AL West Preview

Other than Charlotte, the Fresno Grizzlies have been the most consistent team in the AL. They have two titles under their belts (seasons 7 and 13). The last two years they have been close but fallen just short. But they have improved their wins every single year. In the challenger role is Boise. A team that had past success (champs in season 9), but have been absent from the postseason for the past three years. Salem is now the team in the downturn and under new management. Omaha has been the basement team for ten straight seasons.


Fresno Grizzlies
Last year: 107-55
RS 784, RA 511, 18-12 division
Key Losses: Alex Carrasco (FA - LV), Chris Cummings (trade KC)
Key Additions: n/a
Outlook: The Cummings trade was very curious considering what was returned. A reliever and a platoon player didn't seem like the best return. But it was an obvious cost cutting measure so that the Grizz can put the best team on the field. And that starts with pitching, defense, and a formidable offense. The offense has venerable young talent such as Ernest Adkins (.300/.374/.483), Antonio Chen (.299/.364/.529), Vic Lieberthal (.305/.366/.550), and Zip Reed (.247/.337/.477) to name a few. But the pitching staff is scarey good. Marrero (20-11/1.01 whip/2.64 era), Julio Guillen (17-4/1.10/2.23) and Milt Hudson (11-8/1.16/2.99). Look. Out.
Prediction: 92-70, Division Winner



Boise Hawks
Last year: 82-80
RS 759, RA 836, 18-12 division
Key Losses: Chris Broome (injury FA), David Gonzalez (FA), Ernie Crabtree (released - Rich), Max Flier (FA), Max Gomez (FA), Ray Shibata (FA), Sonny Mohler (FA - Port), Valerio Morales (FA - Rich), Victor Carver (FA - New BRit), Wilt Fonville (FA), Yamil Cueto (FA - Memp)
Key Additions: Albert Ramirez (FA - Burl), Alberto Pinzon (promoted), Desi Cordero (FA - Burl), Emilio Amaral (rule 5 - Fres), Howard Zambrano (FA - Paw), Jason Jaramillo (promoted), Jumbo Delgado (promoted), Kosuke Okajima (promoted), Russell Moreno (FA - Tol), Stephen Camilli (FA - NO), Victor Haynes (promoted), Vin Arrojo (promoted)

Outlook: The Hawks have severely chopped payroll and are heading into a rebuilding. But it's been very smart how it's been done. They promoted the right people, released dead weight pitchers, and added fresh pitchers from other teams at good prices. Overall, very impressed by the rebuilding and curious to see how it pays off.
Prediction 86-76 2nd in division



Salem Keizer Volcanoes
Last year: 71-91
RS 762, 838511, 14-16 division
Key Losses: CC Wright (Traded - Charl), Eddie Sellers (FA), Dorian Bukvich (FA - Buf), Pedro James (FA - Burl), Pepe Mercado (FA - Buf), Phillip Killebrew (trade - Indy), Steve Wheat (FA - SXF), Tim Lorraine (FA ), Victor Guerrero (FA - Rich),
Key Additions: Pat Lee (trade - Indy), Paul Darenbourg (FA Aust)
Outlook: Rebuilding continues in Salem. Move along now. Nothing to see here.
Prediction 55-107 last in division



Omaha Royals
Last year: 67-95
RS 725, RA 833, 10-20 division
Key Losses: Jacque Kane (FA), Jumbo Watkins (retired), Karim Baerga (FA - SA), Russell Leon (FA - Bur)
Key Additions: Derrin Lamb (rule 5 - Port), Harvey Niekro (rule 5 - Fres), Kenny Hernandez (rule 5 - memp), Oscar Theriot (promoted), Raul DeLeon (promoted)
Outlook: Good news! Omaha will finally get out of the basement! Bad news is that it is only because Salem has slid pretty far. There is some decent young talent, and they should improve a tiny bit. But not enough to compete yet.
Prediction: 75-87 3rd in division