1. Portland Trappers-Overall 65 Points
Why wouldn't this team be the one to beat? Every player returned from season one. Doug Waechter earned a 6th point for pitching, making Portland's rotation 6, 6, 5, 5. With the roster expanding to 17, they got two pretty good pitchers. Kaz Tanado with his eepheus pitch, and Kiko Calero's 6 point arm in the bullpen already with Eric Gagne. The line up will be the same as their championship line up.
2. Austin Roughnecks- Overall 64 Points
This is a stab at it. The last place team had the pieces, just wasn't lucky. 5 batters batted under .231, including 3 pointer Preston Wilson. He was demoted to a 2 this offseason. But why pick them second? Sidney Ponson had glimmers of a nice season. They picked up Dauner Sanchez, a 6 point RP, and Josh Pappelbon in the rotation. Junior Spivey was added to the roster, while Andy Cannizaro was dropped to the reserves. It's this team's shot at a Taylor Cup. Their RPs, and ace Sidney Ponson are aging, but trades can now be made. Screw the future! Go big now! Plus, their identity is now awesome.
3. Virginia Beach Bums- Overall 64 Points
Last year's regular season champs come into this season looking for a championship. Doug Mientkiewicz went nuts to start Season 1. With a supporting cast of Adam Everett, Hank Blalock, and Toby Hall they're capable. Dmitri Young lost a point as a DH, but Adam Everett gained a point batting a ridiculous .393 as a 2 point player. Braden Looper was promoted to a 6 point pitcher also. Thing is, during the roster expansion, they picked up two 5 point players, the only team to not get a 6 point pitcher. But hopefully they get a Braden Looper performance out of Fernando Nieve, and Jason Windsor.
4. Omaha Cyclones- Overall 64 Points
The expansion team won't be an easy game. Made up of free agents, they get huge names like Jeremy Hermida, Mark Prior, Morgan Ensberg, and Jose Vidro. The rotation is 6, 5, 5, 5 so there could be a problem. They're the only team without 3 6 point pitchers. But their line up has 6 players with 3 points, just like every team(except Orlando). So if they can get a good year out of one of their 5 players in the rotation, they'll compete.
5. Orlando M's- Overall 62 Points
Orlando is in the most trouble. Before I installed the age retirement rule, Orlando already drafted Nomar, and Delgado. They were the only 2 retirements this past season. Shea Hillenbrand replaced Delgado, so theres no loss there, but Oscar Robels was signed for Nomar's replacement. He'll be in here one year until 3rd overall draft pick Jamie Simms gets called up. Scott Elarton was demoted to a 5 pitcher as Chuck James begins the season as the #1 starter. Hopefully Boof Bonser, and BJ Ryan can come out of the pen and get things done.
So there is my predictions, you can post yours.
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