AL North Preview

Looking at the AL North I noticed an oddity rarely seen in any HBD world. We have four teams with one of the largest geographical areas ever. Stretching from upstate New York (Syracuse) to the midwest (Wichita, Kansas and Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota) and across the Rocky Mountains down to Salt Lake City, Utah. Geez...these teams might go broke playing inter-division games. Now to the preview (with a major surprise prediction).

The Bees are absolutely loaded again this season. They have a fine collection of young talent that hits and plays defense. One burning question is…why did this team only score 785 with this kind of talent??? Another question is how much help Greg Menechino will provide. The "Timeless One" has been around forever, and it appears that age has caught up with him. He produced over 100 runs last year, but will be hard pressed to get to 80 this year. Will the young guys step up in Salt Lake City? The late addition of Orlando Canseco didn't help them win in the playoffs...can he lead them to World Series Title for mjpals?

The Trenton franchise was purchased by new ownership, and moved cross country to become the Wichita Wingnuts. A good move, because I've heard Trenton is not exactly baseball heaven. The new owner is freddyquimby, a brand new addition to HBD. The previous owner made an interesting move with division rival SLC. Orlando Canseco, their best player, was traded for a decent minor league shortstop/3b, a solid pitcher, and RF Al Bolivar. They saved money in the long run and got a lot of production from Bolivar and the pitcher, Buddy Minor. Minor became the best pitcher on the club and almost helped them get to the playoffs. Can the new ownership get this club back to the playoffs after a 3 year hiatus? This year, it doesn't look likely. The pitching staff really isn't very good outside of Minor, and losing Jumbo Delgado's 46 saves leaves the bullpen in terrible shape.

The first thing that became immediately apparent when looking at the Redhawks was the lack of offensive production. So, I was curious to know why. Three things stood out: 1) no one walks 2) everyone is slow 3) lack of base-running skills. That's a poor recipe for success because no one likes clogged base paths. Fargo was last in the league in doubles, and the bottom half in every statistical category in the AL. Not good. When a guy like Monte Wright (.309 obp) leads your team in plate appearances (584) it's going to be tough to be taken seriously. Hector Jose and other minor league players are on the way. Until then this team will have to keep relying on pitching and defense to keep them competitive.

Syracuse is one of the most stacked offensive teams in the MiLB. They scored 842 runs, which seems like a low number considering the talent. Sjpratt has built an admirable run scoring team. To begin fixing the pitching staff, Barney Enders (79 RC) was traded to Norfolk for Arodys Gonzalez. Then they traded minor league talent to El Paso for ace Will Waters (six time all star). If Paul King can live up to expectations as a closer, and not have 11 blown saves, this team will be a championship contender. As matter of fact, I'm going on record. The Chiefs will go from last to first in this division. With a very good shot at the World Series. Surprised?

NL North Preview

Since Brian took over the Yankees, the Yankees have experienced unprecedented success. Although Scranton has only won one World Series title in his tenure, the team has been transformed into a juggernaut. Don't expect anything different going forward. Glanville and Montanez are in decline, but the pitching staff is still rock solid.The boys in pinstripes are serious contenders in the MiLB this year and for many years to come.

Toledo should probably have taken a playoff spot, but faded in the final month. The Mud Hens are an ultra talented team that might be one or two years away from being a legit championship contender. From here on out, you can expect them to be a playoff front runner at the least. The loss of Lance Wilson was cancelled out by the signing of Mike Young. The offense remains mostly unchanged with the young guys getting marginally better and the vets not falling off too much. It looks like the defense off the bench will be super at helping to hold leads for the bullpen guys like Schourek. But, will they be able to get a big AB late in games?

 The Monsters are in rebuilding mode, but remain competitive. There isn't a lot of talent on this team (as you can see from their top 8 players), but Burlington features a solid (not extraordinary) defense, and capable pitchers. Pak knows what he is doing so don't bet against them at any point. No matter what the predictions are for the Monsters, they always find a way to exceed expectations.

 It's not often that the reigning MVP leaves his successful team for a last place team, but that is exactly what Angel Molina did in the off-season. At 28, he has some very good years left. When Molina's playing days are done he will have lasting fame…and now a huge fortune. Matched up with Kenny Sullivan and Carlos Romano, the Bisons won't be in the cellar again this year. The pitching staff had about equal losses and gains, even stealing from division rival Toledo (welcome to Buffalo, Jhonny Martin!). Buffalo is substantially improved and poised to make a playoff run. Be weary, National League.