baseballnerdo-blog

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TRADE DEADLINE APPROACHES. WHO'S ON THE BLOCK

SOME BIG NAMES OUT THERE TO BE HAD FOR BUYERS

With the trade deadline just days away, teams will be putting together final pieces to make that push to the playoffs. Here are some big names on this year's block.

Florida is in buy and sell mode and maybe the biggest name on the market is starting pitcher Steve Washington. In his final year of arbitration his salary is 8.5m. Could be a steal for a team in need of a good starter.

Scottsdale is in sell mode and looking to unload DH Yordano Mateo. If a team can eat this big hitters 13.0m salary for the next 2 years it could be a plus. Florida could use a power hitter at 1B. Can Mateo handle first base duties? We already know he can hit.

Charlotte is looking to possibly unload 1B Midre Juarez. This could also be the ticket for Florida if the price is right.

Dover has a closer they are peddling. Walter O'Day is a Free Agent at the end of the year, but could be just what a team needs to make that push in the playoffs, and Honolulu is in need of a lights out reliever.

San Diego is in full sell mode and might be interested in dealing LF Bob Menechino, RP work horse Jason Bradford, and starter Dwight Piper.

Other notables rumored to be on the table are Pittsburgh's All Star 3B Peter Ni, if they don't end up buying. Also Tampa has LF Del Ayala a free agent at 8.0mil. Charleston says all bats are available for the right price, and Vancouver says no one is untouchable if the price is right.

The next few days could be very interesting, especially with both leagues having so many teams still in contention. Who has the bank roll to make the big splash?

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POST ALL STAR GAME PROJECTIONS.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: IS THERE PARODY?

Heading into the All Star Break there are only 5 teams in the National League with a winning record, but projections show that 15 of the 16 teams could finish 500 or above. Here's a look at how the divisions are projected to finish.

NL NORTH

Vancouver leads the North going into the break and shouldn't give that lead up as their schedule looks favorable. Look for a 100 win season for Vancouver. Montreal is projected to finish 2nd, Detroit 3rd, and Wichita 4th. All teams in the North should finish above 500.

NL EAST

The East looks to be a repeat of the last 5 seasons with Cleveland running away with the division. 93 wins for Cleveland should give them the title. Cincinnati will once again make a 2nd half push, but fall short and finish 2nd. Pittsburgh comes in a close 3rd, again depending on how the final series with Cincy goes. Pawtucket finishes 4th.

NL SOUTH

The South looks like a tight race to the end. Austin is projected to keep their lead and win the South with 95 wins, followed by Houston, Charleston, and Charlotte.

NL WEST

The West will be wild this season with the protection having all teams finish within 4 games of each other. The forecast shows Arizona holding off a late surge by Boise to win the division. Boise will finish one game out in second with Seattle and San Diego tied for 3rd.

DIVISION WINNERS AND WILDCARDS

Vancouver projected with 100 wins and the #1 seed. Austin projected with 95 wins and a #2 seed. Cleveland gets the #3 seed with a projected 93 wins. Arizona has the #4 seed with a projection of 85 wins.

For the first time in several years the East won't be part of the wildcard matchups. The projections show Houston as the #5 seed with 90 wins and Detroit #6 with 86 wins.

AMERICAN LEAGUE: YES VIRGINIA THE IS PARODY

If the National League is close to parody, this season's American League is even closer. Projections show that no team will reach 100 wins.

AL NORTH

Chicago should hold on to their lead over KC-Wichita but barely get over the 500 mark in doing so. KC comes in at #2, Dover and Ottawa round out the division finishing under 500.

AL EAST

The East should hold form from the break with Huntington edging Baltimore and Trenton to win the division with 85 wins. DC will have the number one pick in next year's draft.

AL SOUTH

Atlanta may have the toughest schedule in the second half of this season and won't hold onto their lead. Florida is projected to finish on top with 84 wins, Texas finishes 2nd, Atlanta 3rd, and Tampa 4th.

AL WEST

Honolulu holds the best record in the majors at the All Star break and is projected to finish on top in the West with 93 wins. Scottsdale makes a move to finish 2nd, San Francisco 3rd, and Los Angeles is projected 4th.

DIVISION WINNERS AND WILDCARDS

Honolulu gets the #1 seed with 93 projected wins. Huntington is projected at #2 with 85 wins. Florida has the #3 seed projecting 84 wins. Chicago is projected to be the #4 seed winning 82.

The wildcard race will be tight. Projections show Scottsdale getting the #5 seed. Projections also show San Francisco and Texas will finish tied for the 6th seed.

BOTTOM LINE

The bottom line is that these teams are so close in both leagues only Dover, Ottawa, DC, Tampa, and L.A. are really out of the playoffs. With every other team, it will depend on whether the owners want to make moves to compete or sell off for future seasons. It should be an interesting market leading up to the trade deadline.

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Owners Predictions Has Some Surprises

All the owners were asked to pick the winners in all division. 18 owners responded, some picked winners in all divisions in both leagues, some only picked winners from their league, and some only picked winners from their division. He is what the owners think about each division race this season.

AL NORTH

Only two teams received votes with Chicago coming out on top. Chicago:10 votes, Kansas City: 6

AL EAST

Huntington comes out with the most votes followed by Baltimore and Trenton a distant third. Huntington: 10, Baltimore: 5, Trenton: 1

AL SOUTH

Atlanta is the overwhelming pick to repeat in the South. Atlanta: 14, Florida: 1, Texas:1

AL WEST

Honolulu comes up with the most votes in the west with Scottsdale a distant second. Honolulu: 10, Scottsdale: 5, L.A.:1

NL NORTH

The NL North looks to be a tight race according to the owners. Montreal edges Vancouver in votes. Montreal: 9, Vancouver: 8, Wichita: 1

NL EAST

This race looks to be even tighter judging by the votes. Cleveland and Cincinnati tie with Pittsburgh picking up 2 votes. Cleveland: 8, Cincinnati: 8, Pittsburgh: 2

NL SOUTH

The run away winner in votes in the south is Charleston, but this is only one of two divisions in which every team got at least one vote. Charleston: 11, Charlotte: 1, Austin: 1, Houston: 1

NL WEST

The owners voted and they believe Bose will be unseeded in the west by Seattle. Seattle:8, Boise:6, Arizona: 3, and San Diego:1

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AND THE WINNER IS...

OWNERS AGREE ATLANTA IS THE CREAM OF THE CROP IN THE FINAL FOUR

When asked to name their picks on who will win each series in the ALCS and NLCS owners overwhelming chose Atlanta to win in the American League by an average of just over 6 games. No respect for top seeded Huntington. The National League championship series appeared to be a little closer according to voting owners, but #1 seed Cleveland was edged out by 3 seed Montreal in 6 games.

When it comes to the World Series winner, it doesn't matter who Atlanta plays, the general consensus is they will be the next WS champions winning in 5 games.

Now let's see how it all plays out in "real life." 😁⚾️

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2ND ROUND PLAYOFF PREVIEW

The American League number one seed is there for a reason. Pitching, pitching, pitching. Huntington's rotation is anchored by Sebastian Brunson, plus they are deep in quality bull pen arms. Offensively, it will be hard to quiet 40 HR hitting Julio Cabral and Randy Hammonds. Honolulu, though not lacking talent just doesn't have the roster to win in a series with Huntington. Huntington in 4 games.

#2 Atlanta has the starters to win the whole thing. 20 plus winners in Tom Lilly (20), Nathan Turner (20), and Brady O'Flaherty (23) could be enough to win any series. That along with the power of First baseman Marquis Coy (40 HRs) will get them into the next series. Tampa Bay has 23 game winner Earle Marlette, but he can't pitch every game. Atlanta could win in 3, but I'll pick Tampa Bay to take one game.

Cleveland is the National League number one seed, and they win as a team. This team wins by committee. Charleston wins through a decent pitching staff, both starters and in the bull pen. This series should go the distance and the team who can steal a game on the road could win. I'm looking for upset time. Charleston wins in 5.

#2 Boise is loaded in all areas offense and defense. This is possibly the most talented team in the majors. Montreal doesn't have the fire power to keep up for a 5 game series. If there is going to be a sweep this round look at this series to be that. But I'll go with Boise in 4.

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PREVIEWING THE PLAYOFFS

FIRST ROUND

#3 Kansas City vs #6 Tampa Bay

This series could go five games. Kansas City hasn't had great luck with Tampa this season, especially at home going 2 and 4. Im picking an upset in 5.

#4 Honolulu vs #5 Trenton

Two teams who are evenly matched, but I give the edge to Trenton who continues its great play.

#3 Montreal vs #6 Cincinnati

Cincinnati continues its slump into the playoffs and will make an early exit. Montreal in a sweep.

#4 Charleston vs #5 Vancouver

Here's another series that could go five games. If Vancouver can steal one in Charleston they have a great chance winning all their home games. I'm picking Vancouver in 5.

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More Crystal Ball Predictions

AL NORTH

It looks to be tight but KC-Wichita Warriors should take the division with 90 wins, followed by the Chicago Gators with 82, Dover will finish with 68 wins and Ottawa finishes last with 65 wins.

AL EAST

The AL East looks to be set with the Crystal Ball saying Huntington wins the division with 99 wins, Trenton follows with 91, Baltimore makes it interesting but falls short with 89 wins, and DC Dropouts finish at the bottom with just 57 wins.

AL SOUTH

The Crystal Ball sees Atlanta winning the division with 98 wins, Tampa Bay in second with 89, Florida a close third with 88 wins and Texas with 74.

AL WEST

The Crystal Ball says the west won’t be any closer either, with Honolulu taking the division winning 90 games, Scottsdale finishes second under 500 with 80 wins, San Francisco ends up with 74 wins and Seattle finishes with 69 wins.

WHO MAKES THE PLAYOFFS

The Crystal Ball says Huntington takes the #1 seed, Atlanta #2, the 3 and 4 seed will come to a tie-breaker between KC and Honolulu, and the wildcards are Trenton and Tampa Bay and Baltimore will have a tie-breaker for the last wildcard spot..  First team out is Florida. Stay tuned for playoff predictions.

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Crystal Ball Predictions

Here's my not so scientific look at who I think will win each division and how each team will finish with 40 games to go.

NL NORTH

Vancouver will make it interested down the stretch but will come up a couple of games short. My crystal ball sees Montreal winning the division with 92 wins, followed by Vancouver with 90. Detroit and Wichita have the easiest schedules but too much ground to make up. Detroit should finish wth 78 wins and Wichita with 74.

NL EAST

Cleveland has a comfortable 10 game cushion and my crystal ball sees yet another division title with 96 wins. Cincinnati always the brides maid will finish with 86 wins. Pittsburgh can make it interesting if they can keep it close when they get to the final series with Cincy, but should fall short with 82 wins. Pawtucket brings up the rear playing 500 ball the rest of the way to get to 75 wins.

NL SOUTH

Charleston looks to be in control in the south and my crystal ball sees 89 wins to take the division. San Juan will finish the season strong and get to 82 wins. The crystal ball sees a big finish for Houston to pull them out of the cellar with 77 wins, and Charlotte falls flat with 72 wins.

NL WEST

The machine that is Boise coasts to a comfortable 98 wins, with San Jose a distant second at 82 wins. Arizona and San Diego play well and finish with 75 and 66 wins respectively.

WHO MAKES THE PLAYOFFS

My crystal ball says Boise will be the number 1 seed, followed by Cleveland at number 2, Montreal at 3, and Charleston the 4 seed. Vancouver gets the first wild card spot and Cincinnati gets the other. Pittsburgh and San Juan will be on the outside looking in.

NEXT UP, THE AMERICAN LEAGUE PREDICTIONS.

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PREVIEWING THE AL WEST

HONOLULU VOLCANOES

Changes in latitudes changes in attitudes, but no change where Honolulu will finish in the AL West.  After winning the division last year in Arizona, oqner jbeavon, in his 18th season packed up the team and moved to the islands.  With no major losses in the off season and trades to strengthen and add depth to the offense Honolulu should be right back at the top. Key additions include a new center fielder via trade, and the addition of three key pieces to the pitching staff by trade along with an infielder and relief pitcher through free agency.  The Volcanoes should erupt to the top of the West this season.

SCOTTSDALE SIZZLING SHRIMP

14 year owner kevintam90 is hoping to rebuild but also contend with his team this season.  Age has caught up to his roster and the loss of SS Aramis Albaladejo along with no key additions could keep this team out of the top of the division.  But with the current roster including last year’s 21 win All Star pitcher Bonk Bolling, 2B Johnny Corino, CF P.T. Quinones, and 3B Kiel Snow, it should be solid enough that they could be right there at the end.

SAN FRANCISCO SEALS

First year owner zoobaseball seems to be in both contender and rebuild mode.  The Seals had no major losses over the off season, a few players were dropped to AAA, and key additions include SS Raul Marquez via free agency, and right fielder Jandel Taylor, pitcher Pedro Martin, and pitcher Farmer Mullin all through the Rule 5 draft. With 71 wins a year ago these moves probably won’t be enough to get San Francisco into contention, but a winning season this year would be a big step in the right direction.

SEATTLE SOUNDGARDENS

9th year owner tndsweet will tell you his team is in rebuild/build mode.  The off season was spent shedding salary and the focus this season will be on younger players with a mix of free agency signings, but not at the expense of giving up picks for the future. Seattle has a plan to build a winning team, but it won’t be this year.  The Soundgardens won 70 games last season and it looks as though that black hole sun will loom over this team at least this year and keep them out of contention.

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PREVIEWING THE AL SOUTH

TAMPA BAY SEA TURTLES

Tampa Bay is loaded with a plethora of homegrown talent and this is the year that 21 season owner jlittle523 could hoist the division trophy.  Led on offense by center fielder Del Ayala and 3B Charles Brower, and ace starting pitcher Earle Marlette, the Sea Turtles look to have the pieces in place for a long run deep into the playoffs. The only thing in their way are the other teams in the south, as this shapes up to arguably be the toughest in the American League.

ATLANTA FAMILY FEUDS

Owner pjfoster13 took over this team 6 and a half years ago and has it humming along.  Fresh off a division title last season, but an early first round exit in the playoffs being pjfoster means being a favorite to repeat for the division title. There are a couple of other teams who may have a different plan. Atlanta’s only loss was at the platoon DH position. Major additions via trade include 2B Clint Reid and CF Kendry Elcano.  Contract extensions to 3 Cy Young pitching contenders will shore up the rotation, so look for a good chance at 96 wins again this year and a run at the division.

TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE

byer61 is in his 43rd season as owner in Texas and looks to be in the hunt for a title this year.  With the help of left fielder Paulie Bradley who gets on base, shortstop Wilmer Chavez who can hot for power and average, and 1B Billy Parker, the offense will need that fire power because the pitching will struggle. The rotation will be relying on ace starter Jamie Simon to give them a lot of wins this season. The division is a possibility, but a wildcard berth is more realistic.

FLORIDA DR. FIELDGOODS

Florida owner dabomb 163783 is in his 7th season at the helm, and isn’t sure if they are ready to compete yet or not. Coming off a 69-93 season last year, it would take a big jump to get in that conversation. A key loss was 3B Orlando Uribe via trade, but hopes that young replacement players will fill that void.  The hope is that younger players will begin to step up and contribute and dabomb will see where they stand at the All Star break to determine which moves will be made and if they will be in buy or see mode. It would appear that Florida has a couple of years to go before they are ready to reach the top half of this division.

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PREVIEWING THE AL EAST

HUNTINGTON HORNETS

Last year’s division champs look to once again reign supreme in owner hogsfan22 14th season. Coming off a season that saw them reach 101 wins and a number one seed in the playoffs only to make a quick exit by getting swept in their first series, the Hornets look to make a bigger impact this year.  One key loss is pitcher Brandon Jenkins, but with the additions of pitchers Hick Latham and Nathan King, and DH Hulk Park, look for Huntington to take the division again this year. Where they go in the playoffs may be a different story.

TRENTON TRASH HAULERS

3rd year owner tmfran plans on contending for the division this season. To back that up the team had no major losses in the off season, and was able to pick up stud 3B Arimas Albaladejo who seems to fit the ballpark perfectly. With the added fire power look for Trenton to improve from their 79 win season last year and give Huntington a run for the division title.

BALTIMORE BLUE CRABS

26 seasons as owner fflgopher believes he has his team in contention for the division this year. Key losses include left fielder Eduardo Sanchez and 2B Derrick Hutchinson.  The Blue Crabs were active in the trade world during the off season and picked up 1B Max Guerrero which should help the offense.  Time will tell if it will be enough to get them in the hunt.

WASHINGTON DC DROPOUTS

The plan for Dropouts owner kcclark in his 45th season seems to be rebuild and load up on prospects. Finishing below 500 last year and on their way to another sub 500 season this year their shining addition acquired last year through trade is left fielder Allie Marcum. If things go south early Marcum could be on the trade block soon.  Look for Washington to be a cellar dweller again this season.

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PREVIEWING THE AL NORTH

KANSAS CITY WICHITA WARRIORS

Kansas City owneer KS Beach Bums is an original owner in this world, and for season 48, even though a rebuildiing year for this team look for them to be right their at the top of the division by the end of the season.  The Warriors will look to incorporate some youth in the roster this year and use trades to replenish the minor league rosters for the future.  Key losses this off season include pitchers Sam Decker and Dann Ducati via trade.  Also lost to trade were left fielder Onelki Gonzalez and catcher Tony Canseco. Kansas City was busy this off season with moves that include pitchers Ray Gray and Darron Cedeno through trade, and promotions of pitchers Buzz Nathan and Otis Schneider, right fielder Geraldso Azocar and catcher Gil Briggs.  Look for the Wichita Warrios to get close to that 90 wins again this year and finish first in the North.

CHICAGO GATORS

The Chicago Gators and 41 year owner Mcgeehan believe they are getting closer to contending.  Time will tell.  The loss of pitcher Dayan Plata may hurt and they know that starting pitching will be a priority this season. If they can improve on a 74 win season from a year ago, then that would be a positive in moving in the right direction.  A winning season may be in the cards for the Gators this year.

DOVER GOATS

Team owner aikdog is in his 14th season as owner and looking at a rebuild season. Key losses include ace reliever Jed Eichorn which will hurt the bullpen. What the plan is for the Goats is to add some low cost power hitters and some young pitching via trades to this roster in hopes of improving form last year’s 77 win season.  It looks like third place may be where they end up.

OTTAWA BREGMANOLA

New owner djaeight has a rebuild project of epic proportions on his hands. Last year at Montreal the team finished 54-108 and dead last in the division as well as the league.  Having the first pick in this year’s draft should be a good styart to the future of this team, but where do you go with that pick.  There are so many needs. The offense will be led by right fielder Junior Lewis and left fielder Michael Waters, but the glaring weakness on this team is pitching and in the end means another last place finish.

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PREVIEWING THE NL WEST

BOISE LUMBERJACKS

Rickshow is in his 15th season as owner and CEO of the machine called the Boise Lumberjacks.  Again this year Boise will be in great position to win the division, compete for the NL championship and possibly a run for the World Series title. But with Free Agency looming large for this team this could be the last season for a window of opportunity.  Key losses over the off season include pitcher Malcolm Morgan lost through free agency.  Boise did add free agent pitcher Ben Pill and left fielder Onelki Gonzalez through trade.  101 wins last season to run away with the division, and looks like not much slowing down this year.

ARIZONA STARS

8th year owner Obiewon777 has a new stadium and a new attitude toward winning this season.  Moving his team from Los Angeles to Arizona may just be what this team needs to get over the hump and compete for a wildcard spot this year.  They are still in rebuilding mode with some minor leaguers still a couple of years away from being in the majors to compete, and they desperately need upgrades in the catcher and corner infield positions. They will be looking for position players who can hit for power and average, but then again who isn’t. Also on their wish list is an upgrade at starting pitching and a top set up man.  But with all this, they still have the foundation to get in the top half of this division.

SAN JOSE MARAUDERS

Marauders owner ddewalt28 is in his 38th season as owner and this year will be a rebuilding year for San Jose. There were a lot of key losses for the Marauders in the off season including pitchers Mendy White and Diory Arencibia, and left fielder Eduardo Sanchez.  Their top need is an elite leadoff hitter. So for this year, the question remains, do you know the way to get San Jose in the division discussion?  It may be a year or two away.

SAN DIEGO TEDDY BALLGAMERS

First year owner rquin9 took over a San Diego dumpster fire, and getting it put out will take more than a couple of seasons.  Just 54 wins last year, so this year he will rely on veteran left fielder Bob Mechechino to anchor the offense, and young up and comer Jason Bradford to help in the bullpen. Whether Sand Diego looks at a slow rebuild through the draft, or a quicker route through free agency and trade is up to rquin9, but with the worst record in the National League last year, don’t look for any miracles this season.

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PREVIEWING THE NL SOUTH

CHARLESTON WAVE

3rd year owner flbarons believes his team will compete for the division this season, and there is no reason to believe otherwise. Charleston won 91 games last year and the division by 7.  The Wave had no major losses from last season other than some arbitration management. Additions that need to be addressed early are the need for a true center fielder and strengthening the starting rotation. This division should be closer than last year, but look for Charleston to be at the top by season’s end.

SAN JUAN DIRTY DEEDS

7th season owner Drow14 has his San Juan Dirty Deeds team poised to make a run for the division this year.  Key losses last year include Elmer Stephenson, Troy Chen, and David Almara, but with the additions of 2B Derrick Hutchinson and 3B Felipe Vargas for both power and average, they should have a great foundation to make that run this season. Will this be the year they get the division. Pitching will be the key.

CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS

In his 4th season as owner of the Knights, Danknuggz is looking to at least get into the wildcard hunt. That will be a tall order considering Charlotte only won 72 games last year. What will help is the fact that they had no major losses over the off season and picked up Pitcher Neftali Marrero via trade from last season which should stabilize the starting rotation this year.  A winning record could be in the works, but there are a lot of teams in the NL Charlotte will have to jump to get into one of the playoff spots by season’s end.

HOUSTON OUTLAWS

4th year owner stonewalter has his team in position to get out of the cellar this year, and if the pieces all fall into place could be the surprise of the season in the South.  If their veterans can put up one more year of decent numbers, they have some young talent that could get them in the hunt, including Starting Pitcher Ehire Romero and Right Fielder Dwight Roosevelt.  With the additions of 2B Cookie Lee, who just gets on base, and Relief Pitcher Jeromy Smith to shore up the bullpen, this could be the breakout year for the Outlaws.

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PREVIEWING THE NL EAST

CLEVELAND CLIPPERS

What do you do for an encore?  Last season all first year owner aumackenzie did was cruise to a division title, blow through the NL playoffs, and win the World Series in 5 games.  Cleveland looks to be in a similar position to repeat again this year.  It’s been a bust off season with plenty of roster changes. Key losses from last year’s WS champs include Pitcher Jimmy Xavier, 1B Lee rivera and William Gray and Clete Dawkins out of the bullpen. Cleveland made some important additions via Free Agency with LR/Starting Pitcher Francisco Iglesias.  Also the addition of Reliever LJ Incaviglia should help out the bullpen, and DH Pablo Ibaney was added for power in the lineup. 3B Orlando Uribe was also acquired through trade.

The NL East was arguably the toughest division in the NL last year with every team finishing with a winning record and both wildcards coming from this division. It will be hard to overthrow this division champ.  Look for a repeat for Cleveland and another run for the WS title.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

Coming off a 92 win season a year ago and a wildcard spot in the playoffs, original owner shootn3z21 looks to once again contend for the division title and the playoffs.  Key losses include 1B Andres Cayones and SS Hugh Sullivan.  The Pirates picked up Pitcher Jeremy Goodwin who should be a solid contributor to the starting rotation.  Unfortunately the Pirates and every other team in the NL East looks like they are playing for 2nd place and another wildcard spot in the playoffs this year.

CINCINNATI RED LEGS

Cincinnati has been in the playoffs each year jjradioguy20 has been owner, but year number 5 may be his last chance to win it all with the current team, as free agency looms large after this season. The Red Legs had no major losses this off season other than players aging out.  Key additions include Relief Pitcher Cristobal Colon who was promoted from AAA and corner rightfielder Omar Hernandez via free agency to help with an already explosive offense. Center fielder DJ Mende and Utility player Neifi Perez were brought up early form the minors to bolster the bench.  So the song playing in the locker room for the Red Legs this season is an Elvis classic. It’s Now Or Never.

PAWTUCKET POLAR BEARS

After falling to last place in season 47 despite a winning record, original owner alebear feels his team will compete for the division this year. Helping with this optimism is the fact that the Polar Bears didn’t have any significant losses in the off season, so the team stays relatively intact. That along with a veteran pitching staff should keep Pawtucket close in every game.  The young position players will need to step up for this team that finished 20 games out of first place last year.  Making up 20 games in one season may be too tall a task, but finding a way to make the playoffs may be in the cards for the Polar Bears.

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Season 48 Preview: Usual Suspect?

PREVIEWING THE NL NORTH

Vancouver Islanders The Islanders are the reigning Division Champs and 37 year veteran owner rufflesweet is looking for a repeat once again this season.  Led by Catcher Ron Osborne Vancouver looks like the team to beat for the Division Title this year.  One major loss is at the Closer position, where early this new season has hurt them with blown saves over the first 30 games.  If the Islanders can tweak the bullpen, then look for another 90 win season and to be right there at the end.

Montreal Main Street Exiles The other team north of the border is Montreal and new owner Joey Millman is looking to contend this season.  Montreal has some good talent, but had a disappointing season last year.  Millman is hoping that the additions this season will be what is needed to get them over the top. Key losses include Pitcher Vinny Feng to Free Agency.  Key Additions include Catcher D’Angelo Diaz and Pitcher Charlie Knudson through minor league promotions and Shortstop Tude Wynn by way of trade, Pitcher Alex Murphy via Free Agency, and Pitcher Levi Wisler through trade.  With all the new pieces working together Montreal is in great position to take the title this season.

Wichita Linemen Wichita owner makice says he is still in rebuild mode, but is hoping his team will be competitive in the division this season. Lack of offense may keep them from finishing on top or in a wildcard position this year. Since taking this team over the minor league teams have been in rebuild mode, so promotion will be key to improving pitching and defense.  A legitimate Ace, reliable closer, and some quality hitters are major needs for Wichita and will be the focus this season. No major losses from last season. Additions include signing contact hitters Mac Lee and Lee Rivera, plus a defensive upgrade behind the plate. Wichita is also one of the few teams to rely heavily on the Rule 5 Draft. This team may be another year away from being in contention, but look for improvement.

Detroit Maroons Original owner slocker3 is in rebuilding mode this season. No major losses over the off season, but the list of needs is fairly long including relief pitching where his bullpen is thin and in need of quality staffing. Also a need is offensive production from the shortstop and catcher positions. Look for Detroit and Wichita to do battle for third place this season.

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Meet tndsweet

Who is tndsweet?

tndsweet is a 46-year-old man who has been married for 20 years and has an 18, almost 19, year old daughter.

What are some of your hobbies?

I've played fantasy sports since it started online in the late 80's and enjoy it on several different sites.  I have recently gotten into Draftkings, especially during football season.

Who is your all-time favorite athlete?

Magic Johnson is my favorite and hoping he can turn around the Lakers...also a huge Kobe fan and Steve Garvey was my all-time favorite Dodger.

What is your favorite team?

I grew up in Southern California, so I'm a diehard Lakers/Dodgers fan and have lived in Colorado since ’96, where I became a huge Denver Broncos fan.

What is your favorite song/musical artist?

I listen to basically everything except country music...faves are Prince/Def Leppard/Slipknot/Beatles if that tells you anything.

What is your favorite movie/book/TV show?

Favorite new show is Life in Pieces and a huge Game of Thrones fan of the show and books.

What is your favorite WIS moment?

I enjoy WIS and have tried to take over abandoned teams to turn them around but have found I'm not the best at it but I enjoy the game as an escape from normal life!