AL South Preview

The AL South is home to the two time AL Champs, the Charlotte Knights. Jacksonville made a huge leap last year to finish over .500 and take second in the division. Richmond missed the playoffs for the first time in MiLB history and had a losing record. And Austin hasn't had a winning record since season two, and has lost 90 or more games 12 times.


Charlotte Knights
Last year: 100-62
RS 802, RA 623, 20-10 division
Key Losses: Brett Towers (FA - Buf), Deivi Dominguez (FA), George Richardson (FA - SXF), Gerald Tessmer (FA), Julio Pena (FA- LV), Pep Weaver (FA)
Key Additions: Ben Hanson (FA - LR), Lance Benjamin (rule 5 - Omaha), Phil Stevenson (FA - Tol), Steve Walton (FA - RIC), Tony Virato (FA - KC)
Outlook: Led by Rigo Guzman, the Knights lost some key pieces only to spend like crazy in the free agent market. Julio Rincon and Grover Singleton are expected to have a career years and the Knights should continue to role into the playoffs in pursuit of the championship.
Prediction: 105-57, Division Winner, World Series Winner


Jacksonville Suns
Last year: 82-80
RS 725, RA 747, 15-15 division
Key Losses: none
Key Additions: Alex Castillo (promoted), Ernest Gomes (promoted)
Outlook: The Suns tried to promote from within, but only mediocre talent is available. Howie Cosby will remain marginally productive, Rick Huson is on the decline, so they will need Rodrigo Vasquez and Thurman Whiteto carry the teams offense much better than they did last year.Gil Xaio is a wild card this year. At 22 Moose Brown is the ace. This year he won't live up to that billing, but given a year or two...look out.
Prediction: 84-78, 2nd in Division



Richmond Braves
Last year: 76-86
RS 703, RA 700, 15-15 division
Key Losses: Aramis Martin (FA - Roc), Steven Walton (FA - Char)
Key Additions: Geraldo Candelaria (promoted), Trenidad Rivera (FA - LV)
Outlook: It has been a slow decent for the once mighty Richmond Braves. With one of the better owners in HBD in charge, there is a master plan at work. It looks like a lot of platoons, and key pitching. Webster, File , Guillen, and Wise along with a solid bullpen should help the Braves maintain from last year. The biggest question mark is did they do enough to improve the offense. And this year, the answer is currently no. Toby Randolph is a wildcard youngster than can produce as will Candelaria who makes the jump from AA. There are a few boppers in the cupboard, but years where prospect development was lacking is beginning to catch up.
Prediction: 78-84, 3rd in Division


Austin Round Rock Express
Last year: 63-99
RS 628, RA 837, 10-20 division
Key Losses: Howard Walsh (FA), Rex Butler (FA), Santiago Carrasco (FA)
Key Additions: Tony Javier (FA - New Brit)
Outlook: Weirdest thing about Austin is the amount of players that left via FA, re-signed, then were let go a few weeks later. The team seems to be in a state of flux. The ownership is solid, and they still have good young talent capable of pulling the team out of the cellar. Johan Sellers (.29/.357/.494), and the maturation of David Seanez, the hope of Anthony Bottalico, and a few defensive replacement players should help a little. But not much.
Prediction: 58-104, Last in Division