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