NL North Season 46 Preview

Wichita Tornadoes (Owner pinetaar-20^th season)

Season 45/ 90-72 (Division Champ)

Owners Thoughts/pinetaar’s take-Not sure what my aversion to being available during arbitration hearings, missed third season in a row.  Fortunately, this squad should be able to overcome a retarded owner and still be in the playoff mix.  Hitting Coach phenom Reid Radlosky will have this NL best season 45 offense ready for battle.  Unfortunately the pitching situation didn’t improve, and took a small step backwards…along with the defense. 

Key acquisitions:  Rubi Ozuna (SP from JAC), York Paulson (SP from JAC)

Key losses:  Daryle Wise (2B, to PHI), Jorge Lee (SP, to PHI), Edwin Wallace (SP, to PAW)

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Toronto Nice for What (Owner iain-2^nd season)

Season 45/ 86-76 (2^nd place, Wild Card)

Owners Thoughts:  We are returning the best part of our young starting rotation intact. We lost our best RP from last season but have more depth in the 'pen. Added some bats to lengthen the lineup around our returning stars and improve the bench. Defense probably won't be as strong as last season, but the hope is that improved hitting will make up for that.

pinetaar’s take:  Manager Of The Year candidate iain has taken this franchise and made them immediate playoff contenders, much to the chagrin of the NL.  To build on the success he’s already had in his inaugural year, iain has been hyperactive cleaning house/chopping dead weight/signing muscle.  Expect this squad to be around for a while, their window has opened.

Key acquisitions:  Junior Martin (RP, from TB), Pedro Florimon (3B, from DUR), Dan Rhodes (CF from MIL)

Key losses:  Abraham Logan (LF to OMA), Stewart Crade (RP to ALB)

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Iowa City Hawkeyes (Owner tk21775-31^st season)

Season 45/ 75-87 (3^rd place)

Owners Thoughts:  Only real move was to trade for Jeimer Servet (P) so pitching should be better; failed to land a power hitter in FA or trade. Expect to be better than last season and hopefully compete for division

pinetaar’s take:  I missed on this squad last year, thinking they would take the division pennant.  Underperformed across the board.  I can’t see that happening again (and again…).  Iowa’s rock solid defense returns, but it won’t be enough…offense and defense need to step up and play to their ratings.  If that happens, danger, Will Robinson!  If they don't, the Clouds of Curse remain hovered in Iowa.

Key acquisitions:  Haywood Poole (LF, from SCR),  Jeimer Servet  (SP from SLC)

Key losses:  Aaron Kimbrel (SS, to SLC) 

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Pawtucket Patriots (Owner bigronnie-10^th season)

Season 45/ 71-91 (4^th place)

Owners Thoughts:  None provided

pinetaar’s take:  Several minor leaguers brought up offensively, Harry Williams should be used as trade bait to start the process of getting some quality pitching prospects in the organization.  Pitching still stinks, a few lateral moves.  A rule 5 draftee (Alex Ortiz) is slotted to be in the starting rotation, a 15+ loss season isn’t out of the question.  It doesn’t help when your defense can’t catch or throw the ball, not much changed from last years NL worst defense. 

Key acquisitions:  Harry Williams (2B, from AAA), Edwin Wallace (SP, from WIC)

Key losses:  Darrin Atkins (LF, to ALB)

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Prediction:

You’ll see a wild card from this division.  I think it’s going to be close between WIC/TOR/IOW.  PAW still has a lot of work to do.

Wichita

Toronto

Iowa

Pawtucket