Josh Price, the Wranglers have a solid hitting lineup that looks to take advantage of their homer happy park. What effect this will have on the pitching remains to be seen, but with active and involved ownership, and better pitching than last season, there is no doubt Santa Fe will improve. Look for big seasons from Price, Walt Cameron, and Adrian Parker. Look for the pitching staff to be putting up umbrellas in the bullpen to protect themselves from the rain of homers that will surely happen in Santa Fe.
Prediction: 69-93, 4th place
Team Previews - AL East
Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
Boston Heat
Last Season: 90-72, 1st place
Studs: SS Rico Estrada, SP Rabbit Leyritz
Duds: Brian Ashby (Highly rated role player has never lived up to his potential)
Outlook: The Heat just barely made good on their promise to win the division a year ago, but have the talent to win it again in season 7. Former Cy Young Leyritz heads a solid rotation, and poor man's Dallas Kline Rico Estrada leads the Heat lineup. Lots of solid hitters and defense throughout, and a good pen is anchored by lights out closer Bobby Davidson. But in the AL East, it may not be enough to get through.
Prediction: 90-72, tie 2nd place
Kansas City KILL
Last Season: 80-82, 4th place
Studs: SS AJ Buck, SP Tomas Tatis
Duds: 1B Armando Soriano (Needs to improve on .260 AVG from last season)
Outlook: Age finally caught up to the KILL (formerly RiverRats) last season, and this season the rebuilding process has begun. There is still lots of talent in the rotation and the lineup though, so the KILL won't be an easy out. Look for Rabbit Lara and AJ Buck to continue to produce, and newcomer Brace Davey to contend for Rookie of the Year. The pitchers Tatis are still good, but won't be enough to hold the staff together by themselves. Look for a slight drop off from last season.
Prediction: 73-89, 4th place
Pittsburgh SSP
Last Season: 88-74, 3rd place
Studs: SS RJ Cubillan, DH Roosevelt Ingram
Duds: SP Eduardo Nunez (SP1 needs to do better than 3-9 in 25 starts)
Outlook: The SSP of Pittsburgh almost won the division last season before a late season hiccup cost them the title. But they made the playoffs as a wildcard and look to do better this year. With a young and improving lineup and pitching staff, a division title isn't out of the question, as there are no real weak spots in the lineup. Ingram, Cubillan, Howie Payton, and Gregg Young form a quality heart of the order.
Prediction: 90-72, tie 2nd place
Scranton Dragons
Last Season: 89-73, 2nd place
Studs: RF Ken Puffer, SP Dean Hernandez
Duds: SP Larry Gross (15-10, but is that worth 15.5 million?)
Outlook: The Dragons are loaded. The Rotation has three # 1 starters in Hernandez, Gross, and Josias Morales, last years Cy Young runner up. The lineup features killer hitter Ken Puffer, and a very strong supporting cast. There are no weaknesses in the linup or rotation to speak of, and this should be a year when they win the tough AL East
Prediction: 93-69, 1st place
Boston Heat
Last Season: 90-72, 1st place
Studs: SS Rico Estrada, SP Rabbit Leyritz
Duds: Brian Ashby (Highly rated role player has never lived up to his potential)
Outlook: The Heat just barely made good on their promise to win the division a year ago, but have the talent to win it again in season 7. Former Cy Young Leyritz heads a solid rotation, and poor man's Dallas Kline Rico Estrada leads the Heat lineup. Lots of solid hitters and defense throughout, and a good pen is anchored by lights out closer Bobby Davidson. But in the AL East, it may not be enough to get through.
Prediction: 90-72, tie 2nd place
Kansas City KILL
Last Season: 80-82, 4th place
Studs: SS AJ Buck, SP Tomas Tatis
Duds: 1B Armando Soriano (Needs to improve on .260 AVG from last season)
Outlook: Age finally caught up to the KILL (formerly RiverRats) last season, and this season the rebuilding process has begun. There is still lots of talent in the rotation and the lineup though, so the KILL won't be an easy out. Look for Rabbit Lara and AJ Buck to continue to produce, and newcomer Brace Davey to contend for Rookie of the Year. The pitchers Tatis are still good, but won't be enough to hold the staff together by themselves. Look for a slight drop off from last season.
Prediction: 73-89, 4th place
Pittsburgh SSP
Last Season: 88-74, 3rd place
Studs: SS RJ Cubillan, DH Roosevelt Ingram
Duds: SP Eduardo Nunez (SP1 needs to do better than 3-9 in 25 starts)
Outlook: The SSP of Pittsburgh almost won the division last season before a late season hiccup cost them the title. But they made the playoffs as a wildcard and look to do better this year. With a young and improving lineup and pitching staff, a division title isn't out of the question, as there are no real weak spots in the lineup. Ingram, Cubillan, Howie Payton, and Gregg Young form a quality heart of the order.
Prediction: 90-72, tie 2nd place
Scranton Dragons
Last Season: 89-73, 2nd place
Studs: RF Ken Puffer, SP Dean Hernandez
Duds: SP Larry Gross (15-10, but is that worth 15.5 million?)
Outlook: The Dragons are loaded. The Rotation has three # 1 starters in Hernandez, Gross, and Josias Morales, last years Cy Young runner up. The lineup features killer hitter Ken Puffer, and a very strong supporting cast. There are no weaknesses in the linup or rotation to speak of, and this should be a year when they win the tough AL East
Prediction: 93-69, 1st place
Team Previews: AL North
Lars the Greek - Cobb Times Herald
Chicago Sabercats
Last Season: 73-89, 3rd place
Studs: 1B/DH Kip Zeille, SP Ugueth Posada
Duds: Lefty Groom (Blown save machine, can only be worse after injury.)
Outlook: The Sabercats best years are ahead of them as they blend a mix of solid veteran leadership with many young players. The lineup is held together by megaslugger Kip Zeille, with the other players being mostly solid to average contact hitters. The rotation features some solid young pitching, headed by Posada and Santos Diaz, who should be a star in a year or two. Depth is an issue, and Chicago is only an injury away to Zeille from having its offense fall apart. This team is probably a year away.
Prediction: 78-84, 3rd place
New York Brokers
Last Season: 59-103, 4th place
Studs: SP Pedro Ontiveros, SP J.R. Murphy
Duds: Tomas Diaz (He had to do something wrong to end up in AAA at 7.5 mil per year!)
Outlook: The future is in the minors for the Brokers, as their solid young pitching is just now entering the bigs or is still in development. The lineup featuresa solid core of role players, but no all star position players to speak of. They won't get embarrassed on the field, but where the power and production will come from is unknown. Look for pitchers Ontiveros and Murphy to be the bright spots until young talent in the minors is ready.
Prediction: 63-99, 4th place
Pawtucket G-Maniacs
Last Season: 99-63, 1st place
Studs: SP Albert Franco, SS Tom Pettitte
Duds: Bo Stein (.219 avg and .251OBP need to improve for teams slugger)
Outlook: The G-Maniacs bring a loaded lineup and rotation to the field in season 7. They have solid gloves and hitters at every position, and the rotation has perennial Cy Young candidate Albert Franco. The only possible weaknesses on the G-Maniacs this season would be the lack of a quality power hitter, and the lack of a second dominant starter in the rotation, although Daniel Hammond and Doug Ripken and Julio Mercado are all good. Still, the hitting and the defense should be more than enough to win another division crown.
Prediction: 100-62, 1st place
Philadelphia Floppin' Phils
Last Season: 78-84, 2nd place
Studs: DH Bob Sears, 2B Jamie Beimel
Duds: 2B Luis Escuela (For 17 million you need to hit better than .268!)
Outlook: The Floppin' Phils are a franchise in transition, with many veterans leaving over the offseason in trades for prospects. Still, there is a fair amount of talent on the ML squad, headed by future star Jamie Beimel and cagey veteran Bob Sears. Talented vets Flip Heathcott, Marty Leary, and Derrin Rogers anchor a solid rotation. The bullpen is a bit weak, and the defense is hurt by the lack of a true shortstop. If things go right they could contend for a wildcard spot.
Prediction: 85-77, 2nd place
Chicago Sabercats
Last Season: 73-89, 3rd place
Studs: 1B/DH Kip Zeille, SP Ugueth Posada
Duds: Lefty Groom (Blown save machine, can only be worse after injury.)
Outlook: The Sabercats best years are ahead of them as they blend a mix of solid veteran leadership with many young players. The lineup is held together by megaslugger Kip Zeille, with the other players being mostly solid to average contact hitters. The rotation features some solid young pitching, headed by Posada and Santos Diaz, who should be a star in a year or two. Depth is an issue, and Chicago is only an injury away to Zeille from having its offense fall apart. This team is probably a year away.
Prediction: 78-84, 3rd place
New York Brokers
Last Season: 59-103, 4th place
Studs: SP Pedro Ontiveros, SP J.R. Murphy
Duds: Tomas Diaz (He had to do something wrong to end up in AAA at 7.5 mil per year!)
Outlook: The future is in the minors for the Brokers, as their solid young pitching is just now entering the bigs or is still in development. The lineup featuresa solid core of role players, but no all star position players to speak of. They won't get embarrassed on the field, but where the power and production will come from is unknown. Look for pitchers Ontiveros and Murphy to be the bright spots until young talent in the minors is ready.
Prediction: 63-99, 4th place
Pawtucket G-Maniacs
Last Season: 99-63, 1st place
Studs: SP Albert Franco, SS Tom Pettitte
Duds: Bo Stein (.219 avg and .251OBP need to improve for teams slugger)
Outlook: The G-Maniacs bring a loaded lineup and rotation to the field in season 7. They have solid gloves and hitters at every position, and the rotation has perennial Cy Young candidate Albert Franco. The only possible weaknesses on the G-Maniacs this season would be the lack of a quality power hitter, and the lack of a second dominant starter in the rotation, although Daniel Hammond and Doug Ripken and Julio Mercado are all good. Still, the hitting and the defense should be more than enough to win another division crown.
Prediction: 100-62, 1st place
Philadelphia Floppin' Phils
Last Season: 78-84, 2nd place
Studs: DH Bob Sears, 2B Jamie Beimel
Duds: 2B Luis Escuela (For 17 million you need to hit better than .268!)
Outlook: The Floppin' Phils are a franchise in transition, with many veterans leaving over the offseason in trades for prospects. Still, there is a fair amount of talent on the ML squad, headed by future star Jamie Beimel and cagey veteran Bob Sears. Talented vets Flip Heathcott, Marty Leary, and Derrin Rogers anchor a solid rotation. The bullpen is a bit weak, and the defense is hurt by the lack of a true shortstop. If things go right they could contend for a wildcard spot.
Prediction: 85-77, 2nd place
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