N L NORTH SEASON 16 PREVIEW

Chicago Bleacher Bums (NL) hshack View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON 74-88

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: I'm sure there was some selling going on late in the season. Hshack now has his cap at 95 million. 17 million less than when he took over last season. He's on the right track .Shedding bloated salaries and building his farm system.This team has some talent but they may take a late season swoon again. PREDICTION:84-78

OUT:  Paxton Ulrich , Livan Bonilla , Freddy Weiss , Rafael Ferrer , Victor Lima , Cesar James , Ivan Armas

IN: Vinny Goldman , Fausto Castro , Bill Green , Willie Sampson , Javier Veras

PREVIEW: This team finsihed ten games below my prediction. And they won the division of Illrepute with a Sub 500 record.  Hshack went into the postseason and gained some respectability by beating the Coat Factories in the first round. After losing in the second round to the Champs, he went into the offseason with high expectations. First he let six players go to free agency and resinged Endy Glynn . The Hshack released James and Armas outright. Now with many holes to fill he spent around 27 million on six free agents above. Being in this division is nice for all. And with the flood of new free agents, Hshack could win it again. PREDICTION:84-78

Trenton Toyotas (NL) Sandberg10 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:69-93

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: Sandberg lost and lost big last year. He is rewarded with the #1 pick this year. My guess he's waiting for S/T to end before he fills out his roster. PREDICTION: 70-92

OUT: Frank Dwyer , Alex Tarasco , William Abbott , Chad Wilson , Victor Bonilla , Walter Cohen

IN: Howard Ruffin , Ivan Troncoso , Nick McConnell , Dann Farrell , Darryl James

PREVIEW: The Toyotas finished about where I predicted. Sandberg moved the Toyotas across the country to beautiful scenic Trenton. It's now been 6 years since Sandberg won the division and he went into the off season hoping to win it next year. First he let Dwyer and Tarasco file for free agency and released 4 others. Sandberg promoted 4 youngsters and picked James in the R-5 draft. The Toyotas improved with the addition of the Farm Hands. But can they win the Division?? PREDICTION:81-81

Milwaukee Sturgeon (NL) pat007ohmss View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:64-98

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: Pats Sturgeon finished exactly as predicted. He always builds a winner ,no matter which league he's in.With a team salary at 106 million ,Pat doesn't have alot of wiggle room replacing the pitching lost. But he picked up some players that may have been forgotten in the minors. Still this team should contend for the Division Title. PREDICTION:86-76

OUT: Gene Eaton , Louie Mendoza , Jake Womack , Geronimo Bournigal , Julio Mercado , Willie Hamilton , Bill Green , Ricardo Hernandez , Santos Mercado , Carson Monroe , Frank Hukata , Francisco Valdes

IN:  Toby Rogers , Vic Sellers , Norberto Ramirez , Joaquin Morlan , Kordell Gregg , P.T. Armas , Jimmie Gonzalez , Raymond Clapp , Miguel Ayala , Ronnie Jones  ,

PAT007OHMSS'S PREVIEW: After suffering through the shame of going from the World Series to a winning percentage of .395 in one season, it was time for a major revamp on the Sturgeon, with the signing of a total of 10 free agents. Milwaukee needed to add speed and defense to go with our power on offense, and added 2 major position players, CF Tony Rogers, and 2B Vic Sellers. In addition, Norberto Ramirez will start at 3B, and P.T. Armas and Raymond Clapp will provide bench help. Based on their numbers last year, this years 8-player starting lineup would average 39 HR's/103 RBI, and a .341 OBP with 10 SB. As for pitching, the Sturgeon added a hodgepodge of mostly old FA's, with Miguel Ayala, Jimmie Gonzales, Ronnie Jones, Kordell Gregg, and Joaquin Morlan, but pitching was our strong point last year. Looking to go from 65 wins last year to 90+ this year and the playoffs.


PREVIEW: Well.......Did I say Always?? The Sturgeons stunk up the joint with a 64 win season. Not even close to my predictions. Pat went into the off season and let half his team go to free agency then released Hukata and Valdes for shits and grins. With some cap room ,Pat went out and spent 27 million on free agent Toby "Mister" Rogers. Then with the change left over he signed a bunch of Old farts to fill out the roster. Pat is betting that Toby will spark this Veteran team. But will the smell of Ben Gay and Geritol be to much for him to handle. It's my guess that these Old Dogs can Hunt. PREDICTION: 86-76

Madison Muskellunges (NL) daddiothree View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:59-103

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: Daddio survived his first season in Wrigleyville. And he did well picking up a Tasty IFA and some nice players in the Draft.Look for this team to improve a little while he picks up another tasty IFA. Daddio still has plenty of cap to transfer to Prospects. PREDICTION: 81-81

OUT: Chuck Cummings , Jacque Li , Dennis Williams , Burt Harris , J.T. Ramsey , Lloyd Marshall , Vin Canseco , Ebenezer Daniels

IN: Justin Peterman , Billy Ensberg , Juan Ruiz , Phillip Rhodes , Jorel Woods , Ramiro Pena , Jason Ross , Derrek O'Brien , Tom Henley

DADDIOTHREE'S PREVIEW: In the wake of the season 15 firesale, the Madison Muskies put forth a much younger and significantly less experience team. The Muskies will take the field with 5 rookies in their starting lineup.The rotation will be anchored by 23 year old second year pitcher Ramiro Pena,who joined the Muskelunges as part of the Benito Ozuna trade. Billy Ensberg and newcomer David Cerda patrol the corners of the outfield, while rookies Justin Peterman, Juan Ruiz and Philip Rhodes provide the infield makeover.With the fastest lineup in the league season 16 will most definitely be an exciting one.

PREVIEW: I'm sure The Muskellunges fire sale had alot to do with missing the prediction of 81 wins. But i'm sure Daddios team is better for it. This offseason he let 6 players go to free agency and released Canseco. Then he waived Daniels outright. Daddio promoted 7 Nice young prospects and picked up O'Brien in the R-5 draft. Finally he taded for Henley. Last seasons Fire Sale was good for Madison. They now have a nice core of youngsters. And with 44 million in cap space they will be outbidding the world on IFA's. Pretty soon they may be a perrenial playoff team. PREDICTION:77-85

N L EAST SEASON 16 PREVIEW

San Juan Santurce Crabbers (NL) rbedwell View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:114-48

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: The Crabbers had another 100 win season. No suprise here. Ralph will keep this bunch together for several more seasons.Most likely Ralph will slug it out with Rugby for the Division. PREDICTION:98-64

OUT: Joseph Hyun

IN: Pascual Marichal

PREVIEW: I thought that the tougher division foes would lower the Crabbers win total. Boy was I wrong . Rbedwells guys easily won this division and beat my prediction by 16 wins. In the Offseason 2 players left for free agency and Ralph resigned Henry Dodd at a bargain price. He also extended the contracts of  Gene Weston and Enrique Pimentel . Finally he picked up Marichal in the R-5. With the signing of Dodd,  Ralph kept his crabbers together. With another year together this bunch can win it all. PREDICTION:107-57

Burlington Coat Factory (NL) ehull11 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:99-63

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: The Coat Factories have the bad luck of playing in the Division of Death. With the Juggernaught Crabbers, Moose and the upstart Peachfuzz .The Coat Factories face an uphill battle.Ehull has a pretty good team but this division is brutal. Still he has a shot at a wild card. PREDICTION:84-78

OUT: Vic Sellers , Alfredo Stull , Sal Obermueller , Hal Middlebrook , Karim Paniagua , Fonzie Bittle , Lucas Myers , Branch Nation

IN: Joseph Hyun , Willie Buckley , Oswaldo Silva

PREVIEW: The Coat Factories did indeed get a wild card berth. And this team finished 15 games higher than my projections. Thats impressive playing in the Division of Death. It's not easy when you have to compete against the Moose and Crabbers. Ehull went into the offseason with a good core of winners. First he Let Sellers , Stull and Obermuller go to free agency. He then released 5 players in Arbitration. With some holes to fill , Ehull signed free agents Hyun, Buckley and Silva. He replaced ageing Closer Stull with Hyun and brought in some good free agent position players. So this team looks good to go again.Could win this division but Probably a Wild Card.PREDICTION:88-74

Syracuse Moose (NL) rugby1 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:86-76

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: The Moose had a great season ......just not as good as the Crabbers. Rugby isn't concerned...methinks . Most of the time it comes down to whos injured and whos healthy.Like I said above the Moose will battle the Crabs for the Division.Watchout for the Fuzz. PREDICTION:98-64

OUT: Hades Norton , Jimmy Chambers

IN:

PREVIEW: The Moose had a down year . It would have been a good year for my Totems. Thats how good this squad is.They picked up the Final wild card berth and was beaten in 5 games by the Stars. Rugby went into the offseason by letting 3 players head to free agency. He resigned Santiago Martinez  to a contract. Rugby has 3or 4 players in AAA ready to be promoted. So with 2 roster spots to fill look for them soon. This team is better than they finished last season. They will fight for the division or grab a wild card spot. PREDICTION:88-74

Atlanta Peachfuzz (NL) desanders View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:76-86

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: Great.... the Peachfuzz did grab the #6 seed as predicted. This young team will only get better .This team got younger(they are the Peachfuzz afterall) and Better. If these Peachfuzz get good coaching they will take Wrigleyville by storm. And they will eat into the Crabbers-Moose dominance. PREDICTION:92-70 Wild Card

OUT: Raul Veras , Victor Lilly , Hal Whitehill , Jarrett Tice

IN: Edgar Santos , Matt Milligan , Darrell Fryman

PREVIEW:  Man I blew last years prediction. No W/C  and no 92 win season. Must a been some rose clored glasses or whiskey. Probably a combo of both. Desanders entered the offseason by letting Veras and Lilly file for free agency. He released Whitehill and traded Tice to Fargo. He signed Flash Reimold and Ruben Reyes to contract extensions. Then Desanders signed free agent Santos and picked up Milligan in the R-5 draft. Finally he traded for Fryman . I still like this team talent wise. But maybe they are to young (Only 1 player over 30) and inexperienced. Not sure if that matters in HBD. But if they catch fire look out Wrigleyville. To keep from being burned this year I will have to come down on this years prediction. PREDICTION:85-77

N L SOUTH SEASON 16 PREVIEW

Tampa Bay Stars (NL) jmas410 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:103-59

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: The Stars have won yet another Division title. The Tampa fans would like another World Series trophy and jmas is working towards that goal.I like the moves jmas made. And this team is my pick to win the division. And possably the N L. PREDICION:105-57

OUT: Hughie Leon , Edgar Ordonez , Clarence Christiansen , Toby Rogers , Willie Buckley , Sid Walsh

IN: Jamie Flaherty , Buzz Person , Aurelio Mercado

PREVIEW: The Stars finished pretty close to my prediction. They lost in the second round to a tough San Juan team. Jmas410 always has this team winning the division. And it's been a while since they hoisted a World Series Trophy. So in the free agent market, Jmas410 Lost a bunch of talent in Leon, Ordonez , Christiansen ,Rogers and Buckley. Last year the Stars promoted Flaherty , Person and Mercado to help plug the holes. But they still have 4 roster spots open on the 25 man Roster. With the loss of talent in the free agent market. The Stars will have a tougher time in the regular season. But if they pick up some key pieces. They may win the division again. Right now it looks like a step back year. PREDICTION:90-72

Santa Fe Sergeis (NL) sergei91 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:84-78

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: Segi did pretty well in his first year . This team was never going to contend and 71 wins was more than I expected. Meanwhile he picked up some nice draft picks .You know ....I like what I see in this rebuild and this team is my N L dark horse. They will be the most improved from last season. They should give the Stars a run for there money. Good Riddance Daniels Indeed!!PREDICTION:95-67

OUT: Brent Reuschel , Footsie Rogers , Tony Guerrero

IN: Miguel Piedra , Johnnie Hurst

PREVIEW: Santa fe was my NL darkhorse and while they improved . They fell short of my prediction by 11 games. Still Sergei should be happy with this teams improvment. Now in the offseason Sergei let Reuschel leave for the free agent market and released Footsie.Then he waived Guerrero and is waiting for him to clear waivers. Segei claimed Piedra off the wire and picked up Hurst in the R-5. It looks like Santa Fe is going with last years squad with a few tweaks. And with another year together, they may gel. With the decline of the Stars this could be their chance at the division pennant. PREDICTION:90-72

Austin City Limits (NL) wylie715 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:84-78

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: The Chips were still flying . And the fans in Austin are warming up their arms for the upcoming season.Not much of an improvment here but he may bring up some prospects from the Farm. PREDICTION:75-87

OUT: Andre Matthews , Willie Sampson , Bill Neagle , Eswalin Benitez

IN: Jeff Fisher , Don Nunnally

PREVIEW: Austin exceeded my prediction by 9 games. And they have settled into the Austin ballpark nicely. They are making baseballs fly out of the park , erasing the memmories of flying feces. So Wylie went into the offseason looking to make a few tweaks. He let Matthews, Sampson and Neagle go to free agency and waived Benitez. Then Wylie picked up Fisher in the R-5 and traded for Nunnally. Last year the promotions of  Destin Baldelli and Aramis Estrada helped a late season surge. This team is very young and talented. This may be the season of the City Limits. I think if they don't win the division now, it will be soon. My guess is... at least a wild card. PREDICTION:88-74

Jackson Black Bears (NL) olemiss33 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:69-93

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: I blew another preview last year. I really felt that this team was ready to step up. Musta been a faulty set of Witch Doctor Chicken Bones.This year I don't feel this team improved. If Daniels plays like he's paid. This team may make a run but my newest set of Chief Bongwater Chicken bones say: Doubtful!. PREDICTION:82-80

OUT: Al Harding , Evan Swann , Albert Parker , Rico Park , Catfish Lee

IN: Danny Montana , Bobby Shaw , Benito Rijo , Wilfredo Brogna

PREVIEW: BBmogul lasted 3 years and his team steadily got worse. So he was forced to sell his franchise to olemiss33 . When Olemiss33 finally viewed his new team he had this to say "Wow....this thing is a mess. We are bad at every level, and really don't have any prospects to speak of.One last thing.....any chance the budget can be reset? This guy before me has left this thing in as bad a shape as any I have taken over."  Yikes!! He moved the team from Houston in the dead of night and relocated in Jackson. In the offseason he first let 4 players head to free agency and released Lee. Olemiss33 promoted Montana and Shaw then picked up Rijo and Brogna in the R-5 draft. Olemiss was dealt a bad hand. But he's making the best of it. Look for a fire sale soon. PREDICTION: 65-97

N L WEST SEASON 16 PREVIEW

San Francisco Kickapoos (NL) mark3313 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:124-38

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: Every time I start to feel sorry for the Kickapoos inability to win the series. I look at my pathetic team and.....well......That empathy feeling seems to fade. Still mark knows how to put together a trade. And he will always have a chance to win the series.The Kickapoos will win this division. But the playoffs................PREDICTION:105-55

OUT: Jimmie Gonzalez , Daniel Seneca , Vic Bellhorn , Jeff Dupler , Oswaldo Silva , Fernando Park

IN: Pablo Mairena , Chris Everett , Clinton Olshan

PREVIEW: The Kickapoos ....uh.....er....Kicked ass. They finished 19 games above my prediction and they won the Wrigleyville World Series. For those that are counting , Its number 3 for Marks guys. With another trophy in his case. Mark will want to keep most of these guys around for next season. First he let Gonzalez, Seneca , Bellhorn and Dupler test the free agent market and released Silva and Park. This freed up about 11 million. He spent 3 million on Hayden Lakes favorite son ,Mairena. ( I used to play against Hayden Lake in Little League). He spent 3.8 million on Sammy Gandarillas contract extension. Finally Mark picked up 2 R-5 Players. Marks team lost a tad due to free agency. But still they are the class of the NL. PREDICTION: 110-52

Boise Brown Sox (NL) soxfan_9 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:74-88

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: Well...Bobferg is gone and in steps soxfan#9. His first move was to relocate this team to Beautiful Boise.This team increased the talent pool and if they come together as a team they will be a good Club. PREDICTION:92-60

OUT: Kordell Gregg , Ronnie Jones , Javier Veras , Edgar Santos , Ozzie George , Vincenzo Piper , Brad Cogan , Emmett Brewington , Sammy Romero

IN: David Vazquez , Napoleon Ledee , Al Vincente , Pat Shelley , Devaris Gibbs , Joe Valdes , Dean Hayes , Gill Laffey

SOXFAN 9'S PREVIEW: I basically am bringing my entire offense back except for Coogan as I traded him for Gill Laffey and a prospect. I also claimed David Vazquez and signed Napoleon Ledee for my offense and to add bench depth.I also promoted Joe Valdes to add to my offense. I promoted many pitchers like Devaris Gibbs and Al Vincente and got Dean Hayes in the Rule V draft.I am hoping to compete for a wild card spot with SF looking to take the division again. I'm hoping the offense will gel and the additions to pitching will stand up. We had a collapse last season though.

PREVIEW: I thought the Brown Sox were ready for prime time. But the old chicken bones missed this prediction. Maybe it was to much to ask a new owner to hit the ground a running. I still think this team has potential and so does Soxfan 9. First in the offseason he let 5 players go to free agency and released Piper. Then Soxfan 9 traded Cogan to the Salmonbellies and waived Romero and Brewington. With some holes to fill he Claimed Vazquez of the wire and signed free agent Ledee. Next Soxfan 9 promoted 4 youngsters and picked up 2 R-5 players assigning only Hayes. Finally he traded for Laffey . It looks like Soxfan has increased the talent.....again. They will have to show me before I go out on a limb again. PREDICTION: 85-67

Vancouver Totems (NL) madmuldoon View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:71-91

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: Last season was my worst yet......Yet. I thought the signing of Francis would win me a few more games. NOT!!.I have a buttload of talent in AAA and AA almost ready to play in the Bigs. Could be a year or two before they all make it to the Bigs. Meanwhile I'll be looking up from the cellar. PREDICTION:70-92

OUT: Patrick Lloyd , Jay Barber , Hugh Cole , Kelly Grabowski , Ugueth Gonzalez

IN: Billy Ray Griffiths , Karim Paniagua , Harry Padilla , Blake Hughes , Tuck Damon , Alex Morgan , Eli Fernandez

PREVIEW: My team finished about where I thought. I'm getting tired of the Kickapoos and just about everybody beating my Ass. LOL .So in the offseason I let Lloyd and Barber go to the free agent market .Then I released Cole , Grabowski and Gonzalez. Last year  I brought up youngsters Padilla ,Hughes ,Damon and Blake. I also traded for Fernandez during the playoffs. I hope this team can at least get to 500. Then I will bring up some more talent from the farm system next season. PREDICTION:81-81

Wichita Wind (NL) hoopcoach07 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:58-104

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: I know this team went on a losing streak late. Not sure if it was by design or just lack of talent. Perhaps he will promote some minor league talent. But as of now this team will be in the basement with me. Misery loves company!! PREDICTION:70-92

OUT: Sean Pellow , Vin Brooks , Darren Stanley , Bob Daley

IN: None Yet

PREVIEW: Witchita was in the basement but I didn't figure it would be 3 floors deep. Perhaps another low draft pick is good for the Wind. So in the offseason Hoopcoach let Sean "Feather" Pellow file for free agency but resigned Diego Mercedes and Houston Alexander . He then released Brooks , Stanley and Daley. The wind has about 20 players on the M L roster. So some late pickups are soon to come. Hoopcoach still has 17 million in cap space so he can go several directions. With what he has now it's safe to say he's still rebuilding. PREDICTION:70-92

A L NORTH SEASON 16 PREVIEW

Fargo Prairie Dogs (AL) aaronwayne View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:94-68

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: The Prairie Dogs repeated as division champs but lost in the second round of the playoffs. That was to the Champs, so theres no shame in that.PREDICTION:85-77

OUT: Richard Nichols , Donn Payton , Joaquin Morlan , Fausto Castro , Jamie Delahanty , Santiago Rodriguez , Robb Holder , Don Nunnally , Darrell Fryman

IN: Edgar Ordonez , Ryan Monroe , Dick Pence , Jarrett Tice

PREVIEW: The Prairie Dogs won the Division for the 3rd straight year. And they beat my prediction by 9 games. Just like last year they lost in the second round to the eventual Champs. I would say what I said last year. But Aaronwayne doesn't want to hear it. Still they have a very good squad. So in the offseason he let 5 players head to free agency and released another . Then Aaron traded away a CF'er(Fryman) ,Catcher(Nunnally) and a nice young pitcher(Holder). This freed up around 30 million to spend on free agents and he went out and spent 20 mil on Ordonez . Then he promoted a nice catching prospect(Monroe) and picked up a R-5 player(Pence). Finally one of his trades brought in Tice. This team lost a couple superstars in Nunnally and Holder . But heres the question ...Is Ordonez worth 20 mil...Time will tell. Don't bet against the P Dogs they should contend for the division again. PREDICTION:90-72

Minnesota Misfits (AL) pbsilver11 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:86-76

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: Minnesota wasn't very kind to the Misfits. But being the first season in a new ballpark it's understandable .Not sure why this team finished under ,500. With the addition of 2 quality pitchers they will be better this season. PREDICTION:90-72

OUT: Glenn Hull , Brett Stein


IN: Rick Reagan , Aurelio Rosa

PBSILVERS PREVIEW: I began last season with great expectations but started out losing 25 out of the first 40.I traded for Nipsey Benard last season and also Horacio Mesa who helped me end up 10 games above .500 but it was too little too late. Fargo played much better than I expected last season!!! This year I promoted Aurelio Rosa to the majors and let Glenn Hull go to FA in exchange for Ridk Reagan. I think this team has a chance to contend if they can get off to a better start than last year!!!
PREVIEW: The Misfits finished close to predictions. Though this team is better they finshed just short of making the post season. So in the Offseason pbsilver let 2 players file for free agency.He resigned mid relief pitcher Harry Paz and released Stein . In the free agent market he signed Reagan to a 5 year 33.5 millon dollar contract with a 3 mill bonus. Pbsilver promoted Rosa to complete this years squad. With the core of this team intact and with the nice additions. The rest of the league should lookout for the Misfits. They will battle for the Division this year. PREDICTION:90-72

Montreal Rois (AL) kumbiakings View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:65-97

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: It BLOWED UP!!!!  Yep Kumbia set a match to this team and BOOM! That may be why he moved the team to Montreal.There still are over 40 still unasigned. So your guess is as good as mine on this team???? PREDICTION:81-81 with an O/U of 25

OUT: Sammy Estrada , Mario Hunter , Don Dickson , Julian Stern , Mike Barnes , Bret May , Pedro Feliz , Charles Wang

IN: Ebenezer Daniels , Charles Fox , Vincenzo Piper , Jacque Li , Edgar Flores , Mark Nen , Brent Tollberg

PREVIEW: The Rios were within my Over and Under Prediction. I know it's not really a prediction ,but what can I say!! After the fire died down and the new RIOS emerged . They finshed 16 games below 500. Now in the second year of a rebuild Kumbia is ready for the offseason. He first let 6 players file for free agency and resigned 2.(David Nunez , Paul Ryan). Kumbia then released Barnes,May,Feliz and Wang. At the writing of this preview, Kumbia Claimed 4 players off the Wire. Assigning only Daniels to th M L Roster. Finally he signed 5 low level Free agents and promoted Nen and Tollberg. Unlike last season I have a clear picture of this team. The Rios aren't going to wow anyone. They are in the 4th year of a rebuild and with a 40 million dollar payroll . They will be adding IFA's and Draft prospects to the Minors. Perhaps next year they will make a move for the division??PREDICTION:72-90

Chicago Black Sox (AL) Dullaghan View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:48-118

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: Dullaghan moved this squad to Chicago after the Aztecs blew town. Now that he has the #1 pick in the draft he will still be looking to rebuild this team. right now they are a bunch of R-5 players and waiver wire pickups. They may play a spoiler late in the season. PREDICTION:62-100

OUT: Dan Scutaro , Tony Cedeno

IN: Bill Neagle , Tony Matos , Julian Stern , Luis Flores , Ricardo Hernandez , Al Gomez , Christopher Locke , Ryuu Choi , Trenidad Duran , Sammy Manzanillo

PREVIEW: Like I said , This team was built on the Cheap. They exceeded my low expectations. But thats what happens when you take over a team and rebuild it. Dullaghan went into the offseason with a plan in mind . And first he released 3 players ,choosing to resign 1 player.(Felix Ramirez). And he has 6 players on the waiver wire as we speak.After 3 years of shedding high priced contracts Dullaghan spent a little money on 7 low level free agents. He promoted Choi and picked up 4 R-5 players , assinging 2 (Duran, Manzanillo). It looks like Dullaghan is starting to mold this team his way. With a few more free agents than last year they will improve. But not a 500 team yet.Oh and they have the #1 overall pick this year!! PREDICTION:65-97

A L EAST SEASON 16 PREVIEW

Hartford Crushers (AL) ARomano View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:92-70

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: ARomano's Crushers barely won this division last season . It's due to the tough competition in this Division.The Crushers will always be in the mix at the end. But can they win the division again?? I'll have to break out the Chicken Bones for this prediction. PREDICTION:90-72

OUT: Osvaldo Cervantes , Ed Norman , Rolando Jose , Charlie Holt , Jose Calles

IN: Santos Mercado , Nicholas Bevil

PREVIEW: The Crushers finished pretty close to my prediction. And they won this division in spite of my Chicken bones. In the playoffs they went all the way to the LCS losing in 6 to a Good Charleston team. In the offseason ARomano let 4 players test the free agent market. Including injured Holt which saves the Crushers 6 million. Then he traded away the big bat of Calles. ARomano signed two free agent pitchers in Mercado and Bevil. The Crushers needed the extra money by departing free agents to give a couple of Extensions to some youngsters.(Danys Mota , Eric Durham) But the main core of this good team is still in tact. The Crushers play in one of the toughest divisions in Wrigleyville so its not a lock that they win the Pennant. PREDICTION:90-72

Boston Knights (AL) avantrael View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:92-70

LAST YEARS PREDICTION: Boston had another good year but was bounced out in the first round of the playoffs. Avantrael's guys just need some breaks to get over the so-called hump.Avantreal still has 15 million in cap space to replace the pitching he gave up. But for now its a big hole to fill. PREDICTION:81-81

OUT: Miguel Ayala , Rick Reagan , Mark Young , Mario Houston , Woody Piersoll , Esteban Nieves

IN: Pedro Mercedes , Victor Lilly , Doug Tewksbury

PREVIEW: The Boston Knights finished better than my prediction. Maybe he spent thst 15 million wisely or my magic chicken bones are worn out. Regardless they made the playoffs again and lost in the first round again. Avantrael goes into the offseason still looking for some post season magic. First he let a half dozen players go to free agency freeing up 18.5 million. Avantrael signed 3 free agents spending only 10 million. Now Boston has almost 30 million in cap space to wheel and deal this year. This makes predictions a little tough but they made the playoffs the last 2 years ....so i'll have to bet they will this year . PREDICTION:88-74

Louisville Howlers (AL) jmuhtoff View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:80-82

LAST YEARS PREDICTION:  Well.....the Howlers missed the playoffs. But with 1 thru 4 in the division capable of winning the pennant . It makes predicting tough.Jmuhtoff still has plenty of cap room so he may make a move or pick up a tasty IFA later. The Howlers are always competative and this year you can expect the same. PREDICTION:84-78

OUT: Peter Stockton , Oswaldo Castilla , Santiago Torres , Chad Frazier , Derrek O'Brien

IN: Emmett Brewington , Livan Bonilla , Vicente Vega , Raul Veras , Victor Lima , Tyrone Beck , R.A. Ward

PREVIEW: The Tough Howlers finished close to my prediction . But not good enough for a playoff spot. So Jmuhtoff moved his team from Cincy to Louisville thinking that Slugger Field fit his squad better. In the offseason Jmuhtoff first let 4 players go to free agency and traded away O'brien. Then to replace the players that left . Jmuhtoff claimed Brewington off the Waiver wire and signed 4 free agent pitchers . then he traded for Beck and 14 milion dollar R.A.(a little hard on the beaver)Ward. Perhaps Louisville will be kinder to Jmuhtoffs club . But with the pickup of some superstars in a trade , will definatly help. PREDICTION: 84-78

Pittsburgh Pirates (AL) ardthomp View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST SEASON:75-87

LAST YEARS PREDICTION:  The Good News: The Injuns had another 87 win season. The Bad News: Instead of winning the division,the Injuns finished 3rd and missed the post season. Sometimes HBD is cruel that way. Ardthomp raised the cap ceiling to sign his free agents. So it looks like ardthomp is going for it. If , the injuns are in it after the break .Look for the red devils to make a move or two. PREDICTION:91-71

ARDTHOMP'S PREVIEW:  With the move from Indianapolis, to Pittsburgh, this organization was looking for a fresh start. What they will end up with is an organization that pretty closely resembles the real life Pittsburgh Pirates...a perennial loser! However, there are some bright spots in the minors coming up in the next couple of seasons and we are really excited to see what Robb Holder and Wily Mo Miller can do to help fine tune the bullpen this season.The team brought in plenty of cheaper, veteran arms to round out the rotation.
OUT: Roy Cookson , Hector Abreu , Ramon Suzuki , Al Gomez , Peter Wang , Charles Fox , Tony Quantrill , Pedro Mercedes , Tyrone Beck , R.A. Ward

IN: Frank Hukata , Sammy Estrada , Al Harding , Mario Hunter , Ed Norman , Lloyd Marshall , Walt Yerkes , Cristobal Tarasco , Robb Holder , Derrek O'Brien

PREVIEW: The good news: The Injuns are no more. The bad news: Now they are Pirates. EGADS!! The Injun/Pirates finished below my prediction. So Ardthomp moved his team to thier new HQ in Pittsburgh ,complete with a cement pond. Now that the Injuns morphed into Pirates they will be raping ,Pillaging and plundering in the offseason. Basically what they did as Injuns! Ardthomp let 9 Pirates walk the plank to free agency deciding to cast a line to Albert Coleridge . Then he traded away two landlubbers for 2 Pitchers a Insolent Wench and some Rum. with Wench in hand and a Chest full of Treasure Ardthomp went to the market and spent his pieces of eight on 6 free agents. Then he plundered 2 players in the R-5 draft and placed one of the afor mentioned traded pitchers on the ML roster. The other was stolen from Ard while he was sleeping off a Rum Binge. Not sure if this team will win now that their in Pittsburgh. They will have to show me something before I jump on the Ship!! PREDICTION:81-81