League Review and Power Rankings 6/24

As we come up on the first quarter of the season, there has been a few surprises thrown into an already exciting season in the MiLB.

NL North: Toledo has jumped to the top of the NL with an offensively display that was not expected when the season started. Rico Flores has been amazing with a .356/.436/.644 to compliment his 7 homeruns. Not to be outdone is Yuniesky Encarnacion who is playing out of his mind with 14 homeruns (he hit 56 last year) but he has upped his OBP by quite a bit going from .265/.309/.573 last year to .321/.367/.664. The pitching has performed to expectatations allowing only 3.29 runs per game.
Burlington is playing solid baseball, but finds themselves five games behind the Mud Hens. With the third best offense averaging 5.57 runs per game, the Monsters are still one of the most feared teams in the league. They did take two of three from Toledo, but only outscored them 4-3 and 7-5, while dropping the third game 7-8.
As predicted, Buffalo has been better (17-20), while Syracuse has played much better than their 16-21 record shows.
NL East
The Durham Bulls were picked to finish second to Indianapolis, but right now lead the division by 3 games. Their ability to win close games (6-2 in one run games) and to take games in extra innings (2-0) has really led them to the third best record in the game. Eli Coronado (.367/.463/767) and Davey Conseco (.367/.409/.648) are having career years in their early thirties. Wally Holt has been fantastic with his 1.05 WHIP and winning 5 games (he won 10 all last year).
Indy's pitching was expected to be better, but they still allowing 4.5 per game vs 4.6 last year.
Norfolk has not lived up to expectations with one of the worst pitching staffs in the NL, while not scoring near enough runs. And Louisville is performing as expected.
NL South
Memphis changed the dynamic of their team and it has paid off big time. A team known for it's slow start shot out of the gate and maintained a 9-1 division record while racking up 209 runs and only allowing 126.
Little Rock has been solid, despite their 20-17 record. Expect them to hit a run of good luck soon.
San Antonio got wiped off the map and has fallen so far short of expectations it's not even funny (especially to the owner...myself). How a team could be SO miscalculated is beyond understanding. The tools are their to be a top performing offense, yet they have scored the second least amount of runs (132). The pitching was expected to be the concern, but the offense is still horrible.
New Orleans, is slightly better than expected, but still a win for the franchise if they can get to .400.
NL West
Colorado Springs is leading the west as expected. The surprise teams have been Vancouver and Salt Lake City. SLC was abandoned early and the pitching staff has been about as effective as an old lady throwing BP (mostly because their arms are about to fall off). Giving up 294 runs in 37 games (7.95 runs allowed per game!!!), is inexcusable and frankly embarrassing for such a quality world. Vancouver has been the anit- SLC. They have put together a better team that plays well. They won't win a lot this year, but 16-21 at this point is something to be proud of. (nice job vandydave!)
AL North
Sioux Falls, KC, and Fargo were expected to duke it out. Fargo has yet to show up. The Fighting Pheasants haven't scored as many runs as originally thought, but they make up for it with the best pitching the North. They are also an amazing 8-2 in 1 run games, and 4-0 in extra innings. That's the difference holding at this point.
Kansas City is better than their 3rd place prediction, and are currently scoring the most runs in the league with 210 (5.7 runs per game). The defense and pitching have been stellar and much improved compared to last year. Super prospect Lucas Rodgers has 17 games under his 21 year old belt. He is coming along as expected with .254/.354/.448). He will get much better. Marcus Walker is putting up an MVP type season with a .345/.468/.683 w/ 11 homeruns and 41 RBI.
Portland...better luck next year. At least they are better than San Antonio.
AL East
Charleston was the favored team and they have produced. Their pitching has been great, they are scoring runs, and leading a tight division. New Britain has fallen off (3rd place 19-18) but don't expect them to stay down long once they figure out their pitching. Trenton is another surprise team with a 20-17 record (when they were predicted to lose 90+). They look to be a team that can compete with a good mix of vets leading a resurgent offense (4.3 rpg last year vs 4.7 this year). The pitching staff has been simply amazing only allowing 155 runs (4.18 vs last year 4.70).
AL South
Charlotte is still the class of the AL and is still the favorite to win it all. Offensively and defensively they are +60 runs only 37 games into the season. The other teams in this division are performing as expected.
AL West
There is some good baseball being played out West in the AL. Fresno is still the class of the league and is FAR AND AWAY the most dominant team to this point despite their 26-11 record. They have scored 175 runs versus only 96 given up. That could be attributed to their weak division (Boise hasn't played anywhere near where they were expected to play, and all teams sit 10 or more games out of first place already).

Now, the moment you have all been waiting for....the first official power rankings!



1.



Toledo Mud Hens


2.



Charlotte Knights


3.


Fresno Grizzlies



4.


Burlington Lake Monsters



5.


Charleston RiverDogs



6.


Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants



7.

Colorado Springs SkySox


8.


Kansas City T-Bones




9.


Memphis RedBirds




10.

Pre-Season Power Rankings

1. Charlotte Knights




2. Burlington Lake Monsters



3. Charleston RiverDogs



4. Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants



5. Colorado Springs SkySox



6. Fresno Grizzlies



7. Fargo Moorhead RedHawks



8. Kansas City T-Bones




9. Memphis RedBirds





10. New Britain Rock Cats

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

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

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

AL North Preview

The AL North continues to be the most competitive division in the AL. Three teams will fight it out and probably make the playoffs.

Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants
Last year: 94-68
RS 744, RA 680, 21-9 division
Key Losses: Danys Ortiz (released), Dean Bradley (FA - Norfolk), Edgar Martin (traded - CSP), Julio Gil (released - Salem)
Key Additions: Brandon Moore (promoted), George Richardson (FA - Char), Javy Castro (trade - CSP), Steve Wheat (FA - Salem)
Outlook: A young, but very dangerous team. Dewey Halter is a future MVP. One of the most curious free agent signings was Richardson for $62 million over 4 years. Evidently they feel that they needed a closer to go with their offense. Should score more runs this year than last.
Prediction: 96-66, Division Winner


Fargo Moorhead Redhawks
Last year: 93-69
RS 815, RA 716, 15-15 division
Key Losses: none
Key Additions: Rick McClain (promoted)
Outlook: A very quiet off season for Fargo. They are counting on their young players to carry them to a division title. Super lead off man Angel Johnson sets the table for Robin Hines, Glen Turner, and Pat Chin. It remains to be seen what kind of impact McClain can make on the offense. The pitching staff is mostly unchanged from the staff that gave up 716 runs. The results should be pretty much the same unless someone steps up.
Prediction: 95-67, 2nd in Division


Kansas City T-Bones
Last year: 89-73
RS 873, RA 724, 13-17 division
Key Losses: Carlos Molina (FA - New Brit), David Cela (FA - New Brit), Howard Zambrano (FA - Boise), Jose Mateo (FA), Ricky Schwartz (FA), Ryan Maroth (FA - Louisville), Tony Viriato (FA - Charl)
Key Additions: Chris Cummings (trade - Fresno), Omar Romero (FA - Van/NB), Rabbit Brow (FA - Colum)
Outlook: There will not be a drop off in the offensive production, and that could be scary to the rest of the league since they scored the most runs in the AL. The loss of Tony Virato could really hurt the T-Bones. But their younger pitchers will have to prove their mettle if KC is to climb back into the playoffs. The wild card will be the eventual call up of super prospect Lucas Rodgers.
Prediction: 92-70, 3rd in division and wild card


Portland Sea Dogs (Formerly Seattle Generals)
Last year: 65-97
RS 563, RA 694, 11-19 division
Key Losses: Josh Pettyjohn (FA), Kenneth Pearson (FA), Tomas Maduro (trade - SA)
Key Additions: Giovanni Hodges (FA - Syr), Ken Benson (rule 5 - LV), Lyle Mays (trade VC), Shea Clark (FA - Charl), Sonny Mohler (FA - Boise), Steward Aspromonte (FA - San Antonio), Tony Ramos (promoted)
Outlook: Didn't do much to fix their offensive problems. With the loss of some pitching, and with a pitcher like Aspromonte as the #2, don't expect much from this club.
Prediction: 59-103

NL West Preview

The NL West is the home of the dominant Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Salt Lake City and the rest of the league struggles to keep up with the Sox, and someday someone might catch them in the division.



Colorado Springs Sky Sox
Last year: 90-72
RS 712, RA 586, 19-11 division
Key Losses: Javy Castro (trade - SXF), Michael Stanley (FA - Louis), Pat Nomura (released), Raul Rodriguez (FA - KC), Rube Lewis (traded - Roc)
Key Additions: Angel Gordon (FA - NOR), Edgar Martin (trade - SXF), Everett Ward (promoted), Gio Gutierrez (rule 5 - SLC), Hughie Gibbons (trade - Paw),
Outlook: History says, don't bet against the Sky Sox. They have won the West five of seven years, went on to win the LCS in five of those years, and won two world series titles. Pitching and defense is the key to success and the formula hasn't changed.
Prediction: 94-68, Division Winner



Salt Lake City Bees
Last year: 90-72
RS 812, RA 703, 17-13 division
Key Losses: Desi Cedeno (FA - Indy), Scott Brown (FA - Roc)
Key Additions: none
Outlook: Bleak. It appears at the time of this writing that the owner has abandoned the team. Jose Lima, William Baek, and Matty LaFromboise should spark the team no matter who is running it. They should still score over 800 runs, and allow a little more than last year.
Prediction: 83-79, 3rd division


Las Vegas 51's
Last year: 82-80
RS 708, RA 713, 13-17 division
Key Losses: Jason Jennings (FA - Buf), Trenidad Rivera (FA - Rich)
Key Additions: Alex Carrasco (FA - Fresno), Hack Halter (FA - Indy), Yeico Guzman (FA - Boise)
Outlook: Anytime a team improves their pitching and defense without losing offense they usually improve. Should be enough to compete for a playoff spot if they can score more runs.
Prediction: 84-78, 2nd in division


Vancouver Canadians
Last year: 57-105
RS 690, RA 883, 11-19 division
Key Losses: Hipolito Mota (FA), Jaime Wells (FA), Jeremy Ratliff (FA), Lyle Mays (traded - Port), PT Blair (FA), Pat Putnam (traded NOR)
Key Additions: Jason Cameron (promoted), Leo Fontenot (promoted), Max James (rule 5- SLC), Pedro Martinez (FA - NO)
Outlook: The team with the worst pitching staff in the NL didn't improve. It looks like Vancouver is still waiting on the rookies to trickle up with Cameron and Fontenot coming up this season.
Prediction: 55-107, Last in division

NL South Preview

This could be the year that the South rises again. In the early days of the MiLB the division consistently had two teams in the playoffs. Last year, Little Rock rose to the top in season 13 and has won the division for three straight years. Oak City (now Memphis) has been three games back the last two years with New Orleans and Iowa City (now San Antonio) falling further behind in their efforts to rebuild.


Little Rock Travelers
Last year: 90-72
RS 702, RA 674, 20-10 division
Key Losses: Ben Hanson (FA - Charl)
Key Additions: Matty Adams (FA - Trenton), Patrick Rueter (FA - Rich), Vic Marrero (promoted), Vic Villa (FA - SWB), BC Morris (promoted)
Outlook: Can't argue with success. The Travelers have a solid defense and pitching staff. The addition of Villa might help the offense more than anyone thinks. However, will it be enough to repeat in a divison that suddenly got better over night?
Prediction: 85-77, 2nd in Division


Memphis RedBirds
Last year: 87-75
RS 703, RA 693, 16-14 division
Key Losses: Beamer Towers (FA -Norf), Grant Smith (FA - Indy), Mac Hong (traded - Norf), Marvin Gagne (FA)
Key Additions: Doug Parrish (FA - Rich), Yamil Cueto (FA - Boi), Steve Bradley (FA)
Outlook: A lot of young players just got a whole lot better in Memphis. Hal Fowler is really the wildcard for the team after he missed half of last season with a foot injury. Last years big signing, Tomas Rios, hope to have a better season. Rios hit 40 homeruns, but only had a slash line of .276/.334/.516 for an OPS of .850. 24 year old David Romero could be a 30-30 guy this year and should OPS over .900 to improve on last years slash of .257/.363/.442.
Prediction: 90-72, Division Winner


New Orleans Zephyrs
Last year: 73-89
RS 683, RA 743, 12-18 division
Key Losses: Hipolito Vazquez (FA), Pedro Martinez (released - Van), Stephen Camilli (released - Boise)
Key Additions: ?
Outlook: It doesn't appear that New Orleans did anything in the offseason. Looks can be deceiving. Total player payroll is a measly $29 million (with 65 budgeted). The Zephyrs are quietly amassing a minor league system that will return them to prominence and keep them their for a very long time. Don't count on them being able to compete in a suddenly strong division.
Prediction: 62-100, last in division


San Antonio Missions
Last year: 68-94
RS 651, RA 808, 12-18 division
Key Losses: Benito Cruz (FA), Carlton Easley (FA), Edge Cloud (FA), Hugh Clyburn (FA), Nicholas Coco (released), Nigel Becker (released)
Key Additions: Craig Bowen (trade - Paw), Germany Jones (trade - Paw), Karim Baerga (FA - Omaha), Sammy Beckwith (FA - New Brit), Shea DeHart (promoted), Tomas Maduro (trade - Port)
Outlook: The Cubs said "Screw waiting til next year, we're moving and getting out from under this rain cloud of rebuilding." The offense that has been historically weak is suddenly a juggernaut with the addition of Bowen and Jones. The maturation of Gleason, Buckley, Holdridge, and Garrido gives the Missions six of eight position players that should OPS well over .800 and improve on their measly 651 runs scored from last year. Expect them to score over 800 runs. From there it is all in the hands of the pitching. It still isn't great, and the defense is still suspect, but they should reach beyond .500 for the first time since season six. It should also be noted they did win the division in season 10 with a LOSING record.
Prediction: 84-78, 3rd in division

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

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