AT THE BREAK A L EAST SEASON 27

Pittsburgh Pirates (AL) ardthomp View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:50-41

PREVIEW: 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)

AT THE BREAK: Hide the babbies and the old ladies , may it do you fine. The Pirates are on pace to win 89 games ,say thakya Big Big. Ardthomp's team has good pitching (4.52 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) and hitting (.278 BA) and are like Wolves descending on the Calla. They are well on their way to the Dark Tower and should win this division easily. It's Ka!

Augusta Northmen (AL) avantrael View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:39-52

PREVIEW: 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

AT THE BREAK: The Northmen are going through the motions of a sub 500 season. And it was expected. Avantrael's team is on pace to win about 69 games and will get a good draft pick next year. He did get Andy Vasquez and Esteban Perez in the first round of this years draft.

Louisville RedTails (AL) jmuhtoff View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:37-54

PREVIEW: 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

AT THE BREAK: Jmuhtoff's Red Tails are playing below 500...way below 500. With only 37 wins at the All-Star break it looks like they have taken a step back after last years 83 wins. You don't have to look far for the culprit, pitching. Louisville has the worst pitching team in the AL with a ERA of 5.58 and a 1.55  WHIP. Jmuhtoff did pick up slugger Dusty Spence in the first round of the draft so this season isn't a total loss.

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

RECORD:30-61

PREVIEW: 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

AT THE BREAK: Fencer knew getting this team back on track would take some time and he is looking for a top draft pick next year. So far this season he has made some trades to free up money and picked up Victor Pujols with the #1 overall pick in the draft. I don't see fencer picking up any IFA's with his limited prospect budget but I do see him as a seller at the trade deadline.

AT THE BREAK N L EAST SEASON 27

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

RECORD:43-48

PREVIEW: 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

AT THE BREAK: Hey the old guys are in the lead with 43 wins. What? 43 wins? This division used to be a juggernaut and has fallen on tough times. But hey , Jeff has the lead and if they can get in with 77 wins, more power to em. Jeffs old farts pitching and hitting are below average and they give up more runs than they score. So I don't see them winning this division , even if they are in the lead at the All-Star break. He may bring in a player or two before the deadline. Ben Gay and Geritol for all!!

Syracuse Moose (NL) rugby1 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:42-49

PREVIEW: 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)

AT THE BREAK: The Moose got out of the gate slow at the start of the season 28-36. Since then they have gone 14-13 and are getting closer to the division lead. Rugby's team will not make my lofty prediction of 100 wins. Right now they are on pace to win about 75 games but I believe they will finish above .500. The pitching (3.94 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) is to good to finish below 500 , but the bats (.248 BA) will have to awaken for this team to get far.

Wichita Wind Sizzlers (NL) zsiegri View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:37-54

PREVIEW: 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

AT THE BREAK: Z's team is riding out the season and adding tasty prospects. He grabbed McKay Hogg , Eugene Baker and Kenny Hoffman in the first round of the draft. and he bought Paul Shibata and Rodrigo Martin in the IFA market. Wichita is well on it's way to building a good team and the futures so bright, Z has to wear shades.

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

RECORD:35-56

PREVIEW: 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

AT THE BREAK: The Crabbers are on pace to win 62 games. Maybe next year Ralph will promote his studs in AAA. In the meantime he continues to add more Studs to the farm system. Like Wilt Simpson and Jimmie Suarez.

AT THE BREAK N L WEST SEASON 27

Scottsdale Schizoids (NL) madmuldoon View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:50-41

PREVIEW: In the off-season I re-signed Chad Krause and let Prieto go to free agency and promoted Cabrera. This is the same team as last year. Late last year I brought up Daryl Schmidt and I hope he gives my rotation some wins. I promoted Cabrera this year because he hit over 400 in S/T and has been hitting .300+ in AAA and deserves a shot at the bigs. Gonna try and win the division but my goal is getting back to the playoffs with my bullpen intact.PREDICTION:96-66 (Division Winner)

AT THE BREAK: My team and the whole division came out of the gate asleep. My team was under or near the .500 mark for most of this season. We went on a 9-1 run right before the All-Start break that made my record respectable. My Zoids are on pace to win about 90 games which is below my expectations. My pitching, as usual is great, ranked #2 with a ERA of 3.80 and a 1.19 WHIP.The hitting is O K but needs to improve to win in the post-season. That is if I make it to the post-season , and this is still in doubt.

Colorado Springs Bandits (NL) ressda View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:42-49

PREVIEW: In the off-season Ressda re-signed Patsy Hartman and let Mamol go to free agency. He signed free agent Towers and promoted Collins and picked up Lowery in the R-5. Collins has arrived to be the ace of the Bandit staff and the Colorado Springs Bandits will try to make another push to get above .500 and beyond.Can they do it? Anything is possible but this division is tough. PREDICTION:82-80

AT THE BREAK: The Bandits are playing about where my preview predicted. They are in second place with 42 wins and are on pace to win about 75 games. I thought this division would be tougher, and the fact that SLC has faltered, may work into Ressda's favor. He did pick up George Bowen in the first round of the draft and he may pick up a good IFA with his leftover prospect cash.

Salt Lake City Utes (NL) hoopcoach07 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:39-52

PREVIEW: In the off-season Hoop let Jose, Alonso , Jordan go to free agency and released Owen. He signed free agent Flair and picked up Hernandez in the R-5. The N L West is getting tougher with the Mariners showing signs of improving. It's going to be tough but the Utes should at least get a wild-card.PREDICTION:94-68(Wild Card)

AT THE BREAK: Oh Hoop, what happened?? This team has a ton of talent and I'm very surprised they aren't near the top of the division standings. With the #4 hitting team (2.66 BA, 132 homers) and a decent pitching staff (4.17 ERA, 1.33 WHIP), this team should have a better record. The culprit is the 1 run games record of 12-23. If Hoop can start winning the close ones he may make the playoffs. But it will be tough.

Seattle Mariners (NL) bbwinksdaddy View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:37-54

PREVIEW: In the off-season Bbwinks re-signed Rex Maxwell and Shawn Terry .He let Teahen, Brock, Wilson , Sheffield go to free agency and released Resop and Jones. He signed free agents Halter, Nickle and Espinoza. Finally he promoted Ordonez and picked up Ramirez in the R-5. Seattle is a good young team and when BBwinks promotes Don Hamilton and Jeanmar Estrella from AAA they will be even better. Whats scares me more is he has even better talent in AA. It's just a matter of time before they win this division .They will battle for a wild-card and could get one.PREDICTION:86-76

AT THE BREAK: After last years good season, Seattle was primed to take the next step and get into the playoffs. But it looks as if that won't happen. Right now BBwink's team is on pace to win about 66 games, far below my lofty prediction of 86. Seattle has the worst hitting in the National League at a paltry .238. On the bright side of things, BBwink's did pick up Brandon Giolito and Gary Holland in the draft. The youngsters are a long way from the Bigs , but they would be great trade chips next year.

AT THE BREAK A L WEST SEASON 27

Salem Salmonbellies (AL) mdymond View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:53-38

PREVIEW: In the off-season Mdymond let Gamel and James go to free agency. He released Campos then Forster and Vizcaino was claimed off the wire. Mdymond promoted Hines to fill 1 of the remaining 4 open roster spots. Salem has lowest cap and one of the lowest overall payrolls. Mdymond gets more bang for his buck and his team should make it back to the playoffs. PREDICTION:92-70(Wild Card)

AT THE BREAK: Didn't see this coming. Salem is in the lead at the break with 53 wins. They are on pace to win 94 wins with a team ERA of 4.79 (10th in the AL) and a team batting average of .275 (8th in the AL) kinda makes ya scratch your head.Can Mdymonds team keep it up and win this division with average stats?? Keep rubbing them rabbits feet Mdymond.....it's working so far.

Arizona Cobras (AL) swishnev23 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:50-41

PREVIEW: In the off-season Swish let Richard, Quinn and Pryce go to free agency. He signed free agent Martin and traded for Lombardi.Arizona still has a young team averaging 26.8 years per player. That also keeps salaries low at 1.9 per player. Swish has 40 million in cap space and has upped his international and HS scouting budget. This makes me lean towards a year where the Cobras ride out the season and pick up some more prospects. They will be back on top in a year or two.PREDICTION:82-80

AT THE BREAK: Swish has his Cobras playing well even though I predicted a average year. Right now his team is on pace to win 89 games, and that may get them a wild-card berth. Arizona has the 3rd best hitting team in the A L with a batting average of .281. And the pitching is pretty good also with a ERA of 4.39 (4th). The numbers don't mean shit when Salem is in front of the Cobras with lower numbers. I guess the only numbers that really count are runs scored...Arizona is behind Salem by 32 runs. Then again Arizona has given up 40 fewer runs..........Oh I give Up! this makes no sense.Time for a drink.

Vancouver Blitz (AL) blitziscomin View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:47-44

PREVIEW: In the off-season Blitz re-signed Victor Paulino and let Guerrero, Hawkins, Toca and Rekar go to free agency. He signed free agent Surkamp and picked up Mota in the R-5. Vancouver lost a couple bullpen guys and Hawkins will be missed , but Surkamp looks like a good replacement. Toca's bat is also gonna leave a hole but Alex Santana is ready to fill in as the everyday SS. The Blitz are a comin folks and they are the favorites to win the division.And don't count them out in the playoffs... PREDICTION:100-62(Division Winner)

AT THE BREAK: Speaking of making no sense. The World Series Champs are third in the division with only 47 wins. This is pretty much the same bunch as last year that won 99 games. A .273 batting average with a ERA of 4.86 makes for a average team. Unless your the Salem Salmonbellies. The Blitz have won 16 of their last 22 games so they may get back in this. We'll see.

Cheyenne Bagwell Bashers (AL) carseneau View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:36-55

PREVIEW: In the off-season Carseneau released Dingman, King, Gonzales, Collins and Javier. He lost Tekotte off the waiver wire to Madison.He put a claim in for Larish, Johnson and Tabaka and added them to this years roster.He signed free agents Delgado, Miller, Jordan, Acosta and Diaz. Finally he picked up Beimel and Hermansen in the R-5 draft.With Ned Coleman and Cesar Limon  as the future core of this franchise. Carseneau went out and spent 39 million on free agents to build around them. He still has some talent in the farm system, some ready, some not. I think this team is on it's upward swing to respectability.But they are still a year or 2 from the post-season.PREDICTION:72-90

AT THE BREAK: Carseneau is still putting together his team and they are playing about like I thought. They are on pace to finish the season with a 64-98 record. He did pick up a gem of a player in this years draft at #4 overall Tripp Rasmus."You must be" Trippin Rasmus will be a beast . Carseneau will continue to be busy on the trade chat and will look for a tasty IFA or two.

AT THE BREAK N L SOUTH SEASON 27

Jackson Black Bears (NL) olemiss33 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:63-28

PREVIEW: In the playoffs the Black Bears beat the Moose in 4 and were upset by the Muskellunges in 5. In the off-season Olemiss let Hartman, Montgomery, Bennett go to free agency and signed free agent Broxton. Olemiss and his Angry Bears are gonna be out for blood after not winning the Series.They are a great team and should win the division. Another World Series Title is probable.PREDICTION:105-57(Division Winner)

AT THE BREAK: The Black Bears are right where we though they would be. Leading the division and are on pace to win 112 games this year. They are hitting .273 as a team (2nd N L) and have the #1 pitching staff with a WHIP of 1.21 and a 3.19 ERA. Looks like Olemiss will be back in the post season with a first round bye and may get another World Series Ring.

Texas LoneStars (NL) wishlist3677 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:54-37

PREVIEW: In the off-season Wish let Towers go to free agency and signed free agent Eovaldi. The Lone Stars are a power house team and with last years N L MVP  Zip Madson.........well....They will be hard to beat.Texas will be in the playoffs as a wild-card.PREDICTION:92-70(Wild Card)

AT THE BREAK: Wish's Lone Stars are projected to win 96 games and are a favorite to get into the playoffs a a wild-card team. Texas has good hitting (.265BA tied for 5th N L) and pitching (3.99 ERA-5th N L). And Zip Madson is on a tear hitting .319 with 2 player of the week awards. I look forward to a rematch in the playoffs now that wish has moved to Texas. I want revenge..LOL.

Tampa Bay Rays (NL) svick39 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:41-50

PREVIEW: In the off-season Svick let Ma, Chang, Sandoval, Tabaka, Adams, Corpas, Cortez go to free agency. He released Estrada, Lane, Sanders, Robinson and Osoria and traded away Lombardi. With most the team gone Svick claimed Romero and Trevino off the waiver wire and signed free agents Barker, Castillo, Collins and Smart. He promoted Barmes, Bailes, Erdos, Suarez and traded for Leon and Davis. Well.....That was a complete dismantling of a team. Svick brought in so many players I will have to look at the Franchise standings to see how this team will play.The starting line-up defensively will be pretty good but the offense is near the bottom of the N L in most categories. The starting rotation will walk many a batter but are average in most categories. The Bullpen is below average for the N L. Looks like another long season in Tampa Bay.PREDICTION:70-92

AT THE BREAK: As predicted in the preview, the Rays are just playing out the season and picking up prospects along the way. Svick added Joseph Kobayashi and Livan Valdez in the IFA market. He also selected Mule Wesson , Kevin Judd and Marv Byrd in the first round of this years draft. Tampa Bay is building a winner and will be one to watch in the near future, but right now they are projected to win 73 games.

Austin City Limits (NL) wylie715 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:40-51

PREVIEW: In the off-season Wylie let Brohawn and Rasmussen go to free agency and signed free agents Ma and O'Donnell. Wylie is getting discouraged with the way his team has performed. He still has high hopes for the City Limits and maybe this will be his year. There is the talent there to win but they have to show me some sign of life before I pick them to make the playoffs.PREDICTION:82-80

AT THE BREAK: Wylie's team are on pace to win 71 games......another anvil to the head! Damn Roadrunner! Right now the team batting average of .249 is to blame. Wylie also pointed out that his defense leaves much to be desired when he posted this on the chat. "Not bad! I have two players in the top 5 for most bad plays by a CF. That's not easy to do!"
Austin did pick up Artie Freeman in the draft.
Dabba, dabba, dabba, thats all folks!

AT THE BREAK A L SOUTH SEASON 27

Charlotte Sometimes (AL) hatton98 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:53-38

PREVIEW: In the off-season Hatton re-signed Al Carrasco , Coco West, Destin Brow , Ernie Cannon and let Hayes, Cookson and Valdez go to free agency. He signed free agents Lieberthal,Owens,Person to fill his line-up. None of the additions really standout to me and that would make me say they are a near .500 club. But there are some interesting prospects in AAA like Bill Robbins and Miguel Rosario. If they get the call-up who knows ?? PREDICTION:81-81

AT THE BREAK: Hatton's team has exceeded my prediction of a .500 team. Right now they are on pace to win 94 games and are in a 3-way battle for the division. The star of this team is the pitching staff with a ERA of 4.23 and a 1.33 WHIP. The hitting is pretty good also with a team Batting Average of .279. It's too close to call whether or not the Sometimes win the division ,but we may have 3 teams from this division make the post-season.

Santa Fe Blues (AL) tchagnon View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:52-39

PREVIEW: In the off-season TC let King, Scott, Karros go to free agency and released Acosta. He signed free agent Guzman and promoted Estrada and Walters. TC upgraded his catching with the addition of perennial All-Star Guzman .And he brought up 2 very nice pitching prospects to solidify the rotation.They may have enough to overtake Charleston, but my guess is they will be a wild-card team.PREDICTION:92-70(Wild-Card)

AT THE BREAK: I  predicted a 92 win season and a wild-card berth for the Blues.  They are on track to win 93 games and are in the mix for a division or a wild card. TC has his team playing well with the best hitting team in the American League with a team batting average of .300. If he can get the pitching fixed, he may make it to the ALCS this year.

Charleston Tobacco Farmers (AL) nwsheehy007 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:49-42

PREVIEW: In the off-season Nwsheehy let Amaral, LeCroy, Wood go to free agency and picked up Funaki in the R-5. The Tabaky Farmers are here to stay. And they should even get better with time and the promotion of Willie Sosa from AAA, whenever that may be.PREDICTION:94-68(Division Winner)

AT THE BREAK: I really thought the Tabaky Farmers would continue their winning ways after a breakout season last year. But they stumbled out of the gate with a 6-15 record, since then they have started to gain ground on the front running Sometimes and Blues. The first 2 weeks after the All-Star game will be important and Nwsheehy doesn't want to fall to far behind. Charleston may be a buyer if some other team starts selling by the trade deadline.

Richmond Rebels (AL) bobd4967 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:42-49

PREVIEW: In the off-season Bob re-signed Ruben Rosario and let Mota, Castillo, Nickle, Guillon , Miyakazi go to free agency and released Diaz. He signed free agents Sandoval, Quinn,Hawkins,Craddock,Cheung and picked up Tatis in the R-5. Last years team was poor defensively and offensively. The additions will help but Charleston and Santa Fe are pretty good. They may compete for a wild-card but I don't think they will make the post-season.PREDICTION:84-78

AT THE BREAK: Richmond is on pace to win 75 games and are in the basement of a tough division. Bob is still a player or two away from contending and his team is starting to fade after going 3-7 before the All-Star break. The Rebels did add Jerrod Fletcher , Adam Thole and Henderson Miller in the 1st round of the draft ,so help is on the way.

AT THE BREAK N L NORTH SEASON 27

Madison Muskellunges (NL) daddiothree View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:58-33

PREVIEW: In the off-season Daddio re-signed Eddie Locke and let Tenbrink, Ferrer, Guzman, Sanchez, Henry, Matos, Mercado, Laffey, Mullins go to free agency. He claimed Tekotte off the wire and signed free agents Gil, Wood, Goodwin, Prieto, Cabeza, Weston, Arredondo and Davis. The Muskies lost many pitchers and both catchers to free agency but replaced them with veteran free agents. Most are 30 and older and signed short term. Daddio has his Core of Stars and brings in good solid Major Leaguers to field a good team. They should win the division again. PREDICTION:92-70(Division Winner)

AT THE BREAK: The Muskies are on pace to win 103 games and win this division. Daddios team started out with a 12-8 record and went on a couple runs to overtake the fast starting Toyotas for the division lead, around draft time.Madison has the best hitting team in the N L with a team batting average of .284. Imagine how good this team would be if they could improve the pitching (4.69 team ERA). Daddios guys made it all the way to the World Series so I still think they win this division.

Philadelphia Cheese Steaks (NL) gbuck44 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:52-39

PREVIEW: In the off-season Gbuck re-signed Jacque Kobayashi and let Hurst, Baker, Green and Taylor go to free agency. He released Espinoza and traded away Earley, Tatis, Ochoa, Medlen and Leon. He signed free agents Vizcaino, Miyakazi, Mota, Tenbrink, Cruz, Toca, Lee and promoted Ausmus. The trades brought in Masaoka, Pryce and Price. With so many moves I have to go to franchise rankings to make my assessment. Defensively and Offensively the Cheese Steaks are in the middle of the pack . The pitching seems to be a little better. Looks like a average year for the Cheese Steaks, PREDICTION:81-81

AT THE BREAK: The Cheese Steaks have surprised me with their gritty play. I predicted a  average season, but they smashed my prediction and are on pace to win 93 games. You go Gbuck! Gbuck has been busy trading players all season and if he can get the right mix.....they may get in the playoffs. Gbuck tells me the secret to this team is Gino's Cheese Steaks. I've always liked Pat's better, but if it would help my team win...I would consider crossing the street??

Tacoma Toyotas (NL) Sandberg10 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:50-41

PREVIEW: In the off-season Sandberg let Elcano, Miller, Delgado, Cunnane go to free agency and lost Trevino to the waiver wire. He promoted Soto and Jackson and traded for Martin and Flores. Last year Sandberg called up his blue-chip prospects (Henderson Glynn , Rich Smart , Daniel Ray Flaherty , Fausto Johnson). The Toyotas have a very good pitching staff with the promotions and with the trades. I think they get to the .500 mark or better. (Late Note from Sandberg: Bump Tyson will be on my ML roster to start the season. ) PREDICTION:82-80

AT THE BREAK: The Toyotas got off to a great start and won 24 of their first 36 games. I like the shiny new Toyotas and they are in the hunt for a wild-card berth with 50 wins at the break. They boast the third best hitting team in the N L with a team batting average of .269. And the pitching is decent with a ERA of 4.02 and a 1.33 WHIP. And Bump Tyson is on the M L Roster and doing quite nicely hitting .272 with a OPS of .760. Sandbergs team is on pace to win 89 games which is 7 games higher than my prediction of 82 wins. Good work Sandberg.

Milwaukee Sturgeon (NL) pat007ohmss View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:46-45

PREVIEW: In the off-season Patrick let Acosta, Person, Vargas, Martin, Lim, Boucher, Weston and Bennett go to free agency. He signed free agents Leonard, Allen, Marmol, Cordero, King and Dean. The Sturgeons have the highest cap in the league at 125 million and Patrick has spent 122 million so far. Can money buy you a winner...yes....but so far not in Milwaukee. Perhaps this will be the year? It depends on who fills the remaining  4 open slots on this years Major League Roster. Right now they are a expensive average team.PREDICTION: 81-81

AT THE BREAK: The Sturgeons are on pace to win 82 games pretty close to my preview prediction. It's a crime how much Patrick's guys make and play average at best year in and year out. With no prospects picked up in the draft or IFA. It will take some financial voodoo to get Milwaukee on the winning path.

AT THE BREAK A L NORTH SEASON 27

Fargo Prairie Dogs (AL) aaronwayne View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:53-38

PREVIEW: In the off-season Aaron let Leonard, Vincente, Henriquez , Blair go to free agency and released Dean and Romo. he signed free agents Javier, Gomez, Gamel,Vargas, Pimentel to fill the holes. Aaron spent 24 million on free agents and they are all solid players.His starting rotation is good and the bullpen will be great against RH hitters.The starting line-up defensively is poor but they are very good offensively. All in All I think the P-dogs will play better, and in this weak division, they could easily win it.PREDICTION:87-75

AT THE BREAK: Son of a gun!! I knew the P-dogs were going to have a good season and I rolled the dice and picked the Bruins to win the division over them. Right now Aaron's team is on pace to win 94 games with the best pitching team in the A L (4.17 ERA). If the bats start coming to life this team could go far in the playoffs(.268 team batting average).

Hartford Insurance (AL) pbsilver11 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:48-43

PREVIEW: In the off-season PB re-signed Pasqual Perez and let Surkamp, Franco, Pena go to free agency. He signed free agent Mullens,  picked up Terrell in the R-5 and traded for West. Mullins and Terrell will improve an already stout defensive squad. And West will improve last years team .267 BA. Hartford will make it a 3 team fight for the division.PREDICTION:84-78

AT THE BREAK: It did turn out to be a 3 team race and PB's team is in second place with 48 wins at the break. They are on pace to win 85 games, about where my preview predicted. Hartford is near the middle of the pack in hitting and pitching and may be one of the buyers before the deadline. Pb did pick up Vitas Lombard in the draft but can't be traded until next year.

New Britain Bruins (AL) dodgersgale View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:44-47

PREVIEW: In the off-season Dodger re-signed Johnny Stone and let Martinez, George and DeHaan go to free agency and released Velazquez. This is pretty much the same team as last year and Dodger still has a roster spot open. They should win about 85-90 games and are always dangerous in the post-season.PREDICTION:88-74(Division Winner)

AT THE BREAK: Dodger's Bruins have always been near the top of the division.I thought they would bounce back after a disappointing 83 win season last year. Right now this team is on pace to win 78 games and miss the playoffs for the third time since Dodger picked up this team. But there is still time and if he can get the bats singing again. This team could get back in it.

Chicago Black Hawks (AL) hacker7 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

RECORD:44-47

PREVIEW: In the off-season Hacker released Sosa and lost Larish on the waiver wire. He signed free agent Fernandez and picked up Tomko in the R-5 draft.Same guys as last year with a couple new guys in the bullpen. Maybe they will win a couple more games but not enough to get to the .500 mark.PREDICTION:75-87

AT THE BREAK: Hackers Black Hawks are on pace to win 78 games and need some help to get back in the race. Chicago has the 2nd best hitting team in the A L with a team batting average of .286. The pitching is the problem with a ERA of 5.00. Gary Jacquez was Hackers top draft pick and is still a year or two away from the Bigs.