NL North Preview

The NL North has been a three team race, with Burlington being the powerhouse. This year is shaping up to be the same. We will look at the owners, teams, and how they will probably show in season 16.



Burlington Lake Monsters:
Last year: 109-53
RS 889, RA 642, 20-10 division
Key Losses: Desi Cordero (FA - Boise), Albert Ramirez (FA- Boise)
Key Additions: Enrique Cubillan (FA - Durham), Grover Foster (FA - Las Vegas), Pedro James (FA - Salem)
Outlook: The rich get richer. With one of the highest payrolls ($115 million) the Monsters add three outstanding free agents. Six time all star Foster joins the club as the ace of the staff, former closer Cubillan signed for cheap as a setup man, and Pedro James will fill the role for a right handed power bat.
Prediction: 112-50 division winner, NL Champ



Toledo Mud Hens
Last year: 97-65
RS 785, RA 612, 20-10 division
Key Losses: Sal Lanier (FA - Buffalo), Phil Stevenson (FA - Charlotte), Russell Moreno (FA - Boise), Desi Pride & Abraham Hernandez (Traded - Buffalo)
Key Additions: none
Outlook: Always a tough team, but didn't have to make many changes to get better. Will still struggle to score runs but pitching staff is still the best in the NL.
Prediction: 90-72, 2nd in division and misses playoffs


Syracuse Chiefs
Last year: 70-92
RS 695, RA 759, 11-19 division
Key Losses: Wayne Mahomes (FA), Midre Rivera (FA - Louisville), Gio Hodges (released - Portland)
Key Additions: none
Outlook: Rebuilding is delayed another year in Syracuse. They are relying on last years team that underperformed.
Prediction: 75-87, 3rd in division


Buffalo Bisons (formerly Columbus)
Last year: 64-98
RS 608, RA 725, 9-21 division
Key Losses: Gerald Huang (declined option - Indy), Omar Lee (FA), Rabbit Brow (FA - KC), Francisco Borges (FA - Little Rock), Derek Weber (Trade - Toledo), Tommy Norton (Trade - Indy)
Key Additions: Arthur Fuller (trade - Indy), Abraham Hernandez (trade - Toledo), Desi Pride (Trade - Toledo), Turner Rollins (FA - Trenton), Tripp Kennedy (FA - Indy), Brett Towers (FA - Charlotte), Sal Lanier (FA - Toledo), Jason Jennings (FA - LV), Rolando Escuela (FA), Alexander Lawrence (promoted), Andrew Jefferies (promoted), Brent Willis (FA - Pawtucket), Dorian Bukvich (FA - Salem), Stone Coveleski (FA - Louisville), Al Cruz (FA - New Orleans)
Outlook: The entire face of the franchise has changed in the move from Columbus to Buffalo. Payroll was cut, and the rebuilding process has begun with a mix of young prospects and veteran castoffs. They should get a few more runs, and pitching staff should be moderately better.
Prediction: 72-90, last in division