MVP Dark Horse: Bernie Pineda (SAL)
Cy Young Favorites: Julian Belliard (LAA), Victor Delgado (SAL), Damaso Solano (BAL)
Cy Young Dark Horse: Hipolito Matos (NOR)
RoY Favorites: Sherman Campbell (NOR), Gary Wilson (HON), Bill Howell (HON)
Roy Dark Horse: Quilvo Lee (PHI)
Projected Division Winners
AL North: St. Louis Redbirds
Season 14: 95-67
Season 15 (proj): 96-66
Acquisitions: none
Departures: none
For the second consecutive season, the Redbirds were very quiet during the off season. They won the division by a comfortable 13 games over an improving Scranton squad. With their team returning intact, there is no reason to think that they shouldn't win the division for the 12th consecutive season. This year's race might be a bit tighter than usual though, as both Scranton and Minnesota have improved. The Redbirds will be led by their usual suspects of 1B Homer Duffy, SS Hick Zerbe, CF Hector Brown, LF Johnny Radinsky, SP Victor Rodriguez and CL Shin-Soo Nakamura. While the Redbirds are collecting divisional banners to store in their basement (only World Series banners get hung up in Busch Stadium), fans have been getting antsy. Its been three seasons since the Redbirds have been to the World Series, the longest drought in team history. Many radio talk show hosts, baseball analysts and drunk fans have wondered if the Redbirds need to make a big splash to win another AL Pennant. But its hard to argue against the track record of success that the St. Louis franchise has had.
For the second consecutive season, the Redbirds were very quiet during the off season. They won the division by a comfortable 13 games over an improving Scranton squad. With their team returning intact, there is no reason to think that they shouldn't win the division for the 12th consecutive season. This year's race might be a bit tighter than usual though, as both Scranton and Minnesota have improved. The Redbirds will be led by their usual suspects of 1B Homer Duffy, SS Hick Zerbe, CF Hector Brown, LF Johnny Radinsky, SP Victor Rodriguez and CL Shin-Soo Nakamura. While the Redbirds are collecting divisional banners to store in their basement (only World Series banners get hung up in Busch Stadium), fans have been getting antsy. Its been three seasons since the Redbirds have been to the World Series, the longest drought in team history. Many radio talk show hosts, baseball analysts and drunk fans have wondered if the Redbirds need to make a big splash to win another AL Pennant. But its hard to argue against the track record of success that the St. Louis franchise has had.
AL East: Baltimore Revolution
Season 14: 114-48
Season 15 (proj): 106-56
Acquisitions: none
Departures: SP Jared White (free agent to PHI), SP Ezra Santana (free agent to SAL)
Over the past five or so seasons, the Revolution have been the most consistently dominant team in the AL. They're on pace to win their 9th straight division title and have their 6th straight 100-win season. In each of the last three seasons, they have finished with 114 wins. This season's team will be a bit different than season's past. Traditionally, we're used to watching Baltimore squads that have a very balanced, deep team. They usually rank amongst the top in the AL in both runs scored and fewest runs allowed. This season, their pitching rotation won't be nearly as deep as its been. SP Damaso Solano, although still one of the best pitchers in the league, is one year older. Last season's trade of SP Tony Sosa will be felt more keenly this season, than last season. The off season departures of SP Jared White and SP Ezra Santana rob the team of the starting pitching depth that they're used to having. They still have the one-two punch of Solano and SP Tony Espinosa which is as good as any tandem in the league. This team will really shine at the plate. As displayed in their World Series run last season, this lineup is capable of bludgeoning its way to victory. They boast the deepest and highest scoring lineup in the AL. 1B Bruce Donovan will now have a full season in Baltimore gray. Donovan will team up with the best lead-off man in the league, RF Jung-Lee Martin, reigning MVP LF Frank Edwards and young superstar 2B Aurelio Diaz. Expect this team to lead the AL in home runs, stolen bases and Sportscenter highlights. It should be the highest scoring team in the entire league, and very fun to watch. Barring any injuries to key pitchers, it has the horses at the top of the rotation to earn another trip to the Fall Classic.
AL South: New Orleans Jazz
Season 14: 91-71
Season 15 (proj): 93-69
Acquisitions: COF Carlos Soriano (free agent signing), DH Clarence Barnes (acquired from ANA), SP Harry Gray (free agent signing)
Departures: 3B Ozzie Thompson (traded to SCO), 3B Tracy Bold (traded to ANA)
When CF Christan Burns left the Houston Buushwackerz for the beaches of Los Angeles, it pretty much ceded the AL South to New Orleans. Houston wasn't able to replace one of their two franchise players while Charlotte and Monterrey are still trying to build up solid squads. This season's AL South will be the softest division in the AL, and New Orleans should come out of with another divisional title, which would be their 4th in the last 5 seasons. The Jazz have a number of solid players. With the departure of Thompson and Bold, management are experimenting with moving 2-time Gold Glove second baseman Rod McGee to 3B to fill in the gap there. McGee is one of the best players that you've never heard of. The 28 year old played in Jackson under the shadows of NL elites Pittsburgh and Chicago. While there he won 2 Gold Gloves and was named to 3 All Star squads. He is probably the best player on the Jazz. Management is hoping he can be a franchise star and make a seamless move to the hot corner. That's alot of pressure on McGee and it remains to be seen how he will respond. The move to acquire 1B/DH Juan Tarraga a few seasons ago continues to pay dividends in New Orleans. In the two seasons that the veteran slugger has been in the Big Easy, he has hit 75 home runs and 227 RBI while hitting around .290. He has been a catalyst for this offense and in the process earned his first All Star nod in Season 13 and a 3-year contract extension from the Jazz worth about $15.3M. Once again Tarraga will be heavily relied upon to power this offense. Maybe the biggest question mark on this team is SP Fernando Dominguez. He was drafted in Season 7 by the Scottsdale Camels as the 3rd overall pick even though he had only 1 season of community college experience under his belt. Dominguez was blessed with a rubber arm, pinpoint control and seemed to be deceptive. He pitched his first two BL season in Scottsdale, and was pretty mediocre. He was traded to Minnesota, where the Storm were hoping getting him out of the Davis Ballpark and into a more pitcher's friendly environment would help the young pitcher reach is full potential. He pitched two disastrous seasons in the Land of 1,000 Lakes and started last season on their roster. But after another terrible start, the Storm cut bait and sent him packing to New Orleans. He responded by having the best season of his career. He went 15-7 in his 27 starts with the Jazz and had a 4.25 ERA. He was rewarded by the organization with a 5-year extension worth $31.5M. The team is hoping that Fernando will build upon his success last season, and start pitching like a #3 pick, and not regress to the guy that was traded twice because he wasn't living up to his potential. If New Orleans is to make any kind of noise during the postseason, they will need Dominguez to develop into a true ace.
AL West: Anaheim Hitmen
Season 14: 106-56
Season 15 (proj): 108-54
Acquisitions: LF/1B Dennys Dong (acquired from NO)
Departures: DH Clarence Barnes (traded to NO)
Only 2 seasons removed from an AL Pennant, the Hitmen were very disappointed to get swept out of the ALDS by the eventual champion Baltimore Revolution. Although the Hitmen have been amongst the elite teams in the AL over the past few seasons, they have fallen just short of the championship. This season, the Hitmen feel that they have the most talented squad in the AL, and they just might. Anaheim was very quiet this off season, but the team didn't really have any holes to fill. Not only are the Hitmen definitely a contender for this season, but they are set up for many seasons to come. Not one of the regular position starters is over 30, and only one of their starting pitchers is over 30. It really only seems to be a matter of time before this team breaks through and wins a banner. Plus, this season the team seems to have a chip on their shoulder after their disappointing playoff performance. "We really want to see Baltimore again. They embarrassed us. So we're looking forward to our ALCS appointment with those guys. Things will be different this time," the outspoken LF, Orber Martin, was quoted as saying during Spring Training. Although St. Louis and Scottsdale may have something to say about who is playing in the ALCS, a match-up between Anaheim and Baltimore is certainly possible. The buzz around Anaheim's Spring Training facility was SP Julian Belliard. Belliard spoke very little to the media, but it was clear from speaking to his team mates and coaches that he was on a mission. Belliard came into camp in the best shape of his career. He told reporters that he didn't go home to the Dominican this off season, but instead spent it in Miami. He trained for 3-4 hours per day with a professional boxing instructor. The results of his intense off season workouts are obvious by just looking at him. He's coming off of the best season of his career, going 19-5 with a 2.68 ERA. He was in the discussion for the AL Cy Young Award, but lost out to Baltimore's ageless Damaso Solano. He was then out shown again by Solano in the postseason. Belliard went 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA, and was unable to prevent his team from being swept out of the playoffs. Solano went 4-1 with a 3.48 ERA and led his team to a World Championship and picked up his 3rd career WS ring. Belliard, like his team, felt humbled and humiliated. "I don't have alot to say," Belliard said, "I learned alot last season. One of the things I learned was not to do my talking off the field. This year, I'll let my play do the talking for me. And it'll have plenty to say."
Wild Card: Philadelphia Stomp
Season 14: 92-70
Season 15 (proj): 95-67
Acquisitions: 2B Gregory Washington (acquired from SWB), SP Jared White (free agent signing), CF Jose Navarro (acquired from MEM), 1B/DH Lou Carpenter (free agent signing)
Departures: LR Huston Appier (traded to MEM), C Julio Cordero (traded to IA), 2B Vladimir Dotel (traded to SWB), 3B Stan Howard (traded to SWB), CF Dan Stein (free agent to SD)
The Philadelphia Stomp were pretty active this off season. They seem to be building with the traditional recipe for success: strong pitching and strong up the middle. They have a luxury that any team wishes they could have: too much starting pitching. While the Stomp may not have a traditional, workhorse, ace-type starting pitcher; they do have six very good starters. The signing of SP Jared White was a double victory for the Stomp. They took him away from rival Baltimore and added them to their own roster. On Opening Day, the Baltimore rotation looks like this: All Star SP Randy Meulens, All Star SP Gary Scott, All Star SP Jared White, All Star SP Alex DeJesus and All Star SP Omar Sanchez. Down on the farm, they have future All Star in the making SP Quilvio Lee. Lee has the stuff and the know how to pitch at the big league level right now. He still needs to build up his arm strength though, to allow him to throw more innings. One of the questions for Philly will be whether to call him up and let him build up his arm in the show, or give him a little more seasoning in the minors. Regardless of what they decide to do with Lee, the Stomp have one of the deepest pitching rotations in the AL. The loss of CF Dan Stein was big, but they acquired Navarro to play in CF, and he should be able to fill in most of what Stein provided. As was mentioned before, this team's strength is up the middle. They have arguably the best all-around young catcher in the league in C Rick Jamison, veteran Cristobal Johnson manning 2B, Pablo Lugo and his Gold Glove caliber fielding at SS and the aforementioned Jose Navarro in CF. Where this team could use the most improvement is at the corners. Lou Carpenter was a nice, quiet signing to give the team some punch and depth off of the bench. While the pitching will be really good, the offense should be pretty average. With the abundance of pitching, it wouldn't be surprising to see this organization make a move to acquire a big-time bat at one of the corner positions. Don't overlook this team just because they've been playing in the shadow of rival Baltimore. They have the pitching to make some noise in the postseason. They could be even more dangerous if they make a move for a big-time bat.
Wild Card: Salem Mighty Ducks
Season 14: 64-98
Season 15 (proj): 94-68
Acquisitions: SP Willis Bottenfield (acquired from CH2), SP Ezra Santana (free agent signing), RF Bernie Pineda (acquired from PIT), Denny Owen (acquired from PIT)
Departures: 3B Boots Knotts (traded to CH2), RF Eugenio Estrella (traded to PIT)
The surprise of the off season may have been the abrupt sell of the Salem franchise. The previous owners had only had the team for two seasons. With a combined record of 144-180 during those two seasons, and the team falling into irrelevance, most Salem fans were happy to see a new ownership group step in and take over their beloved team. The new ownership group, headed by RunRun LLC, promptly took the team through the most controversial off season its ever had. During this team's most successful run in Seasons 10-12, it was built around future HOFer 1B/DH Kelly Nelson, veteran 3B Boots Knotts and budding superstar RF Eugenio Estrella. All three of those were fan favorites and productive contributors to last year's team. None of them were on this year's Opening Day roster. Knotts was dealt to Chicago for much needed pitching help, SP Willis Bottenfield. Estrella was sent to NL powerhouse Pittsburgh for young star RF Bernie Pineda, more pitching help in the form of SP Denny Owen and salary relief. Although fans were sad to see Salem lifers Knotts and Erstella move on, most understood the baseball rational behind the moves, even if they didn't like it. But the treatment of Salem legend Kelly Nelson nearly has fans rioting. On the Opening Day of the season, in a very puzzling move, Nelson was sent down to AAA and rumors began swirling that the team was quietly shopping their aging slugger. The newly minted 'Mighty Ducks' started their season in Southern California with a four game set against the Hitmen of Anaheim. Batting lead-off and playing DH was some guy named Ken Anderson. You could hear the "Boos" cascade outside of sports bars and restaurants throughout Salem as he stepped to the plate, then grounded out weakly to first base. On a team that has no established DH, its a mystery why Nelson isn't being used in that capacity. Although his skills are certainly diminished, he is in the last season of his contract, and he hit a respectable .279 with 28 home runs last season. He is certainly still capable of contributing to the big league squad this season. Other than the handling of Kelly, the new ownership has made a number of shrewd signings and seems to have this team headed back in the right direction. The team still has SP Victor Delgado, who might be the best pitcher in the league. This season though, he'll have some more help pitching behind him. Rookie 3B Vasco Terrero has the unenviable task of filling the shoes of departed fan favorite Boots Knotts. The front office is hoping that Terrero, 2B Martin Chen and RF Bernie Pineda will form the new team foundation around which to build. The Kelly Nelson drama will be interesting to watch, and the Salem Mighty Ducks will probably be one of the most improved teams in the AL.
Teams to Watch
Honolulu Rainbow Warriors
Season 14: 92-70
Season 15 (proj): 94-68
Acquisitions: RF Trent Bird (free agent signing), RP Ken Hooper (acquired from CHA), SP Joey Serrano (acquired from CHA), SP Leo Nady (acquired from CLE)
Departures: CF Fernando Rivera (traded to CLE), C Junior Guzman (traded to CHA), RF Felipe Mota (free agent to OAK), SP Harry Gray (free agent to NO)
Season 14 was the best season this franchise has had since its move to Hawaii. It won 92 games and surprised the entire league by upsetting perennial power St. Louis and Scottsdale on their way to the ALCS. They met the Revolution and took them to six games before finally being eliminated. The Rainbow Warriors didn't sit back and bask in their success though. They made moves in the off season to improve the pitching and defense. Incumbent CF Fernando Rivera was traded to Cleveland to acquire Leo Nady. Swedish born rookie CF Trey Armstrong will be called upon to fill in. SP Joey Serrano and rookie SP Gary Wilson will fill out the Honolulu rotation. The team is hoping that SP Alfonso Espinosa will build upon his postseason success and develop into a true #1 pitcher. It looks as if the pitching will be relied upon to be the strength of this team. But there are a few very solid positions players as well. C Samuel Walker can be a bit limited defensively but he more than makes up for it with his offense. The Rainbow Warriors expect big things out of rookie DH/C Bill Howell. Rainbow Warrior lifer LF Gerald Martin and 3B Vic Suarez will provide both offense and leadership to the younger players on this team. This team will certainly be in the mix for the Wild Card, and (as they showed last season) have the pieces to make a postseason run as well.
Scottsdale Camels
Season 14: 108-54
Season 15(proj): 92-70
Acquisitions: 3B Ozzie Thompson (acquired from NO), SP Greg Maranville (free agent signing)
Departures: none
Despite back-to-back division titles, back-to-back 100-win seasons and a trip to the ALCS two seasons ago, this may be the last ride for the Scottsdale Camels team as its currently constructed. A number of key players are on the wrong side of 30. Out of the 25 players on the Camel's Opening Day roster, only five are less than 30. Nine players are 33 or older. Needless to say, this team is looking to win now. Greg Maranville was signed away from Chicago to add some depth to the starting pitching. Maranville has had success the last few seasons in limited time in Chicago. Team management feels that he is just the kind of pitcher that can have success in the Davis Ballpark. He has an above average strikeout rate and is very difficult to hit home runs off of. He only gave up 24 home runs in the last three seasons. Still, future HOFer 1B/DH Clay Beirne is now 35, C Diego Solano is 34, 2B Dann Wulf is 32, SP George Ebert is 36 and all were showing signs of their age in Spring Training. If this team stays healthy, and manages their aging player's low durability, it has the ability to make one last postseason run. It remains to be seen what direction this team will take after this season.
Norfolk Whiskey Jacks
Season 14: 68-94
Season 15(proj): 85-77
Acquisitions: RF Patsy Wilkerson (acquired from CHA), SP Heath Hewitt (free agent signing), LF/1B Maicer Almanza (acquired from RIC)
Departures: none
After nearly half a dozen seasons of futility and rebuilding, the Norfolk franchise sent a clear message this off season that the rebuild is over. The Whiskey Jacks didn't make many moves, but the ones they did make were big. They traded for former #3 overall pick and young star Patsy Wilkerson to play in RF, and also for lefty slugger Maicer Almanza to man 1B. Norfolk is already blessed with the best young pitching tandem in the league in former #1 overall pick and the reigning AL Rookie of the Year in Hipolito Matos and former #2 overall pick Phil Leonard. Both players are now entering their 2nd season and Matos was especially impressive in his rookie campaign. He went 14-11, with a 2.98 ERA and 200 strikeouts. Both players should have even more impressive seasons in Season 15. This season, the Whiskey Jacks have another super rookie in store for the SPL. 3B Sherman Campbell (also a former #1 overall pick) will be the team's starter at the hot corner. Campbell is very polished for a young player, and should make an immediate impact. Heath Hewitt, who had a career rebirth in Chicago, will be a solid #3 starter for this up and coming team. Despite some very good players now on Norfolk's roster, there are still some holes that need to be addressed. Specifically: catcher, center field and the bottom of the pitching rotation could all use an upgrade. Even with those weak links, this team is headed up, and should be a major player in the AL in just a few seasons. As for this season, they will be in the hunt for the Wild Card, but probably don't have quite enough to punch their ticket to the postseason.... not yet anyway.
On the Rise
Kansas City Krazies
Season 14: 68-94
Season 15(proj): 72-90
Acquisitions: none
Departures: none
Although this franchise has been the model for instability and inconsistency, the ownership that took over last season and moved the team to the Midwest seems to have taken the right approach. They have been patient and slowly developed the wealth of prospects that the franchise has had. The franchise has had a top ten pick in the draft for the last six seasons. Those prospects are on the verge of getting to the show. The team already boasts a solid trio of young pitchers as the foundation of their team. SP Russell Karstens and SP Darrin Koloff have had some early success in the league and SP Ozzie Kim will get the chance to make an impact as the team's #3 starter in his rookie season. The Krazies will still be at the bottom of the standings this season, but keep an eye on the team in Kansas City over the next few seasons. With the right moves this team could be on its way to the playoffs in just a few short seasons.
