THE WEEK IN WRIGLEYVILLE SEASON 28 #3

TRADES
The AUGUSTA NORTHMEN traded Howard Allen to the ROCHESTER TIGERS for Gene Larish
The Cheese Steaks put Larish on the wire, then the Tigers claimed him. He was traded to the Northmen for season 26-27 all-star, Allen. One mans trash is anothers trade bait, and It's a coo for Rochester. They get a Career 1.18 WHIP and 3.31 ERA bullpen guy for found money. Augusta gets rid of some cap space.


The TEXAS LONESTARS traded Jacob Matsuzaka , Boone Weiland and Shou Masato to the MADISON MUSKELLUNGES for Frank Herrera , Hector Pena and Walter Parker
A huge trade here. I was trying to get Pena in a trade but wasn't willing to let go of one of my young SP for him. In the end the Lonestars had a better package. Pena is a silver slugging short stop which are hard to find, and he's only 26. Texas also gets a good SP and a set-up guy that finally gets his shot in the majors. Madison gets 3 really nice pitching prospects and salary cap space. In a nutshell ,Wishlist gets better now while Daddio builds for the future.


The SYRACUSE MOOSE trade Jimmie Suarez to the SAN JUAN SANTURCE CRABBERS for Brandon Shipley
San Juan gets a nice young starting pitcher that will make his M L debut in the next couple of days. Syracuse gets a power bat prospect for the future. It looks like Ralph is finally ready to "Go For It", and is making a move for a playoff berth . The Moose have one of the best pitching staffs in Wrigleyville and Suarez had to be moved to get his shot.Now Rugby has a future slugger that will be ready in a couple of years.


M L INJURIES
Floyd McAnaney
Floyd "The Droid" McAnaney is took his 10 million dollar signing bonus and went on vacation. He boarded the Antares Rocket to the International Space Station Tuesday, and well...... it exploded. He will now miss 2 months with a sore disk in his back . It's a miracle Droid  survived the blast, hopefully Cheyennes season didn't blow up!


Tori Ramsey
My shorts stops are taking turns going on the DL. This time it was Tori Ramsey "In the Buttsey" who will miss 2 weeks with back spasms. Too much ramming in the Butsey will do that.


Gio Francisco
Gio "Sin" Francisco will miss 3 weeks with a strained elbow. The 3 point hit on his overall ratings is a sin for a 3 week injury. Though shalt not steal, What If Sports!


Haywood Leslie
 Haywood "You play this guy" Leslie has bounced from team to team with little success. After Jeff signed this guy to fill in his rotation during his re-load years. He will miss 2 months with a elbow strain and he will eat them innings during the lean years in Cincy. I keep asking myself "Hey would you play this guy"???


Dioner Redondo
Dioner "And Dioffer" Redondo will be out 3 weeks with shoulder tendinitis. She offered her Honor, He honored her Offer, And all night long it was Dioner and Dioffer. He's definitely a P-Dog!! 


Alex Gonzales
Whats Aaron feeding his P-Dogs?? Alex Gonzales is the second player to hit the DL. He will miss 2 weeks with a stiff oblique. Aaron will want to get last years GG short stop back in the line-up for the stretch run.


Kendry Bocachica
The Blitz will be without Kendry "take your base" Bocachica for 2 weeks. He has a strained hammy and may return in 2 weeks. Base runners will be happy to see him return, seeing how he has only caught 3 out of 33 base stealers this year.


Patsy Leon
Patsy "Cake" Leon will miss 2 months with torn knee. What a shame! It looked like Patsy was fully cooked when he was traded from the Cheese Steaks last year. It only took a slight bump after 39 games this year with Tampa. This Cake fell, Hard!


Jim Creek
The Red Tails are not going any where this year and Jim "Dandy" Creek was just filling in a roster spot. The kid has been dandy, hitting .283 in the majors . Surprise!


Aaron Wells
Hartford declined the option on Aaron "Dry" Wells in the off-season and he was signed by the Tigers. A sore shoulder will keep him out for a month . It's a good thing that Wcrebel picked up Allen in a trade while Wells is soaking up some sun. 


Kyle Romero
Kyle "When In" Romero is already back on the DL. Poor Jmuhtoff . He really got taken in this signing. Romero will be out another 2 weeks ,this time it's his wrist.


Charley Tenbrink
It's been a long time since we've seen Charlie "First N" Tenbrink on the DL. A shoulder Impingnent will give Charlie a month to watch some football.


INTERNATIONALS

Pascual Ferrer Salem Salmonbellies Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: San Cristobal, DO Position(s): CF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

10 million and a S/T invite for this Vacuum like CF prospect. Great Glove, Good Speed, And he can hit! Nice!

Tomas Espinoza Tampa Bay Rays Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Guayubin, DO Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

1.6 million and S/T invite on this pitching prospect. With my low scouting budget ,I can't tell you whether this kid will be good. But his high health and Make-up are a good thing.

Alexei Romano New York Life Model Decoys Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Laguna Verde, DO Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A minor league innings eater.

Odalis Renteria Tampa Bay Rays Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Almirante, PA Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Another high health and make-up prospect.

Santo Ordonez Tampa Bay Rays Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Rio San Juan, DO Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A nice catching prospect for 1.8 million and a S/T invite. It's nice to get rookie catching early in the season.

James Kim Tampa Bay Rays Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Tokyo, JP Position(s): P (SP3) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Tampa keeps spending on IFA's and keeps getting good ones. This nice pitching prospect cost 5.5 million and a S/T invite. None of them are sure fired studs but they are worth the gamble and the price.

Enny Feliz Tacoma Toyotas Age: 20 B/T: R/R Born: Moca, DO Position(s): SS View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A good defensive rookie that will cut down on the pitch counts. Great for some young and tender arms that you don't want to abuse.

THE WEEK IN WRIGLEYVILLE SEASON 28 #2

TRADES
The TAMPA BAY RAYS traded Philip Haney to the CHEYENNE BAGWELL BASHERS for Fausto Castillo and Julio Cedeno
Carseneau picks up a Starting Pitcher in the last year of his contract. This gives him cap flexibility next year and perhaps a comp pick. Svick gets 2 tasty prospects that may help him in the future, Haney sure wasn't getting it done in Tampa.


M L INJURIES
Bert McKnight
Bert McKnight will miss a month with Elbow strain. The Tigers will need this old fart down the stretch. Rub some Ben-Gay on it!


Eddie Woods
Eddie "Back" Woods dislocated his shoulder and will miss 2 weeks. When a reporter from the WHIF contacted Eddie on a fishing trip back at his home in Swan Quarter NC. He said " I'll be Back" ..........Hey that's what the Terminator said??


Hick Black
Hick "up" Black will miss 2 weeks with a ankle sprain. Not a bad injury so there's no need to hook up Balloons to the house and float away. This kid is from one of the most beautiful places in the US ,Pagosa Springs Colorado. If you've ever driven east on Hwy 50 up Wolf Creek Pass , you go up, up, up, in the clouds.


Albie Romo
Avantrael signed Albie "allright" Romo last year to a big contract last year. Now he missed 2 weeks with a strained hammy. Romo said " R-E-L-A-X , I'll be allright!"


Kyle Romero
Oh !! Kyle "When In" Romero is back on the DL. This time it's for 2 weeks with a strained hammy. In Rome, would it be called..... a strained prosciutto???


Esmil Sosa
Esmil "Picante" Sosa is back on the DL for 2 months even though he will be only injured for a week. Ralph is giving him some extra time to Pick up the Pace!


Shane Cole
I really abused Shane Cole "slaw" last year by playing him in 151 games. No surprise he went bad when I left him out there for all 27 games this year. Perhaps the 2 weeks on ice will refresh him and his sore neck??


Wascar Almonte
A broken wrist put Wascar "Racing" Amonte in the ditch for 2 weeks. Man he heals at 200 mph , but too bad he doesn't run that fast.


Sandy Millwood
Sandy "Lumber" Millwood will miss 2 weeks with a stiff/tight/ strained hammy. Too many stiff/tight/strained Woodies will do that?


Francisco Arredondo
Francisco "Lighter than" Arredondo will be on the DL for a month with shoulder inflammation.This rookie needs to get his head out of the clouds.


Clayton Bragg
Clayton "I don't wanna" Bragg was last on the DL way back in season 25. And it's the only time, other than this time, that he's been on the DL. But Clayton would never mention it. He will be back out on the diamond in 2 weeks doing what he do!


Hector Gonzalez
Hector "Phhhtt, she was" Gonzalez got the call-up last week and Rugby thought he found true love. Hector starined a rib cage and..........Phhtt! he will be gone for 2 weeks. * for you young-uns this one is from the TV show Hee-Haw. And yes, we had color televisions then.


Eugenio Espinoza
Eugenio "Double E" Espinoza has another strained shoulder injury and will miss 2 weeks. He needs to have man-boob reduction surgery to relieve the strain on his back.


Otis Oliver
Otis "Double Ought" Oliver will be out 3 months with elbow tendinitis. Nwsheehy will be taking out the shotgun and putting Otis out of his misery.Both Barrels.


Alexi Sierra
Two weeks on the DL for Alexi "GMC" Sierra. He suffered a strained tummy and hopes to be trukin soon!



INTERNATIONALS

Arodys Garza Fargo Prairie Dogs Age: 18 B/T: L/L Born: Gatun, PA Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Stocking the rookie roster with some pups.

Renyel Gonzalez Rochester Tigers Age: 22 B/T: L/L Born: Edo Lara, DO Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A little tiger that can eat some innings and roast beef.

Roger House Rochester Tigers Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Lakenheath, UK Position(s): SS/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

This little tiger had none.

Rymer Portillo Rochester Tigers Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Santiago, DO Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

This little tiger ran wee,wee,wee all the way to AAA.

Rudy Wilson Tampa Bay Rays Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Tipperary, IE Position(s): 3B/1B/2B/COF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Rays signed a very nice prospect for 9.3 million and a S/T invite.I'm crying Wee,Wee, Wee all the way home!

THE WEEK IN WRIGLEYVILLE SEASON 28 #1

TRADES
The AUSTIN CITY LIMITS traded Artie Freeman to the PHILADELPHIA CHEESE STEAKS for Juan Mota
Wylie picked up a pitcher to help his slow starting pitching staff. Philly gets a pitching prospect. 


The MADISON MUSKELLUNGES traded Hootie Grace to the LOUISVILLE RED TAILS for Gerald O'Neil
Daddio was in a Liberian jail under quarantine and had no access to the internet for 21 days. Hootie Grace was released by the AI and was claimed by Jmuhtoff. Jmuhtoff was kind enough to give Hootie back for a blowfish and a handshake! After which he quickly disinfected the bodyparts that came into contact with Daddio. 


M L INJURIES
Brandon Foxx
Brandon "faux" Foxx has been surprisingly healthy with a 52 health rating. But his luck ran out and will miss 2 months with elbow surgery. Will he be a pretender or a contender??.


Ryan Lee
Ryan "Ain't Lyin" Lee is a local boy from San Antonio. and will be on the DL for 2 weeks with a strained hammy. And that's the truth.


Rick Prince
Rick "Royal" Prince has been a big part of the great bullpen in Jackson. Now Olemiss is royaly screwed because Prince will be out for 2 months. 


Danny Barker
Danny "no Bite" Barker is a DL darling. He will miss the rest of the year with Elbow Surgery. Good thing he's a free agent next year....any bites??  .....................*Crickets*...........anyone?


Sandy Mullins
Sandy Mullins tore a miniscus and will miss 3 weeks. This is just the first injury of several for the Insurance but this is just a minor one.


Randy Rogers
This one hurts! Randy "get my freak on" Rogers will miss the rest of the year with a shoulder aneurysm. PB had a aneurysm of his own when he posted this on the chat. "Randy Rogers , Sandy Mullins , Earl Young . I don't know why I even try anymore.All three wiped out. All had health in the 80s and 90s. My training and medical are 19 and 18. I give up. This might be my last seasons in any of my leagues. I am so tired of trying to build teams and getting crapped on."
I don't know PB, 75 bucks a year to get crapped on sounds like a bargain. I've paid more!

Julio Johnson
Julio ' Glazed" Johnson is also out for the rest of the season with Elbow Surgery. Rugby just signed this guy to free agent contract of 2 years at 6 mil per. Rugby bought a huge Glazed Doughnut!!


Ted McNamara
Ted "Talks" McNamara will miss the rest of the year with a torn hammy. Not only can this P-Dog speak, he can also play dead!


Del Escobar
Del "Monte" Escobar will be out 2 weeks with a strained rotator cuff. You never no what you get in the R-5 draft. Sometimes it's a can of whup-ass other times it's a can of creamed corn. This kid seems closer to the later. 


INTERNATIONALS

Miguel Lugo Cheyenne Bagwell Bashers Age: 21 B/T: L/L Born: Fundacion, DO Position(s): LF View Hardball Dynasty Profile

This kid signed for 2 million.

Geraldo Castillo Colorado Springs Bandits Age: 18 B/T: R/R Born: Boca Chica, DO Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A very good defensive catcher. I seen worse in the bigs...he may get a shot?

Jimmie Cayones Rochester Tigers Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Almirante, PA Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

This bullpen prospect is a steal at 4 million.Just wish the make-up was higher.

N L EAST PREVIEW SEASON 28

Syracuse Moose (NL) rugby1 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:82-80 (Division Winner)

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Picking the Moose to win the division was easy with the decline of  Cincy, and San Juan is still cooking his prospects. Rugby's team went into the playoffs as the #4 seed and beat the 92 win Utes in 4. Then they met up with the Big Bad Black Bears in the DCS. The Moose got eaten and lost in 4 games.In the off-season Rugby let Gomez and Allen go to free agency then he re-signed Allen and released him. The Moose are full of super-star players and are a force to be delt with. They should win this division and don't be suprised if they are the ones doing the eating in the playoffs.PREDICTION:100-62(Division Winner)

OUT: Alexander Erickson , Khiry Allen , Al Jones , Chip Johnson

IN: Nicholas Paramore

PREVIEW: My prediction of the Moose as a 100 win division winner was lucky. They won the division with 82 wins because the rest of the division pretty much sucked. Regardless, Rugby got into the playoffs with a very good pitching staff. They were ranked #4 in the NL with a ERA of 3.94 and allowed only 674 runs. They used the pitching in the post-season to get past the 100 win Lone Stars, then lost to the 112 win Black Bears. In the off-season Rugby re- signed Julio Johnson and let Erickson, Allen, Jones and Johnson go to free agency. He signed free agent Paramore to replace the ageing Allen. Right now Rugby has a couple roster spots open and there are many, many tasty prospects in AAA waiting for the call. This team is better than the 82 wins last year and should win this division with about 90+ wins. PREDICTION:95-67(Division Winner)

Cincinnati Red Light District (NL) jeff2106 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:76-86

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: I figured Jeff's Red Light Districts had turned to many tricks and were wore out.  And this year there were to many good teams in the N L, and it would take 90 wins to get in the post-season. Jeff only had Comp picks in the first round of the draft, but he did pick up some prospect talent (Patrick Tolar , Miguel Padilla and John Spoljaric). In the off -season Jeff re-signed Fernando Urbina , Garry Olsen , Joaquin Pena and let Diaz,Arredondo,Martis, Zurbaran, Mcknight, O'Donnell, Karnuth, Gil and Mercado go to free agency. He claimed Mitchell off the wire and signed free agents Taylor, Pryce, Campos, Jones and Astacio. The Red Light Districts still have a good rotation and bullpen, but the hitting and defense are poor. Jeff lowered his cap space by 20 million so he may be looking to tearing this old team down and re-building (Avg Age 31.8-oldest in Wrigleyville).PREDICTION:75-87

OUT: Joaquin Pena , Omar Bonilla , R.J. Roque , Felipe Zurbaran , Ramiro Pena , Fernando Urbina , Alex Outman , Will Schoendienst , Victor St. Clair , Eric Serrano

IN: Haywood Leslie , Glen Harris , Geronimo Cruz , Bernard Verdugo , Bump Tyson , Pat Shelley , Pascual Astacio

PREVIEW: Jeff's Red Light Districts are moving towards reload mode and the 76 win season was expected. Last years team was old and Jeff wanted to pick up some prospects in the draft. But out of three 1st round picks only Vin Segui signed, with the other 2 not receiving offers. No D-Picks for Cincy. In the off-season Jeff re-signed Garry Olsen , Ahmad Forster and let Pena, Bonilla, Roque, Zurbaran, Pena, Urbina, Outman and Schoendiest go to free agency. He released St Clair and Serrano. Jeff signed free agents Leslie, Harris, Cruz, Verdugo, Tyson and Shelley and promoted Astacio. With 30 million in cap space I would lean towards a rebuild year but with only 8 mil in the international scouting budget...I'm leaning for a re-tool year. Jeff sure could have used them D-picks. If Jeff uses the cap space to pick up some stud players in a trade or two this team will be in the wildcard race. Or he may just hope a stud IFA falls in his lap. Right now they would be lucky to reach .500. PREDICTION:76-86

Wichita Wind Sizzlers (NL) zsiegri View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:73-89

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Z's Wind Zizzlers  finished with 70 wins and that's alright with him. He added Norberto Navarre , Darryl Moore and  Antonio Osbourne to a already stocked farm system. In the off-season Z re-signed Mickey Harville and let Cabeza, E Rivera, Pimentel, Gutherie, Powell, Washington, R Rivera and Hill go to free agency. He released Craddock, Prieto, Washington , Cordero and traded away Martin and Flores. Z signed free agents Valdes, Adams, Martin, Elcano, James, Pena, Wilson, Pena and Sosa. He  promoted Renteria and picked up McIntyre in the R-5. Z blew this team up and has 30 million in cap space to transfer to prospects. Look for Wichita to pick up tasty IFA's and win about 60 games. Can you say Re-build!PREDICTION: 62-100

OUT: Mickey Harville , Alex Elcano , Giomar Molina , Vance Kendall , Bernard Wilson , Jonathan Valdes , Al James

IN: Albert Sandoval , Thumper Worrell , Matthew Marshall , Alex Outman , Russ Orr , Cesar Roque , Spud Kraemer , Geronimo Valverde , Erubiel Guillen

PREVIEW: Zsiegri's Wind Sizzlers did better than predicted with 73 wins. And the re-build is going better than expected with the addition of  McKay Hogg and Paul Shibata to the prospect pool. In the off-season Z re-signed Desi Sosa and let Harville, Elcano, Molina, Kendall, Wilson and Valdes go to free agency. He traded away James to the Cheese Steaks. Zee signed free agents Sandoval, Worrell, Marshall, Outman, Orr, Roque , Kraemer and picked up Valverde and Guillen in the R-5. Zee went out and signed 23 million worth of free agents , most are middle of the road free agents. All the stud prospects are still in the minor leagues and need a couple more years to cook. Wichita is a average team at best right now.PREDICTION:79-83

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

LAST YEARS RECORD:57-105

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Ralph is bringing his youngsters along slowly and finished close to .500. He continues to add even more prospects like Harry Hiattand Harry Urena. In the off-season Ralph re-signed Aurelio Johnson and let Johns go to free agency. He released Pena, Lockwood ,Sosa and waived Romero. Ralph signed free agents Greisinger and Vincente. At the time of this article , Ralph still had 5 roster spots open. He still has Don Itou, Jalal Milton, Kyle Stevens and Tito Lidle sitting in AAA waiting for the phone call. He may or may not promote them. It's impossible to predict with a incomplete line-up. PREDICTION: None

OUT: Juan Parra , Andres Ferrer , Al Vincente , Aurelio Johnson , Geovany Maduro , Hersh Paul , Jin-Chi Ishida

IN:  Blake Hammonds , Rafael Pena , Logan Allensworth , Ryuu Jung , John Jang

PREVIEW: Ralph was competing for the #1 overall pick in next years draft...and he WON!! He will pick #1 overall for the first time since season 24. The Crabbers did add Wilt Simpson , Jimmie Suarez and Harry Rodriguez to the farm system last year.  In the off-season Ralph let Parra, Ferrer, Vincente and Johnson go to free agency and he released Maduro, Paul and Ishida. Ralph claimed Hammonds and Pena off the wire and promoted Allensworth. Jung and Jang were picked up in the R-5 draft. The studly prospects are trickling up to the bigs but there are still many in the pipeline waiting. Right now this team can win anywhere from 60 to70 games, as is. PREDICTION:70-92

A L EAST PREVIEW SEASON 28

Rochester Tigers (AL) wcrebel View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:84-78 (Division Winner)

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: I predicted a 81-81 record for the Pirates and in true Pirate fashion they won 82 games. AAARRGGHH! Ardthomp did pick up Wilin Matos and Oscar Ross in the draft so last year wasn't a total loss. In the off-season Ardthomp let Pena, James, Liverman, Miller, Blackburn go to free agency and released Rollins. He signed free agents Lockwood, Leslie, Richard and McKnight. Ard brought in 4 veteran pitchers thru free agency. But the real story here was last years promotion of Hipolito Hernandez. The kid looks good and he could make all the difference in this weak division. The Pirates will be raping, pillaging and plundering all the way to Madagascar.PREDICTION:89-73(Division Winner)

OUT: Carlos Gomez , Jung Kim , Geovany Aguilar , Nicholas Paramore , Edgar Carrasco , Danny Wilson , Charles Fujiwara , Vic Mercado , Gustavo Nunez , Charlie Lockwood , Haywood Leslie

IN: Gene Larish , Dom Woods , Aaron Wells , Alex Elcano , Walt Lieberthal , Rob McNamara , Edinson Trinidad , Thomas Dingman , Tim Perry , Cozy Williams

PREVIEW: Ardthomp's Pirates won the division as expected and after losing in the first round of the playoffs. He sailed away never to be seen again after 20 seasons (.482 win Pct). Ard will be missed and he is on a beach some where sporting a new eye-patch. Wcrebel took over this team and moved them to Rochester. Welcome Wcrebel and may you have success and a great season. In the off-season Wcrebel re-signed Chris James and Bob Karros and let Gomez, Kim, Aguilar and Paramore go to free agency. He released Carrasco, Wilson, Fujiwara, Mercado, Nunez, Lockwood and Leslie. Wcrebel claimed Larish off the wire and signed free agents Woods, Wells, Elcano, Lieberthal, McNamara, Trinidad, Dingman, Perry. Finally he picked up Williams in the R-5 draft. Sufferin Succotash !! When you get a new owner, a house cleaning is sure to ensue. Wcrebel kept the core of young studs and brought in older seasoned vets. The defense will be good and while the offense should hit there share of homers, the average will be in the middle of the pack. The Rotation is near the bottom in the AL and the bullpen looks decent, keeping the ball on the ground. I think right now the Tigers will win between 80 and 90 games. PREDICTION:85-77(Division Winner)

Augusta Northmen (AL) avantrael View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:72-90

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: I stated that the Northmen would be lucky to reach 71 win and they went out and won 77. Take that Mad! Avantrael added some talent to the farm system by picking up Matt Norman , Victor Rodriguezand Brett McCorley in the draft.In the off-season Avantrael re-signed Davey Wise and let Lee and Fernandez go to free agency. He released Halter and Hernandez Then Avantrael signed free agents Alonso and Romo and picked up Saito and Moreno in the R-5.Augusta lost a good bullpen pitcher in Frenandez and their GG center fielder, Hernandez. To replace the Dez's, they picked up some R-5 pitchers(Saito, Moreno) and will plug Del Lee in CF. They are not upgrades and the Northmen will hope that Junior Sano and Alex Olivares can overcome their loss. Methinks not. PREDICTION:70-92

OUT: Reese McGee , Pat Shelley , William Mateo , Phil Koh , Thumper Worrell , Paxton Wells , Clint Conway

IN: Yorvit Diaz , Johan Sullivan , Ronald Rivers , Tomas Aguilera

PREVIEW: Avantrael's team is stuck in the 70's with polyester and disco. They won 72 games with above average pitching (4.50 ERA with 807 runs allowed) and below average hitting (.260 BA with 726 runs scored). Giving up more runs than you score is never good. On the good side, Avantrael did add Andy Vasquez and Esteban Perez in the draft. In the off-season Avantrael let McGee, Shelly, Mateo, Koh, Worrell, Wells and Conway go to free agency. He signed free agents Diaz and Sullivan and picked up Rivers and Aguilera in the R-5. Augusta still has 3 open spots on the M L roster and depending on Avantraels moves, This team could go either way. Right now they are a .500 team.Here come the 80's and a mullet hairdo for Avantrael. PREDICTION: 81-81 with a upside

Louisville RedTails (AL) jmuhtoff View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:65-97

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: When I picked Jmuhtoff's RedTails to win the division with a mid-80's record, many thought I was Mad, And I am! But This division is one of the weakest right now and Jmuhtoff's team was the strongest. They went into the playoffs as the #4 seed and gave the 93 win Blues all they could handle. But ended up losing game 5 at home....I feel your pain! In the off-season Jmuhtoff let Troncoso, Allen, Lieberthal , Kershaw go to free agency. He released Broxton. and traded away Pryce. Jmuhtoff claimed Wood off the wire and signed free agents Chang, Hill and Rivera. He promoted Gutierrez, Green, Garces and traded for Earley and Tatis. The only free agents I like are Green and Garces. Early is a great add but Tatis will only be effective against lefties. I think the Red Tails are a sub .500 team this year. PREDICTION:77-85

OUT: Darron Moses , Chien-Ming Chang , Yank Hill , Johan Sullivan , Freddie Long , Edgardo Rivera , Luis Vizcaino , Pablo Aramboles

IN: Nate Kashmir , Carlos Rios , Britt Lukasiewicz , Carlos Alvarez , Davey Renteria , Jim Creek

PREVIEW:I thought the Red Tails would be a sub.500 team and they finished well below that mark. It was a big step back from the 83 wins and a playoff berth. Having the worst pitching team in Wrigleyville will do that. Jmuhtoffs pitching staff allowed 925 runs with a ERA of 5.38. He did draft Dusty Spence with his first round pick but he can't help out the pitching. In the off-season Jmuhtoff let Moses, Chang, Hill, Sullivan, Long and Rivera go to free agency and released Vizcaino and Aramboles. Jmuhtoff claimed Kashmir and Rios off the wire and signed free agents Lukasiewicz and Alvarez. He promoted Renteria and Creek from AAA. The pitching was the problem last year and Jmuhtoff brought in some new arms. But it won't be enough even in this weak division.PREDICTION:75-87

New York Life Model Decoys (AL) fencer024 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

LAST YEARS RECORD:57-105

LAST YEARS PREVIEW: Thank God or Mark Knopfler, for that matter, that Fencer came in a rescued this team. The team was in a shambles and he righted the ship with the help of some owners that traded some badly needed farm hands. Fencer was able to add some prospects in this years draft, he grabbed Terrence Gibson , Harry Mujica , Otis Holdridge , Ray Greyand Richard Stanley . He also added many IFA's to shore up farm with Tony Molina being the best of the bunch. In the off-season Fencer re-signed Geronimo Cruz and Cristobal Beltran and let Reed, Hines, Lee, Delgado and Barker go to free agency. He released Jang and Leslie and traded away Price and West. Fencer signed free agents Acosta, Baker, Martinez and picked up Torres and Xavier in the R-5. And he made a Blockbuster trade that brought in Dickerson, Ochoa and Medlen. Fencer raised some eyebrows with his trades and I wont criticize them. But according to the franchise standings, this team is weak defensively but will hit for a high average with not many homers. The rotation will walk many a batter and get hammered by right handed hitting.The bullpen is near the bottom in all categories. This adds up to another losing season in New York, But it will take time for Fencer to right the ship. And thanks for sticking in there Fencer. PREDICTION:67-95

OUT: Glen Harris , Jamie Yang , Geronimo Cruz , Cookie Bennett , Willie Aquino , Michael Marshall

IN: Claudio Schmidt , Jesus James , Addison Terrero , Alving Franco

PREVIEW: Fencer was right there in the draft sweepstakes but will have to settle for the #2 pick. They only won 57 games like the Crabbers but lost the tiebreaker. Or was it that they won the tiebreaker..........?????? I'm so confused.....I think they won the tiebreaker only to lose the #1 pick?? He did get the #1 pick last year and selected Victor Pujols with the pick. In the off-season Fencer re-signed Al Zerbe and let Harris, Yang, Cruz and Bennett go to free agency. He released Aquino and Marshall. Fencer signed free agents Schmidt and James, picked up Terrero in the R-5 and traded for Franco. New York is a improved club and may with a couple moves take this weak division. But as they sit right now they should finish below .500.PREDICTION: 70-92