NL East Preview

The NL East has been in flux over the last several years. Indianapolis had a stranglehold on the division for several years until SWB Yankees took over. But with a change of ownership it remains to be seen if the move to Durham will give the Indians a chance to climb back to the top.


Durham Bulls (formerly SWB Yankees)
Last year: 83-79
RS 769, RA 735, 16-14 division
Key Losses: Cookie Rodriguez (FA - Austin), Enrique Cubillan (FA - Burlington), Felipe Barrios (traded - Toledo), Paul Wells (FA - SWB), Vic Villa (FA - Little Rock), Yorvit Lucano (FA - Boise)
Key Additions: Eli Coronado (FA - Little Rock), Harry Galarraga (promoted), Walter Benson (FA - Little Rock)
Outlook: The Bulls maintained last years squad with a few changes. They should be about even compared to last year.
Prediction: 86-76, 2nd in division


Indianapolis Indians
Last year: 79-83
RS 736, RA 748, 18-12 division
Key Losses: Arthur Fuller (traded - Buffalo), Ed McEnroe (FA - Charleston), Pat Lee (traded - Salem), Tripp Kennedy (FA - Buffalo)
Key Additions: Buddy May (FA - New Orleans), Gerald Huang (FA - Columbus), Grant Smith (FA - Memphis), Phillip Killebrew (trade - Salem), Tommy Norton (trade - Columbus)
Outlook: Indians filled much needed gaps in their bullpen. This will definitely improve their runs allowed and keep them competitive in the East. The changes will be just enough to give the division back to Indy.
Prediction: 89-73, division winner


Louisville Bats
Last year: 70-92
RS 707, RA 866, 13-17 division
Key Losses: Bennie Downs (released), Chip Ford (released), Cookie Halter (FA - New Britain), Emmett Stone (FA - Boise), Scott McGee (released), Trevor Flaherty (FA)
Key Additions: Carlos Perez (promoted), Ham Pittinger (promoted), Mariano Pescado (FA - Little Rock), Michael Stanley (FA - CSP), Midre Rivera (FA - Syracuse), Ryan Maroth (FA - KC)
Outlook: Made some changes, but nothing significant enough to keep the Bats out of the basement.
Prediction: 66-96, last place


Norfolk Tides
Last year: 70-92
RS 603, RA 732, 13-17 division
Key Losses: Al Cruz (trade - Buf), Al Watson (FA - Rochester), Albert Plata (FA - Rochester), Angel Gordon (released - CSP), Bronson Jang (released), Buddy May (released - Indy), Hughie Adcock (released), Jason Swift (released), Jerry Ferguson (released), Jerry Tipton (released), Louis Sandberg (released),
Key Additions: Andres Rios (FA - Burlington), Beamer Keefe (promoted), Beamer Towers (FA - Memphis), Dean Bradley (FA - SXF), Domingo Mujica (promoted), Fernando Trevino (promoted), Jaime Monroe (promoted), Julio Franco (promoted), Matty Bonds (promoted), Mac Hong (trade Memphis), Pat Putnam (trade - VC), Rudy Swann (promoted), Santiago Diaz (FA - Pawtucket)
Outlook: Norfolk is finally starting to come out of their rebuilding and are starting their decent to the top of the NL East. it won't be this year, but don't count them out as the dark horse team of the NL.
Prediction: 82-80, 3rd place