AL EAST PREVIEW

Rochester dominated the AL EAST last season, and this year should be no different.  The difference between first and second place was 27 games. Although I think it will be a little closer, there is no need for any fear in Rochester this season! Rochester  is offensively anchored by Pineda  (who hit 41 homer runs last season. Pineda was 1 of  6 players who had more than 20 homers for Rochester.  They did lose Richard who was 43 for 50 in saves for them. With D'Amico, Hernandez, Pineda the newly signed Moreland and  young rookie Lopez as a potential stud closer.....Rochester cruises to another division title.  

PREDICTION    91-71   FIRST PLACE!

LOUISVILLE REDTAILS

Louisville had a very active off season this year. They traded injury prone Early to Colorado Springs. They got Scott and Toca in separate trades. They signed  pitchers Pena, Martin, and Mulder. They also signed position players Price, Galvez,  and Kipling. They certainly got better defensively in the infield. With Cornelius, Clark, Uggla and 20 game loser last season Lukasiewicz . I do not think  he will repeat that feat this season. Alvarez and Lee combined for 33 saves in 38 chances last season. If they can keep that up I can see Louisville  gaining ground on Rochester!


PREDICTION   77-85  SECOND PLACE!



CLEVELAND COCONUTS (FORMERLY AUGUSTA)

The Cleveland Coconuts.....formerly known as the Augusta Northmen  are on a mission this season. With a new owner, a new city and new fans....they should be able to build on the 58 wins from last season. We all know "Cleveland Rocks" . Cleveland did not make a ton of moves, but with an experienced owner and  the super pinch hitter/1b Al James   what can go wrong!  James set a record last season for pinch hits in a season for Philadelphia(now Minnesota) with  36. The signing of Roque  31 homers 91 RBI'S will not hurt either. Orr  is a new signing...8-18 last season, but can eat up some innings. The closing duty seems to be given to a rookie, who was 17 for 22 in AAA last season..Mayne.  3 rule 5 players to help on the bench/staff. Webber (if/of)  Tracy (rp)  and Cortazar(p). I see Cleveland  taking over 3rd place this season.!


PREDICTION   69-93  THIRD PLACE!


NEW YORK LIFE MODEL DECOYS

The New York Life Model Decoys will have as many wins as they have letter in their name(just kidding).  They have a couple of nice young players ready to break out this season..Pujols and Ryu(who is a pitcher) . Pujols will be along side  CF stud Amaral, Kennedy (young prospect) and  what looks to be a solid defense with Franco and Medlen patrolling the infield.  Cerda and Segui   are main stays on the pitching staff. If Jesus (James) can get them a few more wins I can see them contending for third place.


PREDICTION   68-94  FOURTH PLACE!