Season 3 Predictions

Taylor Division
1.Orlando Majestics 16-8
The defending champions are back, and have an improved roster. Since last season, they have improved 4 points. The offense was the main improvement from season one, with many players playing up to their potential. Crede, Abernathy, and the utility position were vital, and got big hits. The pitching all came together for one of the best in the game. Chacon, and Wells gained points, while James and Bonser continued to be all-stars. The shortstop position is improved with Jamie Simms playing now, and they were able to keep both Robels, and Francia. With the great roster, and seven games against Montreal, the M’s have a realistic shot at a 16 win season.

Player to watch: Choo Freeman

2.Virginia Beach Bums 13-11
A team that couldn’t get over the hump again, but the Bums are falling behind. The core of the team is returning, but some important players had to leave. Both first basemen retired, one of which was one of the best player in Bums history so far. Doug Mientkiewicz’s bat will be missed, with Jason Stokes is replacing him. The starting pitching is what will support the team the most. Aging aces Mark Mulder, and Braden Looper are back once again, with their rookie Robert Ware starting this season. The team has fallen behind the original teams in a way, not being as strong, but they can still compete.

Player to watch: Robert Ware

3. Montreal Bleus 6-18
The expansion team will have a rough time in the East. The Bleus only have two 6 point pitchers, and three 3 point pitchers. The heart of the order is where their 3 point batters are, which can be a very compelling story. There isn’t much hope for the team until golden boy Rhyne St. Pierre becomes a rookie next season. They can steal some wins, but it will be tough. The teams are better this season, and they are at a large disadvantage. With some luck, they could get an upgrade or two. Since in the last two seasons, the worst teams have had bad records, and 7 wins would be the equivalent of it on a 24 game schedule. Who knows how this team will do. Only Eric Milton has played before, and it is his last season. The team is starting from the bottom and it starts now.

Player to watch: Willy Aybar


 
Lommel Division
1.Portland Trappers 15-9
The Trappers are a team that won’t be bad for a while. No improvement, but their rookie Ricky Bracket replaces the retired Jermaine Dye. The pitching remains the strongest in the league. They have a rotation without a bad pitcher, and Eric Gagne who didn’t give up a run last season. Oh yeah, did I mention three of the best players statistically in CBL History? Juan Encarnacion is just ridiculous, a former MVP Sean Burroughs, and Willy Mo Pena keeping his own. The team will undoubtedly contend this season if they don’t make the Taylor Cup, but they have a good chance to make it.

Player to Watch: Doug Waechter

2.Austin Roughnecks 12-12
Austin just cannot get over the hump. A promising team each year cannot get into the playoffs. The Roughnecks lost their best player, Sean Casey, to retirement. Luckily they drafted a first baseman to replace him this season. Brendan Irons will be holding the fort down at first. Only Elijah Dukes and Khalil Greene are the only other superstars in the field. Their pitching is shaky. Victor Zambrano is now the number one pitcher replacing underperforming Sidney Ponson. The RPs however is the best staff as a whole. But they are old. This is Bradford and Yan’s last season. One thing that wont be bad is the rivalry between Portland and Austin. They open up the season for the third season

Player to Watch: Brendan Irons

3.Omaha Cyclones 10-14
An improved team pitching wise, the ‘Clones are ready to compete. They sucked pitching last year, even though it got better. Prior was an All-Star, Gabbard brought his ERA down some 15 points in 5 starts, and Backe threw a no-hitter against Portland. Now they add their number one pick Akifumi Koike. The offense dropped a point with Morgan Ensberg losing a point. Gary Mathews Jr. was the hitting champion of the league last year, and he is hungry. Sadly, this is the harder division, but they wont be in the basement for long.

Player to Watch: Kason Gabbard