January 31, 2005

2005 Season Preview

Our first season the Thunder Bay Baseball League was a memorable one.  The Richmond Rockers defeated the Moon Raiders to win the championship in five games.  Most experts predicted the Kentucky Wildcats would be the '04 champion, and no one could have forecasted the owner turnover we would have in our first year. 

Please enjoy the overview of the 2005 TBBL season below.  Please feel free to post your thoughts or comments in our forum under the 2005 Season Preview topic.

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Richmond Rockers

Owner: Chris Tomlinson
2004 Record: 110-52 (1st place)
Projected Rotation: Roy Halladay, Pedro Martinez, Jamey Wright, Mark Hendrickson and Edgar Gonzalez.
Bullpen: John Smoltz, Oscar Villareal, Scott Shields, Ramon Ortiz and Brendan Donnelly.
On the Farm: Justin Upton
Projected Lineup: Javy Lopez (C), Jeff Conine (1B), Tony Womack (2B), Jose Valentin (SS), Bill Mueller (3B), Luis Gonzalez (LF), Jim Edmonds (CF), Trot Nixon (RF), David Ortiz (DH).

Strengths: Offensive team with very good power.  Ortiz (301-41-139) had a monster year in 2004, and may get better.  Edmonds still a very good player.  Very good in game managing skills along with outstanding GM skills makes Rockers always a threat.

Weaknesses:  Starting pitching is weak, from the middle of the rotation down.  Injuries may hurt this team and the rotation could use an inning-eating #5 starter.  Farm is practically empty.

Prediction: 3rd place.  The Rockers have a chance at the postseason in 2005, but may need to land a player or two.  Whether or not they can capture the division crown for the second straight year is up in the air, as the AL East has improved in 2005.  Martinez is the only top notch starter left from this team (injuries to Halladay limit his usage), which is why the Rockers may not win the division.  Team should be over .500, but that most likely won't be enough.

Jersey Damage Inc.

Owner: Rob Capizzano
2004 Record: 65-97 (4th place)
Projected Rotation: Jake Westrbook, Odalis Perez, John Leiber, Zack Greinke, Mike Hampton and Jarrod Washburn.
Bullpen: Kyle Farnsworth, Gavin Floyd, Dustin Hermanson, Brandon Backe, Esteban Yan, Ramiro Mendoza, Aaron Fultz and Antonio Osuna.
On the Farm: Matt Cain, Thomas Diamond, Josh Danks, Joel Guzman, Tadihito Igucchi and Kyle Davies.
Projected Lineup: Jason LaRue (C), Phil Nevin (1B), Alfonso Soriano (2B), Nomar Garciappara (SS), Troy Glaus (3B), Jacque Jones (LF), Bernie Williams (CF), Ichiro Suzuki (RF) and Shea Hillenbrand (DH).

Strengths: Team is clearly built for the future.  Players like Zack Grienke, Gavin Floyd, Matt Cain, Joel Guzman and others should make this team a force for many years.  Jersey has plenty of power also, with 6 everyday players with 35 + HR potential.

Weaknesses: Starting pitching is not very strong.  While the rotation is deep, team is missing an ace.  2005 will be a pivotal season, as the likes of Jake Westbrook and Gavin Floyd develop.

Prediction: 5th place.  Team should be about the same as last year, around 70 wins.  One more season of grooming and Jersey could be a favorite in 2006.

Florida Devils

Owner: Marc Kramer
2004 Record: 73-89 (3rd place, AL East)
Projected Rotation: Tom Glavine, Jason Schmidt, David Wells, Mike Wood, Vincente Padilla and Jose Lima.
Bullpen: Yhency Brazoban, Ricky Bottalico, Giovanni Carrera, Jose Mesa, Braden Looper and Billy Wagner.
On the Farm: Brian McCann
Projected Lineup: Pudge Rodriquez (C), Jim Thome (1B), Bret Boone (2B), Miguel Tejada (SS), Vinny Castilla (3B), Jeremy Burnitz (LF), Preston Wilson (CF), Tim Salmon (RF) and Mike Piazza (DH).

Strengths: A strong rotation fronted by a potential Cy Young winner and an MVP candidate batting in the #3 hole.  Best catcher in the game as well as pop at 1B and DH.  Dallas McPherson is waiting in the wings to take over at 3B.

Weaknesses: The OF is weak, especially due to the injuries to Wilson and Salmon.  The Devils will have to find some AB's to fill the void, perhaps through a trade.  Ruben Sierra is an option as well.  Farm has just one player, so restocking could be an issue down the road.

Prediction: 1st place.  The Devils should win this division in 2005, but not by much.  Throughout most of my sims, the Devils won between 85-92 games,  They are a solid team, and should get better.  Could be they favorite to win the AL this year.

Dunkirk Monnies

Owner: Mike Dillenkofer
2004 Record: 56-106 (5th place)
Projected Rotation: AJ Burnett, Kelvim Escobar, Cliff Lee, Jeff Weaver and Paul Wilson.
Bullpen: Bob Howry, Rafael Betancourt, Billy Koch, Francisco Rodriquez, Danny Graves and Jorge Julio.
On the Farm: Michael Aubrey, Dustin Nippert, Adam Miller, Jeremy Sowers, Felix Hernandez and Jake Blalock.
Projected Lineup: Brandon Inge (C), Aubrey Huff (1B), Omar Infante (2B), Jack Wilson (SS), Hank Blalock (3B), Hideki Matsui (LF), Luis Matos (CF), Lance Berkman (RF) and Michael Cuddyer (DH).

Strengths: I thought this team was the best young team in the league last year, and nothing has changed.  Mike drafted Adam Miller early to go along with the best prospect in baseball, Felix Hernandez.  Team has a lot of power at an early age, with Blalock, Berkman and Huff heading into their prime.  Joe Mauer gets an extra year to get better.

Weaknesses: Usage was an issue last year, and may be a problem this year.  The pen could be short innings if the starters struggle.  Injury to Richie Sexson will hurt also, as will the injury to Rafael Soriano. 

Prediction: 4th place.  Still a very young team despite a few veteran faces.  The Monnies are similar to Jersey, as they need one more year to mature.  The Monnies have a nice future, if injuries to a few players don't hurt them in 2005.  A heavy Cleveland influence to the club.

Mad City Paddlers

Owner: Scott Lewis
2004 Record: 75-87 (2nd  place)
Projected Rotation: Josh Beckett, Roy Oswalt, Jose Contreras, Brian Lawrence and Mark Redman.
Bullpen: Troy Percival, Bob Wickman, Scott Eyre, Trevor Miller, David Weathers and Felix Rodriquez.
On the Farm: Greg Miller and Ervin Santana
Projected Lineup: Michael Barrett (C), Jeff Bagwell (1B), Ray Durham (2B), Edgar Renteria (SS), Casey Blake (3B), Cliff Floyd (LF), Tike Redman (CF), Gary Sheffield (RF) and JD Drew (DH).

Strengths: Two very good starters atop the rotation in Beckett and Oswlat, surrounded by a good bullpen.  Eli Marrero was a great pick (.415 vs. LHP).  The Paddlers have professional hitters, which is why they should continue to do well.

Weaknesses: The offense is getting a bit older, and their isn't much on the farm.  The Paddlers are built to win now, with a window of 1-2 years based on their current roster.

Prediction: 2nd place.  The Paddlers should do battle with the Devils most of the year for the division title.  Beckett and Oswalt compare well to other teams top starters which is a reason the Paddlers should make the playoffs, and could go far. 

Kentucky Wildcats

Owner: Rocky Hall
2004 Record: 115-47 (1st place)
Projected Rotation: Curt Schilling, Kevin Brown, Brandon Webb, Kenny Rogers, John Garland and Tim Wakefield.
Bullpen: Eric Gagne, Octavio Dotel, Francisco Cordero, Ron Mahay and Kiko Calero.
On the Farm: Josh Barfield, Lastings Milledge and Kyle Sleeth.
Projected Lineup: Ramon Hernandez (C), Travis Hafner (1B), Damian Easley (2B), Orlando Cabrera (SS), Melvin Mora (3B), Barry Bonds (LF), Torii Hunter (CF), Matt Stairs (RF) and Ken Griffey/Steve Finley (DH).

Strengths: The Wildcats didn't have the best record in the TBBL last year for nothing.  Barry Bonds is the best player in the game.  Curt Schilling is still an ACE.  Add in a few other players and the Wildcats are poised to repeat in 2005.  Best bullpen in the league hands down.

Weaknesses:  Back of the rotation isn't as strong as last year.  Getting through the season with limited usage could present a few problems.  Expect Wildcats to move picks if they are close, which could cause some problems for 2006. 

Prediction: 1st place.  Have to go with the defending division champs here, until someone knocks him off.  While I think the Wildcats will hang on to the division, the gap will not be as big as last year.  The division has improved, but the Cats should have enough to hold on.

Philadelphia Smackdown

Owner: Noel Langlois
2004 Record: 92-70 (3rd place)
Projected Rotation: Randy Johnson, Brad Radke, Wade Miller, Gil Meche and Josh Fogg.
Bullpen: Trevor Hoffman, Claudio Vargas, Scott Linebrink, Tom Gordon and Rheal Cormier.
On the Farm: Ryan Garko, Angel Guzman, Justin Jones and Sergio Santos.
Projected Lineup: Toby Hall (C), Rafael Palmeiro (1B), Placido Polanco (2B), Alex Rodriquez (SS), Aramis Ramirez (3B), Moises Alou (LF), Mike Cameron (CF), Shannon Stewart (RF) and Sammy Sosa (DH).

Strengths: New ownership and an excellent draft has the Smackdown of Philadelphia on the right path.  Randy Johnson is as dominate as any pitcher in the TBBL, and Trevor Hoffman is a very good closer.  Having Arod at SS this year is a huge bonus. 

Weaknesses: Bullpen could be a bit thin.  Injuries in rotation could hurt also, despite having an inning eater in Johnson at the top.  Palmeiro had a sub-par year in '04, which may not translate well in DMB.

Prediction: 2nd place.  The division should come down to the Wildcats and Smackdown in what should be the best race of all.  Going with the defending champ, but Smackdown should get in with Wildcard.

Grayslake Cubs

Owner: Chuck Goss
2004 Record: 68-94 (4th place)
Projected Rotation: Adam Eaton, Cory Lidle, Joe Kennedy, Matt Morris, Brad Penny and Jeff Suppan.
Bullpen: Joe Nathan, Dannys Baez, David Riske, Joe Horgan, Brian Meadows and Chris Hammond.
On the Farm: Franklin Gutierrez, Brian Anderson, Russ Martin and Huston Street.
Projected Lineup: Benji Molina (C), Mike Sweeney (1B), Jose Vidro (2B), Royce Clayton (SS), Scott Rolen (3B), Geoff Jenkins (LF), Andruw Jones (CF), Brad Wilkerson (RF) and Frank Thomas (DH).

Strengths:  Cubs have best 3B in the game in Rolen.  His numbers in 2004 were fantastic (314-34-124).  Joe Nathan also had a great year, and will do well in DMB closing games out for the Cubs.  Having Todd Walker could help, as he had great numbers in a limited role last year.

Weaknesses: The Cubs starting rotation is average, despite getting a career year from Kennedy.  Age and injuries (Sweeney/Thomas) may hurt the 1B position, but having Wilkerson is a great option.

Prediction: 5th place.  The Cubbies have some work to do to get to the top of the division.  One more solid draft and they should be on their way. 

Milwaukee Mudslingers

Owner: Shaun Parker
2004 Record: 93-69 (2nd place)
Projected Rotation: Eric Bedard, Daniel Cabrera, Doug Davis, Andy Pettitte, Jamie Moyer, Victor Santos and Steve Traschel.
Bullpen: Matt Mantei, Matt Wise, Tanyojn Sturtze, Brian Shouse, Alan Embree, Terry Adams and Justin Spier.
On the Farm: John Lester, Jared Weaver and Delmon Young.
Projected Lineup: Jason Kendall (C), Todd Helton (1B), Mark Loretta (2B), Jimmy Rollins (SS), Ty Wiggington (3B), Matt Holiday (LF), Garret Anderson (CF), Juan Encarnacion (RF) and Randy Winn (DH).

Strengths: Todd Helton continues to dominate the comfy confines of Coors Field.  Helton walked a lot more in 2004 than in the past, which cut down on his production a bit.  Good balance on the offense.  Rollins had a fine season, both with the bat and glove.

Weaknesses:  The bullpen is a mess.  Mantei was a nice pickup in the draft if he can return to the form of 2001.  Andy Pettitte was expected to dominate the NL last year, but elbow and forearm injuries deprived him of that. 

Prediction: 4th place.  The Mudslingers and the Cubs may trade positions in the fourth and fifth positions of the AL West throughout the year.  Milwaukee has a fairly potent offensive punch, but their rotation is not as good.  A handful of # 3 starters will have this team thinking trade as the season progresses.

Michigan Rangers

Owner: Peter Brooks
2004 Record: 63-99 (5th  place)
Projected Rotation: Chris Carpenter, CC Sabathia, Jason Johnson, Jerome Williams, Carlos Zambrano and Freddy Garcia.
Bullpen: Greg Aquino, John Parrish, Dan Micelli, Kent Mercker, Todd Jones, Jesse Crain and Dave Burba.
On the Farm: Bobby Brownlie, Dustin McGowan, Kris Honel, James Loney and Mark Teahan.
Projected Lineup: John Buck (C), Kevin Harvey (1B), Luis Castillo (2B), BJ Upton (SS), Wes Helms (3B), Manny Ramirez (LF), Corey Patterson (CF), Bobby Abreu (RF) and Aaron Rowand (DH).

Strengths: Solid starting rotation with Sabathia (about to break out IMO) and Carpenter at the top.  Having Crain and Aquino in the pen to compliment Mercker and Parrish is a great benefit. Manny Ramirez continues to be a great hitter, and his defense in 2004 improved.

Weaknesses: The weakness for the Rangers may be the division they are in.  With the Wildcats and Smackdown present, it may be difficult for the Rangers to stay atop the Wildcard race.  Could use another bat in the middle of their lineup. 

Prediction: 3rd place.  In 2004, the Rangers went 12-34 against the Wildcats and Norsemen (Smackdown)...that record will have to improve greatly for the Rangers to have a successful season.  A tough battle will keep the AL West interesting again in 2005.

Stone Mountain Confederates

Owner: Joe Anglin
2004 Record: 78-84 (4th place)
Projected Rotation: Miguel Batista, Jose Cappelan, Bartolo Colon, Zach Day, Johan Santana and Kevin Millwood.
Bullpen: Danny Kolb, Latroy Hawkins, Armando Benitez, Roman Colon, Rick Bauer and Jesus Colome.
On the Farm: Ian Stewart, Jason Stokes, Jason Saltalammachi, Ryan Langerhans, Mike Hinckley and DJ Houlton.
Projected Lineup: Charles Johnson (C), Lyle Overbay (1B), Jeff Kent (2B), Michael Young (SS), Tony Batista (3B), Raul Ibanez (LF), Scott Podsednik (CF) and Richard Hidalgo (RF).

Strengths:  Very good bullpen with Kolb, Hawkins and Benitez.  There isn't a ton of power on the Confederates, but good gap hitters.  Podsednik should have a nice year in the AL this season.  Johan Santana is about to peak and will be the teams ace for years to come.

Weaknesses:  Having Batista at 3B will work for just one year with his departure to Japan.  If Smoltz transition to starter fails, Kolb could become a setup man in Atlanta.  Aging players Charles Johnson and Jeff Kent could have SMC looking to deal at the trade deadline.

Prediction: 2nd place.  Santana starts every fifth day which makes the Confederates very tough to beat.  Having a balanced team will work in the favor of SMC, leaving them a good chance at the playoffs in 2005.  I expect the GM will try to improve the team before the season starts, possibly using some of it's AAA players to lure some veterans away from other teams.

Newark Eagles

Owner: Mike Witkowski
2004 Record: 92-71 (3rd place)
Projected Rotation: Bronson Arroyo, Matt Clement, Kip Wells, Randy Wolf, Barry Zito and Ben Hendrickson.
Bullpen: Shingo Takatsu, Keith Foulke, Guillermo Mota, Felix Herdeia, John Halama and Jason Grimsley.
On the Farm: Wladimir Balenten, Brandon McCarthy, Chad Billingsly, Brian Dopriak, Zach Duke, Connor Jackson, Ian Kinsler, Mike Pelfry and Felix Pie.
Projected Lineup: Brad Ausmus (C). John Olerud (1B), Chase Utley (2B), Alex Cintron (SS), Edgardo Alfonso (3B), Eric Byrnes (LF), Mark Kotsay (CF) and Ben Grieve (RF).

Strengths: Youth of the Eagles a very big plus, as is the bullpen.  Foulke and Takatsu had very good years in 2004.  Starters are solid also.  Brendan McCarthy is a year or two away, but other players on the AAA roster could contribute sooner than later.

Weaknesses: Where's the beef?  Eric Byrnes 20 HR tops this team, leaving a desire for more offense.  Holes at 1B and RF should cause the Eagles enough headaches in 2005.

Prediction: 5th place.  The Eagles can pitch, but they just cant hit.  Having Olerud at 1B is like kissing your sister at the prom, it just ain't right.  The good draft of 2005 will help the Eagles in the future.

Chemung Crawdads

Owner: Brendan McCormick
2004 Record: 93-70 (2nd place)
Projected Rotation: Al Leiter, Roger Clemens, Mark Prior, Jason Marquis, Greg Maddux and Jaret Wright.
Bullpen: Jason Isringhausen, Mike Stanton, BJ Ryan, Travis Harper, Danny Haren, Mike DeJean and Antonio Alfonseca.
On the Farm: JJ Hardy, Landon Powell, Carlos Quenten and Tim Stauffer
Projected Lineup: AJ Pierzynski (C), Paul Konerko (1B), Jose Reyes (2B), Derek Jeter (SS), David Wright (3B), Carl Crawford (LF), Vernon Wells (CF) and Magglio Ordonez (RF).

Strengths:  The best starting rotation in the TBBL and an impressive collection of hitters.  A year ago, Clemens was playing golf and Jaret Wright was a hyped up failure.  Today, no team in the TBBL can match Chemung's rotation.  In fact, no team even comes close.  Offensively, the Crawdads have a New York flavor; Jeter at SS, Reyes/Matsui at 2B and Wright at 3B. 

Weaknesses: Weakness?  Maybe the OF is a weak spot for the Crawdads, but good drafting of platoon players have helped that issue.  Oh yeah, so is Matsui's arm...what were some of the scouts thinking when they raved about him?

Prediction: 1st place.  I really don't see how the Crawdads don't win the NL East this year.  Leiter, Clemens, Wright, Marquis, Maddux and Prior are unmatched, and the offense is more than adequate.  Road to the series goes through Chemung.  I know Brendan from other leagues, and he is a class act that knows how to build a winner.

West Orange Panthers

Owner: Craig Morancie
2004 Record: 36-116 (5th place)
Projected Rotation: Brian Anderson, Jeremy Bonderman, David Bush, Aaron Cook, Ismael Valdez, Shawn Estes, Rich Harden and Scott Kazmir.
Bullpen: Jesse Foppert, Juan Cruz and Felix Diaz.
On the Farm: Clint Everts, Jeff Francouer, Jeremy Hermida, Andy Marte, Jeff Nieman, Hanley Ramirez and Rickie Weeks.
Projected Lineup: Rod Barajas (C), Mark Teixeira (1B), Luis Rivas (2B), Khalil Greene (SS), Marco Scutaro (3B), Adam Dunn (LF), Endy Chavez (CF) and Kevin Mench (RF).

Strengths:  Great prospects from the 2004 draft remain.  David Bush was the overall #1 pick of the 2005 draft for good reason.  Teixeira (38 HR) and Dunn (46 HR) provide plenty of power in the middle of the order.  Justin Morneau ready to contribute as well.

Weaknesses:  Like many other teams, the pen of the Panthers is a bit weak.  Team has a lot of starters who will have to shift to the pen in 2005, but are seriously lacking a closer and decent setup men.

Prediction: 4th place.  The Panthers will be an improved team from 2004, but are still a project by definition.  New ownership has the team heading in the right direction, but are in need of a Sid Finch type player in the minors.

Ridgewood Loggers

Owner: Mark Phelps
2004 Record: 93-69 (1st place)
Projected Rotation:  Ryan Drese, Esteban Loaiza, Derek Lowe, Mike Maroth, Russ Ortiz, Kerry Wood and Victor Zambrano.
Bullpen:  Ugeth Urbina, Solomon Torres, Ricardo Rincon, Matt Miller, Jim Mecir and Chad Bradford.
On the Farm: Jonathon Broxton, Elijah Dukes, Jeff Duncan, Justin Germano, Justin Huber and Cesar Jiminez.
Projected Lineup:  Mike Lieberthal (C), Carlos Delgado (1B), Brian Roberts (2B), Adam Everett (SS), Mike Lowell (3B), Chipper Jones (LF), Marlon Byrd (CF) and Larry Walker (RF).

Strengths:  Solid offense and a lot of power for a National League team.  Delgado (32 HR), Lowell (27 HR) and Jones (30 HR) will wreak havoc for NL pitchers.  Solid group of starters despite not having a clear ace.

Weaknesses: Last year's division champion will have some tougher competition this year.  Starters didn't have a great year last year, nor did Urbina.  Urbina is still out of the country trying to work on the return of his kidnapped mother.  The Tigers have brought in Percival, which may spell the end of the line for Urbina if he can get past his families crisis and return to baseball. 

Prediction: 3rd place.  Last year's division champion will have some tougher competition this year.  The Loggers have a very nice team, but others in the division may have passed them by.  The Crawdads have the pitching while the Confederates may be a bit more balanced.  The Loggers have a shot at returning to the playoffs, but the team may need to explore a deal or two down the road.

Beartooth Bitteroots

Owner: Mike Bush
2004 Record: 78-84 (4th place)
Projected Rotation: Kris Benson, Dewon Brazelton, Jason Jennings, Oliver Perez and Nate Robertson.
Bullpen:  Billy Wagner, Kaz Tadano, Dennys Reyes, Chris Reitsma, Sun-Woo Kim, Joe Blanton and Rick Ankiel.
On the Farm: Chin-Soo Choo, Prince Fielder, Stephen Drew, Alex Gordon, Kendry Morales, Jeff Mathis and Chris Nelson.
Projected Lineup: Victor Martinez (C), Casey Kotchman (1B), Marcus Giles (2B), Rafael Furcal (SS), Eric Chavez (3B), Pat Burrell (LF), Milton Bradley (CF) and Craig Wilson (RF).

Strengths: This team is loaded.  Outstanding foundation for the future, excellent offense led by Burrell, Chavez, Wilson and Kotchman, and very good staff.   Perhaps the best part of the team is Anna Benson, wife of starter Kris.  She should be able attract the attention of the Roots opponents all year.  Rick Ankiel was an interesting pick, could he be back on track?

Weaknesses:  Few teams in the NL have a better offense than Beartooth, but the Roots pitching staff may not have enough to elevate them to the next level. 

Prediction: 3rd place.  The foundation is there, but the future is the place I think the Roots will have the most success.  I have picked them to finish in 3rd place, which is where they were in most of my sims.  The win total should be above 85 however.

Moon Raiders

Owner: Tom DeCola
2004 Record: 94-68 (1st place)
Projected Rotation: Ted Lilly, Bret Myers, Ben Sheets, Javier Vazquez and Rob Bell.
Bullpen: Jason Frasor, Jeremy Affeldt, Scott Williamson, Ron Villone, Jorge Sosa, Frank Francisco and Juan Rincon.
On the Farm:  Jason Arnold, Daric Barton, Robinson Cano, Andy Sisco and Kurt Suzuki.
Projected Lineup:  Jorge Posada (C), Erubiel Durazo (1B), Adam Kennedy (2B), Angel Berroa (SS), Joe Crede (3B), Reed Johnson, Carlos Beltran (CF) and Danny Bautista (RF).

Strengths: Ben Sheets had a dominate season in 2004, finally living up to the hype he had after the Olympics.  Carlos Beltran received over $100 million dollars in 2005 from the Mets, will the Raiders try to move him now that he is playing in pitcher friendly Shea Stadium?  Jorge Posada continues to be one of the best catchers in the league.  Daric Barton is an excellent option to replace Posada when his playing days are over.

Weaknesses: The starting pitching of the Raiders takes a hit this year.  Vasquez had too much of an up and down year to be heavily counted on, as did Bret Myers.  Leaving only 2 reliable starters (Sheets and Lilly) atop the rotation, the Raiders won't have the luxury of out pitching teams this year. 

Prediction: 5th place.  Could this be a case of how the might have fallen?  The NL Champion from 2004 falling all the way to 5th place?  Well, if you look at the division, its hard to say the Raiders will finish ahead of anyone.  I don't think Tom DeCola will sit by quietly and let this happen, but based on rosters and where we are at this point, it may be a long year for the Raiders.

Los Angeles Halos

Owner: Greg Woertz
2004 Record: 90-72 (2nd place)
Projected Rotation: Livan Hernandez, Kyle Lohse, Mark Mulder, Carl Pavano, Woody Williams and John Thompson.
Bullpen:  Mariano Rivera, Eddie Guardado, Jamie Walker, Mike Timlin, Julian Tavarez, Ray King and Kevin Gregg.
On the Farm: Eric Aybar, Boof Bosner, Macay McBride, Scott Olsen, Yuresimo Pettit, Anthony Reyes, Francisco Rosario and Ryan Sweeney.
Projected Lineup: Paul LoDuca (C), J.T. Snow (1B), Alex Cora (2B), Omar Vizquel (SS), Adrian Beltre (3B), Jose Guillen (LF), Johnny Damon (CF) and Vladimir Guerrero (RF).

Strengths: Not many teams run an offense out everyday better than the Halos.  Vladimir Guerrero (337-39-126) is a monster in RF, and will drive in more runs with Damon and Cora at the top of the lineup.  Pavano and Mulder are a great 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation, and Rivera and Guardado are the best LH/RH closer tandem in the league.

Weaknesses: The only weakness I see is the platoon at 1B ... although many will say having Snow (338 vs. RHP) and Franco (306 vs. LHP) a better option than most.  Both players aren't getting any younger (who old is Franco now?), so Nick Johnson needs to get healthy in order to contribute to the Halos in 2005.

Prediction: 1st place and the TBBL championship.  The Halos easily run away with this division, turning the pennant race into a yawn-fest in 2005.  They then cruise to the World Series, where they capture the TBBL trophy.  Now only if it happens just that way.  The Crawdads will be a tough test for the Halos if they meet in the LCS.  Home field advantage could be very important in the NL.

San Francisco Seals

Owner: Jack Whalen
2004 Record: 92-70 (2nd place)
Projected Rotation:  Mark Buehrle, Paul Byrd, Jason Davis, Noah Lowry, Mike Mussina, Jake Peavy, Horacio Ramirez and Glendon Rusch.
Bullpen:  Luis Vizcaino, Steve Reed, Akinori Otsuka, Chad Cordero, Jim Brower and Carlos Almanzar.
On the Farm:  Matt Bush and Dan Johnson.
Projected Lineup:  Jason Varitek (C), Albert Pujols (1B), Juan Uribe (2B), Carlos Guillen (SS), Joe Randa (3B), Jason Bay (LF), Juan Pierre (CF) and Brian Giles (RF).

Strengths: Well balanced offensive attack with one of the games best players.  Pujols (331-46-123) is the cornerstone of the team, and is surrounded by a great mix of talent.  Jason Bay (282-26-81) had his coming out party last year, and will compliment Pujols well. 

Weaknesses:  Starting pitching not as good as last year.  Mussina wasn't Mussina in 2004, and neither was Buehrle.  Randa is below average at 3B, where corner power is at a premium.

Prediction: 2nd place.  The Halos are the team to beat in this division, leaving 2nd place up for grabs.  The Seals are better than the Raiders on paper, despite being upset in the NLCS last year. 

Cheyenne Warpigs

Owner: Ray Smith
2004 Record: 65-97 (5th place)
Projected Rotation:  Tim Hudson, John Lackey, Rodrigo Lopez, Joel Piniero, Kirk Reuter and Jae-Wong Seo.
Bullpen:  Brad Lidge, Jose Valverde, Todd Williams, Rudy Seanez, Damaso Marte and Ryan Madson.
On the Farm: Cole Hamels, Phillip Humber, Wade Townsend and Justin Verlander.
Projected Lineup:  Miguel Olivo (C), Sean Casey (1B), Aaron Miles (2B), Bobby Crosby (SS), Sean Burroughs (3B), Craig Biggio (LF), Rocco Baldelli (CF) and Miguel Cabrera (RF).

Strengths:  Gagne-like closer in Brad Lidge.  Hudson is a legitimate ace at the top of the rotation, and the trade to Atlanta should only help him.  The Warpigs also have a deep bench which could be included in trades to improve the roster later this year.  Crosby could be a star at SS in the future.

Weaknesses: The Warpigs are pretty deep, but have a few holes in their rotation.  Hudson's performance in 2004 dropped a bit, as did Joel Piniero's. 

Prediction: 4th place.  The Pigs could be a wildcard team if some breaks go their way, but are most likely 1-2 years away.