Season Preview - AL

AL NORTH

Minnesota 10,000 Lakes
Last season: 82-80, 4th Place
Payroll: $90.3M
Offense Grade: C+
Pitching Grade: A
Defense Grade: B
Overall: B

Madison Wizards
Last season: 89-73, 2nd Place / WC
Payroll: $65.6M
Offense Grade: B+
Pitching Grade: B
Defense Grade: C+
Overall: B

Trenton Jokers
Last season: 87-75, 3rd Place
Payroll: $97.9M
Offense Grade: B
Pitching Grade: A-
Defense Grade: B
Overall: B+

Syracuse Iriquois
Last season: 97-65, 1st Place / Division Champs
Payroll: $98.9M
Offense Grade: B-
Pitching Grade: B+
Defense Grade: B
Overall: B

DIVISION OUTLOOK: One of the toughest in the AL, bar none. The defending division champs will have their hands full, as it appears all the other teams have done whatever it takes to improve their respective ballclubs. Minnesota paid a ton for Heinie Roberts, and have a killer starting rotation. Madison has an offense that can score runs against anybody. Trenton just may have the division’s most complete team.

AL NORTH PREDICTION: Trenton – Division Champs / Minnesota - WC


AL EAST

New York Nippers
Last season: 89-73, 1st Place / Division Champs
Payroll: $65.7M
Offense Grade: A-
Pitching Grade: B
Defense Grade: B+
Overall: B+

Scranton Schrutes
Last season: 70-92, 3rd Place
Payroll: $62.7M
Offense Grade: A-
Pitching Grade: B
Defense Grade: B-
Overall: B

Pawtucket Bombers
Last season: 61-101, 4th Place
Payroll: $42.9M
Offense Grade: B
Pitching Grade: C+
Defense Grade: A
Overall: B-

Atlanta Convicks
Last season: 87-75, 2nd Place
Payroll: $76.2M
Offense Grade: C+
Pitching Grade: B
Defense Grade: B
Overall: B-

DIVISION OUTLOOK: I see a two-team race for the Division Title here, New York and Scranton. Both teams have the right combination of offense and pitching to both compete for entrance into the playoffs. Pawtucket made major strides upward this season with the acquisition of career HR leader Hector Rodriguez. Atlanta seems destined to bring up the rear this season.

AL EAST PREDICTION: New York – Division Champs


AL SOUTH
Texas Trail Blazers
Last season: 95-67, 1st Place / Division Champs
Payroll: $72.3M
Offense Grade: B
Pitching Grade: B
Defense Grade: B-
Overall: B

Monterrey Ping the Rookies
Last season: 94-68, 2nd Place / WC
Payroll: $98.8M
Offense Grade: A-
Pitching Grade: A-
Defense Grade: B
Overall: A-

Austin Bats
Last season: 58-104, 4th Place
Payroll: $34.2M
Offense Grade: B
Pitching Grade: B
Defense Grade: B+
Overall: B+

Memphis Rum Runners
Last season: 63-99, 3rd Place
Payroll: $72.1M
Offense Grade: B-
Pitching Grade: B-
Defense Grade: B
Overall: B-

DIVISION OUTLOOK: Monterrey seems to be the strongest in this division, and may upgrade their Wild Card playoff showing last season, to a Division title this season. Texas, Austin, and Memphis appeared to have all evened out this season, as one of them could take 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places, respectively.

AL SOUTH PREDICTION: Monterrey – Division Champs


AL WEST
Oklahoma City Redhawks
Last season: 75-87, 3rd Place
Payroll: $84.3M
Offense Grade: B
Pitching Grade: B
Defense Grade: B-
Overall: B

Vancouver VooDoo
Last season: 70-92, 4th Place
Payroll: $99.1M
Offense Grade: B-
Pitching Grade: B+
Defense Grade: C+
Overall: B-

Salem Lights
Last season: 90-72, Division Champs / Defending AL Champs
Payroll: $13.9M
Offense Grade: A
Pitching Grade: B+
Defense Grade: B
Overall: A-

Las Vegas Vegan Vampires
Last season: 85-77, 2nd Place
Payroll: $60.8M
Offense Grade: B+
Pitching Grade: B+
Defense Grade: B
Overall: B+

DIVISION OUTLOOK: Salem came out of nowhere last season, as their mostly-rookie team went on to win the division, and head to the World Series. They won’t be able to sneak up on teams this season. Las Vegas looks primed for a division title. Oklahoma City and Vancouver fight it out for third place.

AL WEST PREDICTION: Las Vegas – Division Champs / Salem – WC


AMERICAN LEAGUE PLAYOFFS OUTLOOK: Minnesota made big splashes in both the Free Agency Market and in trades. I feel that starting rotation will be enough to carry them through. Las Vegas and Monterrey both have strong clubs which will contend as well. The edge goes to the club south of the border.

ALCS PREDICTION: Monterrey over Minnesota, 6 games