AL East Preview

New Britain came back to prominence over the past several seasons. Pawtucket has officially moved to Rochester to begin rebuilding the franchise. Trenton had been the main competitor, but it looks like Charleston is the team clamoring to catch the Rock Cats.



New Britain Rock Cats
Last year: 95-67
RS 833, RA 707, 20-10 division
Key Losses: Fernando Mercado (FA), Guillermo Maduro (FA), Harry Lopez (FA), Juan Torres (FA), Omar Romero (FA - KC), Sammy Beckwith (FA - SA), Tony Javier (FA - Austin)
Key Additions: Carlos Molina (FA - KC), Cookie Halter (FA - Lou), David Cela (FA - KC), Jesus Molina (promoted), Randall Withers (FA - CLB), Victor Carver (FA - Boise)
Outlook: For a team that won the division for the past six years, the Rock Cats made quite a few changes to their franchise. However, something had to be done since they had not advanced into the DCS since winning the title in season 12. Alving Gonzalez should continue to produce, and free agent pickups Molina and Withers are in place while the Cats pray for the big bats of Rock Rose and Taylor Sanders to drive in the runs. They will probably not score as many runs, but with Nicky Cuyler and gang hope to keep their opponents from scoring.
Prediction: 92-70, 2nd in Division w/Wild Card


Charleston RiverDogs
Last year: 89-73
RS 797, RA 694, 17-13 division
Key Losses: Earl Dunn (trade - ROC), Pacual Bautista (FA)
Key Additions: Brian King (FA - CLB), Bronson McDill (FA - Paw), CC Wright (FA - Salem), Ed McEnroe (FA - Indy), Goose Glass (promoted),
Outlook: The RiverDogs have made some major improvements to their pitching staff by adding King, McDill, and McEnroe. But the biggest improvement was bringing in CC Wright from Salem, and bringing up super catching prospect Goose Glass. This team is dangerous and now poised to finally knock off New Britain.
Prediction: 96-66, Division Winner


Trenton Thunder
Last year: 76-86
RS 697, RA 761, 15-15 division
Key Losses: John Brohawn (FA), Matty Adams (FA - LR), Roger Carpenter (FA), Stewart Cyr (FA - Dur), Turner Rollins (FA- Buf)
Key Additions: Buddy Davis (promoted), Louis Mahomes (promoted), Oswaldo DaSilva (FA - CHR)
Outlook: There was a lot of promotions from within for the Thunder this year. But it will do nothing to make up for the loss of several key players from last years team. Darren Barber is back after missing all of last year, Gerald Moss should have a productive year if anyone can get on ahead of him, and Stan Ward should hit another 40 homers. Gorkys Veras is the ace, but Root and James won't make up for the loss of Rollins and Adams. The defense is very much improved, but it won't help quite enough.
Prediction: 70-92, 3rd in division


Rochester Red Wings (Formerly Pawtucket Red Sox)
Last year: 60-102
RS 700, RA 840, 8-22 division
Key Losses: Benito Moya (FA), Brent Willis (FA - Buf), Bronson McDill (Traded - Chr), Craig Bowen (traded - SA), Germany Jones (traded - SA), Hughie Gibbons (traded - CSP)
Key Additions: Al Watson (FA - NOR), Albert Plata (FA - NOR), Aramis Martin (FA - RIC), Gary Zimmer (FA - Oma), Rico Park (promoted), Rube Lewis (Trade - CSP), Scott Brown (FA - SLC)
Outlook: They traded away their best high priced offensive talent, and mediocre and unproven AAAA players. Martin, Watson, and Park won't be able to carry this group. The trade off for defense and pitching is tangible. But they probably overpaid for Plata and he can only help so much. Another bleak year for the former PawSox as they rebuild under new ownership.
Prediction: 56-107, Last in Division