S32 American League All-Youth Team

Below is my top team of 30 American League players currently on MLB rosters who are 25 years-old or younger.  These are based on my opinion.  Some positions were more competitive than others.  Although statistics are listed, ratings were a major factor in determining the team.  If you think somebody got snubbed, feel free to discuss on the message board.

Link to the National League Team

Season 32 American League All-Youth Team

(Click on a player’s name to view their HBD profile)

C:

Cesar Durazo (Salem): .341 OBP, 11 HR, 46 RBI, 39% CS, 3.35 cERA

Cesar Santos (Boston): .321 OBP, 18 HR, 67 RBI, 26% CS, 4.18 cERA

1B:

Angel De La Rosa (Nashville): .340 OBP, 43 HR, 114 RBI

Felipe Osoria (Kansas City): .329 OBP, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 13 SB, 17 Plus Plays

Francisco Cervantes (Omaha): .312 OBP, 31 HR, 87 RBI

2B:

Abraham Logan (Nashville): .288 BA, 27 HR, 92 RBI, 12 SB, .985 F%

Nate Harrison (St. Louis): .276 BA, 16 HR, 50 RBI, 21 SB, .986 F%, 11 Plus Plays

SS:

Jesus Esposito (Tampa Bay): .257 BA, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 15 SB, 15 Plus Plays

John Nix (Dover): .267 BA, 41 RBI, 36 SB

3B:

Wendell Werth (Nashville): S30 & S31 All-Star, .327 BA, 45 HR, 119 RBI, 20 SB, 18 Plus Plays

Andres Rivera (Omaha): .275 BA, 20 HR, 59 RBI, 23 SB

CF:

Fernando Espinosa (Rochester): .383 OBP, 32 RBI, 31 SB, .987 F%, 7 Plus Plays

Willie Johnson (Chicago): Rookie – 91 Range, 86 R-Split, 94 Speed

LF:

Stone Bennett (Chicago): .385 OBP, 36 HR, 110 RBI, 15 SB

Ernest Grimsley (Nashville): .314 OBP, 20 HR, 56 RBI, 6 Plus Plays

RF:

Michael Chong (Milwaukee): .260 BA, 39 HR, 119 RBI

Arismendy DeRojas (Anaheim): .284 BA, 18 HR, 54 RBI

DH:

Ron Atkins (Tampa Bay): .355 OBP, 36 HR, 112 RBI

Vince Tollberg (Milwaukee): Rookie – 94 L-Split, 84 R-Split, 77 Power

Starting Pitchers:

Lonny Gonzalez (Salem): S31 Cy Young, 22-6, 3.66 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, .250 OAV

Esteban Mujica (Chicago): S31 ROY, 15-6, 2.26 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, .195 OAV

Lariel Osuna (Nashville): 18-9, 3.71 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, .252 OAV

Rymer Tavarez (Salem): 18-7, 2.96 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, .242 OAV

Alberto Rivas (Anaheim): 16-4, 4.25 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, .268 OAV

Brace Cota (Salem): 15-5, 3.15 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, .205 OAV

Michael Boyer (Chicago): 11-11, 4.39 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, .251 OAV

Relief Pitchers:

Alex James (Nashville): 3 time All-Star, 43 Saves, 2.04 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, .217 OAV

J.A. Burke (Chicago): 22 Saves, 3.65 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, .268 OAV

Dillon Abbott (Omaha): 26 Saves, 3.44 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, .253 OAV

Pedro Ontiveros (St. Louis): 4.75 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, .264 OAV

Honorable Mention:

C Tom Volstad (El Paso), C Edgar James (Rochester), 1B Kolten Doster (Durham), 2B Frank Starling (Chicago), 2B Phillip Bruske (Kansas City), SS Santo Herrera (New York), 3B Ricardo Sosa (Chicago), CF Sidney Zagone (Nashville), LF Harley Rose (Durham), LF Peter Komatsu (Huntington), LF J.D. Sele (El Paso), RF Russell Castillo (Anaheim), DH Vin Chavez (Boston), DH Brett Hiller (Chicago), SP Gio Esposito (Tampa Bay), SP Jamie Snow (St. Louis), RP Casper Corbin (Tampa Bay), RP Orval Jungmann (New York)

S32 PRESEASON PREVIEW NL WEST

Last season season won the division by 15 games, winning 106 games.  They eventually went on to win the World Series title for the second time in franchise history.  It also marked the fourth straight division title, and the fourth straight 100+ win season.  Albuquerque took second last season winning 91 games and then collecting the wildcard spot.   The won their first series, but eventually lost to Seattle in the DCS.   That was their second straight winning season.  Oklahoma City took third last season and grabbed the last wildcard spot.  They lost to Texas in the wildcard round.  They seem to be having troubles getting over the hump as they have placed 3rd or 4th place for 6 straight seasons in a very tough division.  Colorado Springs brought up the bottom of the division, placing fourth.  That franchise has 3 straight losing seasons, only one of them under the management of FF.

I ranked all teams in each category.  The AL teams are ranked separately from the NL teams.  16 teams obviously in each league.

Seattle Strikers

Owner: Ghutton9(26 seasons)

Offense-5th

Pitching-3rd

Starters-3rd

Relief-5th

Defense-3rd

Oklahoma City Prairie Dogs

Owner: brentcnb(20th season)

Offense-15th

Pitching-15th

Starters-15th

Relief-14th

Defense-6th

Albuquerque Komodo Dragons

Owner:Csudak(13 seasons)

Offense-2nd

Pitching-10th

Starters-6th

Relief-13th

Defense-12th

Press release- Some thoughts on the team:

-Hartzell looks like a real ML stud and we've moved him to 3B as his def numbers were just too low for SS. 

-Love my OF as a combination of power and def, no weak players there.

-Concerned this could be the year Holmes and Heiserman finally start to decline, but I've thought that for the last 2 seasons and they keep proving me wrong. I'm loyal to a fault for those 2 and they are probably the reason I have the next issue.

-Pitching just isn't there to make a serious run in the playoffs. Have some good arms, but no #1. Made runs in FA, but struck out. 

Colorado Springs Sky Sox

Owner: Fantasy Frea(11 seasons)

Offense-13th

Pitching-13th

Starters-12th

Relief-10th

Defense-9th

Predictions

I think Seattle should be able to take this division fairly easily again.  I don't think they'll be good enough to win the WS again, but I certainly think they will be in the thick of things and should get a win total in the high 90's.  The AQ has some awesome hitters and some decent starters.  However, their bullpen is going to kill them.  They should be wildcard contenders,.  Oklahoma City and Colorado Springs should have a good battle for their place.  Although I don't believe neither team has enough to string any serious wins together.  I'd look  for them for a win total in the high 60's.

1. Seattle

2. Albuquerque

3. Colorado Springs

4. Oklahoma City

S32 PRESEASON PREVIEW NL SOUTH

Last season Texas had a great season.  They won 96 games and took the division by 12 games.  They squeaked by Oklahoma City in the Wildcard round, but then got swept by Scranton in the DCS.  That was Texas 5th straight winning season.  Louisville finished second last season with 84 wins, just missing out on the playoffs.  They have finished with a winning record for 12 of the last 13 seasons.  Houston finished third place, just missing out on a missing season by one game.  They have not had a winning season in the last 6.  Jackson finished at the bottom of the division for the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons.

I ranked all teams in each category.  The AL teams are ranked separately from the NL teams.  16 teams obviously in each league.

Jackson Juggernauts
Owner: Bobbyj7(20th season)

Offense-6th

Pitching-12th
Starters-11th
Relief-9th

Defense-7th

Louisville ARF ARF ARF ARF's
Owner: Arfy(17th season)

Offense-8th

Pitching-7th
Starters-9th
Relief-7th

Defense-14th

Press Release-  Louisville is officially in "Rebuilding mode".  However, we are dedicated to winning in Louisville still.  We have cut the team budget, but we still spent plenty of money in free agency.  The plan is to re tool through International signings.  We have many veterans available for trade on the trade block if the offers are fair.

This team lacks power.  We have maybe 2 power hitters and that's about it.  But we are going to get on base- A LOT this season!  The plan is to take many pitchers deep in the count and wear them down.

For pitching, we have two pretty good starters.  One mediocre starter, and two starters that aren't very good.  The bullpen we have Banks, which will put in many innings 120-150.  He will get a lot of hitters out.  And then we have a bullpen of solid pitchers.  No one great, but no one horrible either.  We're  expecting about 84 wins this season.

Houston Roughnecks
Owner:Bagwellbluff(11th season)

Offense-9th

Pitching-4th
Starters-2nd
Relief-8th

Defense- 4th

Press release: The Roughnecks are still a work in progress. We are in full "contending" mode. We have question marks. Our starting pitching should be good, but will our bullpen be worthy of a contender? We should hit well for power, but do we have enough people to hit for average? We should have a winning  record. I predict 85-77. It may not be enough for a wildcard, but we hope to in this season in a good position to address further needs next preseason, and I hope to bring the patient fans of Houston another title contending team in Minute Maid Park.


Texas Galveston Wave
Owner: Erichanville(8th season)

Offense-4th

Pitching-5th
Starters-8th
Relief-4th

Defense-5th

Press release- Okay well I am not too sure what to think of my team overall. The big question mark will be the pitching. Lost two starters due to old age and did not pick up any starting pitchers in free agency. This is definitely the weakest part of this team.

Relief pitching is average with one new key addition of Rickie Metcalf who will act as a setup man with the old existing crew. I feel like they will not be dominant but just good enough to get my starting pitching out of a few jams.

Offensively I think this team is great. Especially with the new key addition of Keith Williamson. I feel like this team is like a three headed snake, with Williamson, Dicky Stanley, and Bubbles Conger. Not too mention Alan Wilson with some gas still left in his tank as well.

Defensively my team has gotten better with the additions of Nick Erickson at CF who can cover a lot of ground which my team was lacking last season and Hank Herndon at SS, who is easily an upgrade over the prior SS for the Wave.

I am guessing my team will be .500 and if the pitching can come away with some surprising games we can easily get into the 90's in wins again. Will be curious to see how it all plays out.

Predictions

Texas is a solid B+ team.  A lot of this season will depend on how their starting pitching staff holds up.  Regardless, their hitting should be able to carry the team to another division title and into the playoffs.    Houston has a pretty good rotation, one of the best.  Unfortunately I don't think their hitting isn't going to be enough to carry them very far.  I think they'll the make the wildcard though.  Louisville is about average, but their defense is really lacking.  They might be lucky to hit the .500  mark this season.  Jackson should bring up the rear.  I don't think they'll be too far behind Louisville.    I would put them at 72-75 wins.

1. Texas

2. Houston

3. Louisville

4. Jackson

S32 PRESEASON PREVIEW NL EAST

The longstanding pride of Pinetar(three original Pinetar owners from season 1), the NL EAST was won last season  by Wichita.  They won 87 games and got swept in the wildcard round to the Breaking Bad team of the NL West, Albuquerque.  That was their third straight winning season.  They have recently relocated to Sunny San Juan.  So the U.S. no longer has to be ashamed., because they are not a real state. (he he).  Philadelphia placed second in the division winning 74 games.  It was their fourth straight losing season.    Cincinnati finished 3rd with 68 wins.  It was their second fewest win amount in any season in franchise history.  And Jacksonville finished the season with only 58 wins.  It ALSO, was their second fewest win total in franchise history.

I ranked all teams in each category.  The AL teams are ranked separately from the NL teams.  16 teams obviously in each league.

Philadelphia Moneymakers

Owner: Phillies26(32nd Season)

Offense-12th

Pitching-9th

Starters-14th

Relief-6th

Defense-8th

Cincinnati Firestorm

Owner: jbburner(32nd Season)

Offense-11th

Pitching-11th

Starters-10th

Relief-11th

Defense-15th

Press Release- I see the Firestorm as a .500 team at best. There has been a lack of hitting here which hasn't been improved and pitching which is average. Win/Loss prediction: 76-86

Jacksonville Juice

Owner:greygoose123(32nd Season)

Offense-7th

Pitching-8th

Starters-4th

Relief-12th

Defense-13th

Press Release- I am predicting a .500 season for my team. I signed some decent free agents, but my best young players are still very young. Next season, I fully expect to be competing for a playoff spot.

Wichita DwArf'y Mojados

Owner: Jibe(9th Season)

Offense-1st

Pitching-1st

Starters-1st

Relief-2nd

Defense- 2nd

Press Release- We have very high hopes going into season 32. I believe the change in ball park from Wichita to San Juan will lead to great things. I also believe that a great number of my players will be having comeback years. Headed by Rickie Halama and Tony Caballero. Also Jeimer Parra and Eli Duran who needs to show more than just promise this season. One guy who I expect to continue on the path of greatness is Eli Cruz who has HOF written all over his future. The new park should only help him.Pitching should be better as well. Headed by Geronimo Estrada and Rondell Collins. We could use better years by Eddie Plant and Javier Beltran. The pen should be good again with Dave Coleman and Juan Sierra. My big FA splash was getting Moises Olmedo and Roberto Lopez to come to San Juan. They better do well with all of the money I spent on them. I just hope that they don't spend all of their time in the hot tub recovering from injuries. The negative of this team is D, specifically a lack of a true CFer. We will need to out score the opposition and pitch our butts off because the D is suspect. SS should be very good with Raphael Santana leading the charge, but his bat is not the best.

So my prediction is a first place finish in my division and a 96-66 W/L record. 96 wins would set a franchise record. 

There are some very good teams in the NL but I believe that this one is also among the best so I have a WS appearance in the back of my mind for season 32.

Predictions

On paper, San Juan has one of the fiercest looking teams I've seen.  They are loaded from top to bottom.  Impressively they didn't sacrifice defense to get hitters. Should be a serious World Series contender.  I think Jacksonville will toy with the .500 mark and take second.    Their impressive starting rotation should carry them a little bit.  Philadelphia should win about 70 games, they are carried by their bullpen.  And Cincinnati should bring up the rear with wins in the 60's in another rebuilding season.  

1. San Juan

2. Jacksonville

3. Philadelphia

4. Cincinnati

S32 PRESEASON PREVIEW NL NORTH

Last season Scranton ran away with the division winning 97 games and winning the division by 18 games.  It was their fourth straight division title.  They played great in the DCS sweeping Texas in 3 games, but then fell victim to a very good Seattle team in the NLCS.  The Minnesota Huskies placed second.  They are now known as the New York Highlanders.  They finished two games under .500, and made it the third straight season for finishing under .500.    Iowa City placed third winning 72 games.  They have now finished under .500 in 3 of the last 4 seasons.  The Helena Copper Kings finished in last place losing an embarrassing 108 games.    That was a franchise record for losses.  They are now known as the Wichita Tornadoes.   


I ranked all teams in each category.  The AL teams are ranked separately from the NL teams.  16 teams obviously in each league.

Iowa City Hawkeyes
Owner:tk21775 (17th season)

Offense-10th

Pitching-14th
Starters-7th
Relief-15th

Defense-1st


Scranton Red Barons
Owner:Reggie988(10th season)

Offesne-3rd

Pitching-2nd
Starters-5th
Relief-3rd

Defense-10th

Press release-My offense should be great, and I've got mega-prospects Wilfredo Zapata and Cy Ackley sitting in AAA waiting to make the jump. I may need to make a deal for another arm or two, but I've got the prospect depth to make that happen.


Wichita Tornadoes
Owner: Pinetaar(6th season)

Offense-16th

Pitching-6th
Starters-16th
Relief-1st

Defense-16th

Press Release-League punching bag Al Galvez and his $5.6M salary are providing entertainment at our AAA affiliate this season. Several lower level free agent signings that filled a few of the gaping holes from last years squad. Several minor leagues brought up as well, mostly prospects that were acquired via trade. Expecting a 2nd place finish in a weak division. Not good enough for a wild card spot.

New York Highlanders
Owner:Ranscott64(3rd season)

Offense-14th

Pitching-16th
Starters-13th
Relief-16th

Defense-11th

Press Release-I'm not sure what starbuck was doing his final season(s) but as far as I'm concerned, I'm in year 2 of a major rebuilding program for this franchise. Starbuck won 15 divisional titles and more during his time year but he left the franchise in shambles; particularly the minor leagues. I guess success comes with a price.
In any case, I lost two Type A free agents. C Junior Shigetoshi and P Rickie Metcalf. That's ok. I should have an excellent draft this time around.
I'm going to experiment and have Santo Peralta be my starting catcher. He probably really should be a 3B with his pitch call rating of 25 but he has an excellent arm. Andy Ganzel will be the interim closer until next season when I promote 1, maybe 2, closers in waiting.
Rookie CF Ramiro Encarnacion should be good for years to come. Rookie 1B Lloyd Schafer should be adequate. Both of these left handed hitters hit lefties better than righties which is a problem. This team will be vulnerable to right-handed pitching.
In any case, I expect to contend in three more seasons. This year's team will struggle mightily to duplicate last seasons 79 victories. I'm predicting a 72-90 season. Probably good for last place in the division...

Predictions

Scranton will win the division easily again this season.   I don't know if they are the best team in the NL, but they should make a good push.  Iowa City and and Wichita should battle back and forth in the middle of the division.  I think they'll both win in the neighborhood of 70-72 games.  While Wichita might have one of the best young bullpens in the NL, their starters,  hitting, and defense will drag the team down.  Iowa City will overtake them because of their superior defense.  New York Highlanders should finish at the bottom of the division once again.

1. Scranton
2. Iowa City
3. Wichita
4. New York Highlanders

S32 National League All-Youth Team

To add to the season previews, I've put together my top team of 30 National League players currently on MLB rosters who are 25 years-old or younger.  These are based on my opinion.  Some positions were more competitive than others.  Although statistics are listed, ratings were a major factor in determining the team.  If you think somebody got snubbed, feel free to discuss on the message board.

The previous AL and NL All-Youth Teams were published in Season 29.  The teams include 3 Most Valuable Player award winners, 2 Cy-Young award winners, and a pitcher who just received a 100 million dollar contract.  To view the Season 29 teams, click on the links below:

Link to S29 AL All-Youth Team

Link to S29 NL All-Youth Team

Season 32 National League All-Youth Team

*Note: you can click on any player’s name to view their HBD profile

C:

Tomas Urena (Cincinnati): Rookie – 72 Arm Acc, 82 Pitch Call, 79 L-Split

Tanyon Graves (Jacksonville): .260 BA, 17 HR, 69 RBI

DH/C:

Louie Seanez (Louisville): Rookie – 91 Power, 93 R-Split, 73 Eye

1B:

Eli Cruz (San Juan): S31 MVP, .393 OBP, 61 HR, 134 RBI

Raul Quintero (Jacksonville): .234 BA, 28 HR, 67 RBI

2B:

Eli Duran (San Juan): .315 OBP, 22 HR, 64 RBI, .983 F%

Marcell Escobar (Jacksonville): .274 BA, 9 HR, 48 RBI, 7 Plus Plays (S30)

SS:

Sam Bryant (Houston): .253 BA, 14 HR, 54 RBI, 13 SB, .979 F%, 12 Plus Plays

Brooks Larish (Louisville): Rookie - 92 Range, 86 Glove, 92 Arm Str

3B:

Neifi Gil (Houston): .329 OBP, 34 HR, 85 RBI, 12 SB, 13 Plus Plays

Miguel Castillo (Jackson): .263 BA, 75 RBI, 29 SB, .975 F%, 7 Plus Plays

Humberto Ortiz (San Juan): .320 OBP, 26 HR, 68 RBI, .970 F%

CF:

Bartolo Ortiz (San Juan): S31 All-Star, .274 BA, 29 HR, 85 RBI, 43 SB

Russell Rucker (Oklahoma City): .343 OBP, 26 HR, 68 RBI, 35 SB, 10 Plus Plays

Ramiro Encarnacion (New York): Rookie – 89 Range, 84 Contact, 90 L-Split

LF:

Alex Borges (Jacksonville): .273 BA, 14 HR, 55 RBI, 18 SB, 6 Plus Plays

Joakim Vizcaino (Philadelphia): Rookie – 70 Range, 80 Power, 80 Eye

RF:

Luis Cruz (Scranton): .300 BA, 20 HR, 84 RBI

Chin-Feng Lee (Wichita): Rookie – 78 L-Split, 71 R-Split, 68 Eye

Starting Pitchers:

Collin Pavano (Iowa City): S31 Rookie of the Year, 11-6, 2.58 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, .229 OAV

Albert Olivo (Houston): 13-5, 2.86 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, .241 OAV

Alejandro Andujar (San Juan): S30 Stats – 16-8, 4.07 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, .260 OAV

Travis Morris (Iowa City): 10-13, 4.25 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, .258 OAV

Domingo Aguilar (Louisville): Rookie – 72 R-Split, 87 Control, 87 2-Pitch

Relief Pitchers:

Junior Martin (Iowa City): S31 All-Star, 1.38 ERA, 0.81 WHIP, .184 OAV

Erik Zaun (Oklahoma City): 7-7, 20 Saves, 2.76 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, .217 OAV

Avisail Soto (Scranton): 4 Saves, 3.72 ERA, 1.32 ERA, .265 OAV

Pedro Martin (Wichita): Rookie – 78 L-Split, 76 R-Split, 85 1-Pitch

Vic Dickerson (Jacksonville): Rookie – 84 Control, 76 R-Split, 87 1-Pitch

Yannick Truby (Philadelphia): 7-5, 5 Saves, 2.84 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, .211 OAV

Honorable Mention:

C Junior Martin (San Juan), C Miguel Alberro (Houston), 1B Donne Benard (Houston), 2B Jeimer Parra (San Juan), 2B Justin Champion (Philadelphia), SS Cookie Orozco (Scranton), CF Nick Erickson (Texas), LF Brent Peterson (Wichita), RF Kendry Cano (Scranton), SP Miguel Siqueiros (Cincinnati), SP Edgardo Valverde (Jackson), SP Stewart Hall (Houston), RP Rodrigo Andujar (Houston), RP Luigi Duran (Wichita), RP Arodys Escalona (Oklahoma City).

S32 PRESEASON PREVIEW AL WEST

Salem won 110 games last season and earned themselves a trip to the World Series against Seattle.  This was their third World Series appearance in four seasons, and was their fourth straight division title.  It was also their fourth straight season of 100+ wins.    The Anaheim team, which played in Vancouver last season under different management, won 95 games.  That franchise has had a winning season in 9 of their last 10.  St. Louis placed in third, also making it their third straight losing season.  The Omaha franchise, which played in Fresno last season under different management, placed in fourth.  It was their first last place finish in 10 seasons

I ranked all teams in each category.  The AL teams are ranked separately from the NL teams.  16 teams obviously in each league.

St. Louis Arch Angels
Owner: Flucie(18th Season)

Offense: 15th

Pitching-8th
Starters-8th
Relief-6th

Defense-12th


Salem Volcanoes
Owner: Jkenned(10th Season)

Offense-4th

Pitching-1st
Starters-5th
Relief-1st

Defense-3rd

Anaheim Skywalkers
Owner: mysticrain(1st Season)

Offense-7th

Pitching-4th
Starters-4th
Relief-5th

Defense-9th

Omaha Oracles
Owner: npbed(1st Season)

Offense-10th

Pitching-14th
Starters-15th
Relief-14th

Defense-14th

Press release: The Oracles play their inaugural season in Omaha this year after moving from sweltering Fresno and the basement of the AL West in season 31.

The Oracles have retooled their lineup and payroll in preparation for the upcoming season saying goodbye to ace workhorse Wilt Sizemore in a mega deal that yielded three players that Oracles fans hope will be the cornerstones of the franchise in years to come in Slugger Fransisco Cervantes, versatile Andres Rivera, and speedy centerfielder Louis Fitzgerald. The new trio will be joined by familiar faces Lariel Gutierrez, Bennie Navarro and Bernie Ramos to hope to outscore opponents this year in the AL .

On the pitching side with the subtraction of Sizemore, the Oracles came up empty in their pursuit of top line pitching talent in the free agent market much to the chagrin of the excited fan base. The Oracles will rely on an improved defense and a variety of cast offs and last chance pitchers to keep the ball in cavernous Johnny Rosenblatt stadium.

The future of the organization is bright with a small payroll and a generous handful of pitching prospects on the farm like Woody Hermansen and Stone Zavada looking to earn a promotion in Season 32.

Oracles fans may look back at season 32 as the year the pieces were put in place to contend in years to come. Or they may look back at season 32 as the year a newcomer GM traded organization icon Sizemore and set the club back a decade.


Predictions

Salem should continue their dominance, and will most likely win 100+ games again.  I think Anaheim will finish in second winning about 85 games and clinching a wildcard spot.  Omaha and St. Louis should battle for the bottom spot with their  inconsistencies and their weak defenses.  

1. Salem
2. Anaheim
3. St. Louis
4. Omaha

S32 PRESEASON PREVIEW AL SOUTH

Last season Nashville continued their young assault on the AL South, winning their  third division title in a row.  Unfortunately the playoffs have not been kind to Nashville as they lost in the DCS for their third straight season.  Huntington placed second last season winning 83 games and having their first winning season in the last 3.  El Paso finished in third place.  This was that franchises 5th season in a row under the .500 mark.  And Tampa Bay rounded out the bottom, taking fourth place for the fourth straight season in a row.

I ranked all teams in each category.  The AL teams are ranked separately from the NL teams.  16 teams obviously in each league.

Tampa Bay Thunder
Owner: (32nd season)

Offense- 3rd

Pitching- 11th
Starters-11th
Relief-11th

Defense-6th

Press release-The Thunder, one of the original Pine Tar franchises, looks to pull out of their recent skid and find their way back to the playoffs. The young crop of talent is finally starting to make its way to the ML level.The FA signings for Season 32 was limited to role players as the young ML players continue to develop. The offense will still be focused around 3B Junior Yang and DH Ron Atkins. The defense continues to improve with the addition of Nick Denham  at 2B. The core pitching staff returns with the addition of prospects SP Gio Esposito & RP Casper Corbin. The strength is in the relief staff. The question will be can management be patient while #1 Pick Bert Jordan and Alcides Iglesias continue  development in AAA. I look for the Thunder to pull out of the cellar into wild card contention. Last season they made in the WC hunt until dropping off after the All-Star break. They are still a season or to away from competing for the division.


Nashville Merchants
Owner: Blapo21(6th season)

Offense-1st

Pitching-2nd
Starters-2nd
Relief-2nd

Defense-1st

Press release-Alright, we have been moderately successful the past few years in the regular season only to flame out in the playoffs early. We are still you and getting better. This should be the best team we have had. As far as hitting we have to be one of the better teams in the league. We can really hit the ball, outside of catcher we are loaded at the plate. Starting pitching is solid. We don't have a big time ace, but 1-5 we are above aver average. I really like the pen, the back end of Goya and James are as good as any in the league. We don't have starter on the team older than 30 and only one arm over 30 so hopefully we can go on a run in the next few years. Prediction: 102-60


El Paso Arfydillos
Owner: Buffalo_rob(3rd season)

Offense-13th

Pitching-6th
Starters-10th
Relief-7th

Defense-7th



Huntington Drunkin' BArfys
Owner: Nyaggie98 (2nd season)

Offense-12th

Pitching-7th
Starters-7th
Relief-9th

Defense-13th

Predictions

Nashville seems to be the clear favorite here.  Barring injuries, they should easily win 100 games again this season.  I think this franchise is the favorite to win the American League, they just need to figure out how to win a playoff series.    A task many owners, including myself, have struggled with  looking for the answers.   Although Tampa Bay still lack in pitching, I think they are going to start making a move up in the division winning 75-80 games.  El Paso lacks in many areas, however I know Rob is a coach that can figure out how to get more out of his team than most.  I think he'll finish around the 70 win mark again.  Huntington won 83 games last season, but I don't seem them doing it again this season.    Their hitting is lacking.  Although their pitching might be average, their weak defense is going to hold this team down.  I expect it to be this franchises first last place finish in 14 seasons.

1. Nashville
2. Tampa Bay
3. El Paso
4. Huntington

S32 PRESEASON PREVIEW AL EAST

Last season Boston won the division by 5 games over Durham, before eventually losing to Salem in the playoffs.  It was their 5th straight AL EAST title and 7th in the last 9 seasons.  Durham placed second in the division, but got swept in the wildcard round.  It was their 12th winning season in the last 13.    Chicago finished third place last season, although they were representing Indianapolis under different ownership.  That franchise has a history of 11 straight losing seasons.  Rochester brought up the rear last year winning 73 games.  They have now finished in last place 3 of the last 4 seasons.

I ranked all teams in each category.  The AL teams are ranked separately from the NL teams.  16 teams obviously in each league.

Durham Doormats

Owner: Alogman1(23rd season)

Offense-6th

Pitching-13th

Starters-6th

Relief-13th

Defense-15th

Boston Pilgrims

Owner: kjmulli(18th season)

Offense-9th

Pitching-10th

Starters-1st

Relief-16th

Defense-2nd

Press release-im thinking 95+ and another division title for this season.

Rochester Renagades

Owner: Wylie715(12th season)

Offense-8th

Pitching-9th

Starters-13th

Relief-8th

Defense-11th

Press release- I expect my team to finish at around .500. I'm hoping some of my youngsters continue to improve, but I won't be surprised if my expectations don't come to be.

Chicago Thugs

Owner: wyvern737(1st season)

Offense-2nd

Pitching-5th

Starters-12th

Relief-4th

Defense-16th

Predictions

Chicago under new ownership has made some serious changes.  Their hitting is now one of the best in the league.    I think Chicago will bring home their first AL EAST title in the last 14 seasons.  I think Boston will place second by winning 86 games and taking a wildcard spot.  Rochester and Durham should have a good battle at the bottom of the division in the mid 70's for wins again.

1. Chicago
2. Boston
3. Rochester
4. Durham

S32 PRESEASON PREVIEWS AL NORTH

The AL North was a runaway division as Milwaukee was the only team to finish over .500, and ran away with the division by 21 games.  Milwaukee won the division for a third straight season.  He eventually lost in the ALCS to Salem 4 games to 2.   Kansas City placed in second winning 76 games, but placing under .500 for the fourth straight season.  New York placed third in the division, winning their lowest amount of games in the last 7 seasons.  And Dover finished in last place for the third straight season.

I ranked all teams in each category.  The AL teams are ranked separately from the NL teams.  16 teams obviously in each league.


Dover Dinklebergs
Owner: Tmfran(15th season)

Offense- 16th

Pitching- 16th
Starters-16th
Relief-10th

Defense-10th

New York Damage Controllers
Owner:Skuff730(13th season)

Offense-14th

Pitching-12th
Starters-9th
Relief-12th

Defense-8th

Press release- If I can get to 82-80, then it was a successful season as we try to regroup.


Milwaukee Magnitude
Owner: Horvie78(7th season)

Offense-5th

Pitching-3rd
Starters-3rd
Relief-3rd

Defense-4th

Press release- I'm expecting to win 95-100 games this season. We didn't lose any key pieces and added former Cy Young winning SP Julio Valdivia, RP Apollo Fletcher, 3B Buddy Berry, and rookie DH Vince Tollberg. The bullpen will be a major strength, but
they will be pitching everyday b/c there are no starters with high stamina. The offense should be about the same as last season. I don't expect MVP Zip Sullivan to have as good of a year as the past two, but Benito Rodriguez can't be any worse than he was last season. Our fielding is lacking good range in a few positions, but hopefully we have the glove ratings to make up for it. I am nervous about the health of this team, as we have some key contributors with health ratings in the 50-70 range.

Kansas City Yardbirds
Owner: Holleybard(6th season)

Offense-11th

Pitching-15th
Starters-14th
Relief-15th

Defense-5th

Press release- The Yardbirds will be really good....next year. We're talented and very young. I can see a 72-90 finish, with a late push to crack the 70 win mark.

Prediction

I don't see a whole lot changing this season at the top.  Milwaukee is clearly the best team in the division by a  long ways.  They should challenge for the AL pennant again this season.    Kansas City and New York should race back and forth twenty or so games out again.  I gave Kansas City the nudge, because I think their defense is a little bit better.  Dover should finish at the bottom again as they are still in a rebuilding process.



1.  Milwaukee
2.  Kansas City
3.  New York
4.  Dover

Your Win/Loss Predictions(by you) - Season 32

NL

North
Scranton Red Barons       95-67
Wichita Tornados            83-79
Iowa City Hawkeyes       81-81
New York Highlanders    72-90


East
San Juan Dw'Arfy Mojados  96-66
Jacksonville Juice                 81-81
Cincinnati Firestorm             76-86
Philadelphia Moneymakers    70-92

South
Houston Roughnecks                      85-77
Louisville ARF ARF ARF ARF's    84-78
Texas Galveston Wave                   82-80
Jackson Juggernauts                        80-82


West
Seattle Strikers                            95-67
Oklahoma City Prairie Dogs        90-72
Albuquerque Komodo Dragons   86-76
Colorado Springs Sky Sox          64-98


AL

North
Milwaukee Magnitude                    97-65
Dover Dinklebergs                         -------
New York Damage Controllers      82-80
Kansas City Yardbirds                   72-90

East
Boston Pilgrims                     95-67
Chicago Thugs                      86-76
Rochester Renagades            81-81
Durham Doormats                 76-86


South
Nashville Merchants            102-60
Tampa Bay Thunder            81-81
El Paso Arfydillos                --------
Huntington Drunkin' BArfys  70-92

West
Anaheim Skywalkers 97-65
St. Louis Arch Angels  ------
Omaha Oracles            84-78
Salem Volcanoes         -------