NL West Analysis

Colorado Rockies

I picked them to be last in the division and also to be dead last in the league. They have very few pitchers that would be playing on contending teams starting, although they have a couple players that could be decent pickups for teams who need depth. As for their hitting there are some pieces there that teams could use such as Eric Young or Joe Girardi, but overall there are many flaws on this team, and if they do not finish last in the league I would be shocked.

Los Angeles Dodgers

I picked the Dodgers to finish second in the division, because I think it is really San Francisco’s division to lose. The Dodgers have a very strong 1-3 in their rotation although Hershiser is getting old, and that may hurt the Dodgers chances if he declines fast. Although the Dodgers do have some young talent in AAA that may be able to help them out, none really look ace material. As for their pen, there is some talent there, but, it is still fairly weak, and probably will need to find some bullpen help as the season progresses. As for their lineup their 1-5 is on par with many of the great teams, however, their 7-8 begins to get a little weak. For them to overtake San Francisco, I think they will need to find a 3B or LF who are better than what they currently have. I still think they have a shot at the playoffs with the way their team is. That wildcard will be a good race I feel in the NL.

San Diego Padres

I picked San Diego to finish third in their division, although they could finish higher. I have heard rumours that Shuey is interested in rebuilding the team, and so that may keep them locked in third. The rotation that San Diego has is fairly good, behind their ace Benes. The rest of their pitchers are very decent, but no other ones really stand out as ace material. In the bullpen they may have the best closer right now being Trevor Hoffman. Sadly after him the rest of the pen is fairly weak, and if they find themselves in contention, may need to do something about that. In terms of their lineup, they have a couple players who could be leadoffs for most teams in Gwynn and Roberts, but they really only have one player with a decent amount of power in their lineup, which may be their downfall. I feel if they wanted to compete outside of their bullpen they would need to improve SS, CF and maybe 3B. It should be interesting what Shuey does with this team.

San Francisco Giants

We come to San Francisco who I think is a major favourite in terms of a World Series. They have one of the best pitchers in the game in Rijo, and then some solid pitchers rounding out the rest of their rotation. They have a great closer in Beck, but then the rest of their bullpen is not that strong, and this might be a cause of concern. Perhaps Burgos will make the team come opening day, or Greer and that might boost their pen some. As for their hitting, they have an aging McGee leading off, who may be good to start the season as leadoff, but more speed might be better, and their 2 spot is a bit weak. Then we come to the middle of the order and with Palmeiro, Bonds, Williams, and then Strawberry the 3-6 is a pitchers nightmare. Really the biggest concern with their hitting might be their 7-8 which is their catcher and shortstop, both who likely need upgraded, which hurts as San Francisco had to trade Aurilia which had looked like a pretty good shortstop. I really think they have a good chance to go all the way and this will be the team to beat in the West.

NL Central Analysis

Chicago Cubs

Well I picked the Cubs to finish fourth, but they could end up doing better. I do not find their rotation to be particularly strong, really I find Castillo to be their best, but after him the rotation slides worse and worse. I am a bit surprised to not see Trachsel in there, but this may change. As for their bullpen, it is for the most part weak, although Roberto Rivera could be quite good in the pen. Overall the pitching has a lot of mediocrity, and with the rest of the division, moves will need to be made. Their hitting is decent as well, and they have a great number four hitter in Sosa, and if the people in front of him can get on base than they could really do well offensively. 3B and CF are two positions in the batting that might need an improvement, but really the biggest needs are in the rotation and bullpen.

Cincinnati Reds

Well I picked Bubba’s Reds to finish second, but they could easily win the division. I also expect this team to compete strongly for the wildcard spot, if they do not end up winning the division. Lieber looks to be a good ace, but maybe not yet, he may be better in the future, and I am a bit surprised to see Pugh over Roselli in the rotation as well. The addition with VanRyn also gives Cincinnati a lot of SPs, and maybe they could use some of their extra ones to upgrade other pieces. Their pen looks decent as well, but they have a few too many starters in there which may not work during the season. I do not think Brantley will be the closer, as I would be surprised not to see Spradlin there come opening day. As for hitting, Larkin leading off gives them speed contact and power at the top, although it should be interesting what happens in the middle of the lineup as they do not have a lot of pop. I see this team getting on base a lot, but will they be able to score runs consistently is an issue. I think a little more power in their lineup might help them overtake Houston, but it is not going to be easy. Catcher is a bit of a concern.

Houston Astros

Well this is the team that I think has a really good chance of going to the World Series, even though I predicted San Francisco to beat them. Their rotation is fairly good and they have an ace in Drabek, and the rest of their rotation for the most part would be solid number 2’s or 3’s on most teams. Their bullpen on the other hand is a bit weak in my opinion, and the place that they would need to improve the most on. There is not too many there that I would feel comfortable with a one run lead in the 9^th inning, and that will likely be something Mhall looks into. Their hitting looks very good though, especially if Finley is their leadoff. Their infield overall is fairly strong with power at 3B and 1B, and some contact at 2B, but the SS may be their weakest part of their hitting. Their outfield is okay, but maybe an improvement at RF might help them a bit more, and possibly more power  at DH, but overall Houston has a strong team.

Pittsburgh Pirates

I picked them to finish fifth in the division not because of the team they have, but the fact that their owner has made it clear they are rebuilding. Their team is overall not terrible, and could potentially finish anywhere from 3-5 unless improvements were made. If Neagle is their ace then they have a pretty good one, and then their 2-3 are very solid. The 4-5 needs some work if they were competing, but if they are just trying to add young pieces than they are solid there. Their bullpen overall is a little weaker, and once again if competing need some improvement, but the pieces they have there could get them some solid future players. There is definitely no one man in the pen that stands as a closer over the others. Their hitting is okay, but it is a lot of similar players who either have contact, or contact and speed, but no power in their lineup. For teams who need a leadoff style player, this might be a team that has what you need, but they need to get some power in their future lineup in order to do anything to compete.

St. Louis Cardinals

I picked St. Louis to finish third, but depending on what moves they make they could end up being higher or lower. They have a great 1-2 in the rotation and then the rest of their rotation is very solid, nothing majorly noteworthy, but not terrible. Their bullpen is something that does need some work done on it if they want to compete for first place. There are some solid players, but no one that really sticks out. As for their hitting, they have a good leadoff in Lankford, or if they choose Smith instead. This is another team that has multiple contact hitters, but no real power hitter, and that is where their flaw may end up being. If they can add a power hitter maybe in the outfield, then I could see them really doing well. But they also do have some older pieces that may be better suited moved elsewhere to help regenerate some of the youth on their team that they have. Either way I really think some power and bullpen help is needed to overtake the NL Central. 

NL East Analysis

Atlanta Braves

So this is the team I predicted to win the World Series. Atlanta is just strong all around. They are very much like Kansas City in the way that they have three aces in their rotation, their fourth guy is young, and really the fifth one in their rotation is the weakest, but is by no means terrible. Their bullpen is fairly good as well, with multiple players who could be closers, but no one guy that stands out. Then there is their hitting. They have a pretty good leadoff hitter, they traded for Alomar, and then they have Justice as their clean-up, and Pendleton as another contact guy. What should make them stronger as the season go on is their young guys getting better, in Chipper Jones and Ryan Klesko and Javy Lopez. If they do not progress right away, then maybe this team will not do as well as I predict, but if they do progress, than this will be a fairly scary team. To be honest the best thing I see them doing to improve their team is getting a top end closer or just a better 5^th in their rotation, even some power off the bench would help them as well.

Florida Marlins

Well Florida I picked to finish last in their division, and they have no hope in winning the division in my opinion. They have some very nice young pieces in their lineup like Veras, and Sheffield, but those two players alone cannot win every game for them, and although they have some other decent hitters, there is just not enough to propel them anywhere near the top in this division. As for their rotation, it is probably one of the worst rotations right now, but there are pieces there that other teams may be interested in if they are trying to win for their division. Their bullpen is pretty much similar except they have a really good closer. Overall, their future is the key, especially with names like Rob Nen, and others on their team, if they just stand pat that may hurt them in the long run.

Montreal Expos

I like the Montreal Expos, and think they have a shot at beating Atlanta, but I predict them finishing second and having a shot at the wildcard. Although that will be difficult with a few of the teams I have predicted to be competing in it. They have strong pitching, but it just does not touch Atlanta. Pedro leads the team, but he still is developing and they have another young pitcher in Reuter who probably needs a season in the big leagues before he is able to help carry Montreal to the playoffs. They also have one of the better bullpens in all of baseball with Wetteland, and Haynes, and maybe that will help them get over the top over Atlanta. Their offense is very similar to Atlanta’s and may even be slightly better right now with the top of the lineup with Grissom and Tony Fernandez behind him. If they can get some big home run help out of Alou and Walker, they may stand a very good chance. Perhaps an upgrade in 1B or 3B might help them a bit more as well.

New York Mets

I picked the Mets to finish fourth, but they could potentially move up depending what happens. I highly expect a third to fifth finish though. They have a strong 1-3 in their rotation, very much like Atlanta, but their 4-5 is nowhere close to those three. Their closer and set up is also very good, but then the rest of their bullpen is a little shabby. As for their hitting, they have good contact at the top, but not a lot of speed, and the middle of their lineup has some power, but not a lot, which is why I do not think they are a big threat in the NL East. If they can shore up their bullpen, and end of rotation, and find a better catcher and a CF or DH, and maybe a replacement for McReynolds if he begins to decline, then they may have at least a semi good shot at competing.

Philadelphia Phillies

I picked Ericks team to finish third, not because they are bad, just because they are not quite Montreal and Atlanta level. Their 1-3 in their rotation is quite good, but similar to the Mets, it drops off in the 4 and 5 slot. The bullpen is okay, but was a bit older and they traded away two of their former bullpen for different pieces, and their pen should still be competent, but it still took a bit of a hit. I like that Erick retooled his bullpen to get other pieces that he needed, and really I do not think either of the player was a major loss, but still hurts a bit. As for their hitting, I am surprised not to see Dykstra being leadoff, as Stocker does not seem that great, but it may be the platooning. Sadly the one thing that Erick is missing is some power, and without that I do not think Erick can overtake the other giants in this division to make the playoffs. He really needs to find a SS that is better and possibly another OF. 

AL West Analysis

California Angels

I picked California Angels to finish last in this division, but the 2-4 really is anyone to grab. Their rotation is solid, and they have made improvements to their pen, which also looks very solid. They have an ace in Langston, but he is older and so the question always remains as to how he will perform. Like a few other teams their 1-5 is pretty solid in their lineup as well, but the back end looks a little weak. What they may need in order to advance up the division is a little more power either at 3B, DH, or in the infield somewhere. Their 2B/SS also is not particularly strong in terms of offense, but they can play defensively. I find it hard for them to beat Seattle, but if they can make some improvement anything is possible.

Oakland Athletics

Oakland is a team I could see also ending up anywhere from 2-4, but unlike most teams in this division, their weakest part is their pitching. To be honest their rotation is really below average, and aging, their pen is very much the same, and I really do not see their pitching holding up throughout the year. I am a little surprised that there was no retooling/rebuild going on, because of the pitching. Now their hitting may save their season. Henderson is creeping up on age, but he should still be a solid leadoff, and in the middle of their lineup they have McGriff, McGuire and Vaughn, but for them to have any chance to catch Seattle, I really think they need to find some pitching, and quite possibly a much better CF than they have.

Seattle Mariners

This is the team I picked to go all the way to the World Series and lose to Atlanta. They have one of the best pitchers in the game in Randy Johnson, and the rest of their rotation is solid, but nothing else really is top tier there, and they have made some trades to improve their bullpen, but like many teams in this league, they do not have a closer like Hoffman, who you can always put your trust in. Now we get to their hitting, Their 3-4-5 are going to hurt most teams, but the rest of their lineup is weaker than the middle, and so it will be interesting to see if their leadoff’s can get on base for their sluggers. I think that they will be able to, but if Corey wants to ensure getting deep in the playoffs, and maybe even upsetting Atlanta, he will need to find a catcher, or pick up someone who can leadoff that can also play in the outfield. At worst I highly doubt they drop below second place, but in 162 games, anything can happen.

Texas Rangers

I picked Texas to finish second, but they definitely have the potential to beat out Seattle for the top seed. Their issue may be that their rotation is good, but has no real ace that you can count on to win 20 games. They also have a declining Henke as a closer, and if he can pitch how he used to, then that is good, but they may need to shore up their bullpen a little. Their offense, is what can carry them during the year though. They have a decent leadoff hitter, and power from their 2-6, and then a wonderful catching phenom in Pudge at 7, and contact again at 8. Honestly the one area they could improve is SS, and it may not be that hard for them to improve their shortstop position in trade. If they can do this, and their pitching pitches reasonable in their park, they could just beat Seattle and be a team that others do not want to face.

AL Central Analysis

Chicago White Sox

I predicted them to win the division because they have a very strong 1-2 hitter, and then the Big Hurt in the clean-up spot. However, they do not have the strongest hitting in the division. Their pitching is fairly good as well, but nothing really stands out either good or bad from the top of the rotation straight through their bullpen. To be honest I think they may end up second if Cleveland hits the way they do, or they are able to make improvements to their pitching. What Chicago needs to make sure they can stay ahead of Cleveland, is a catcher of some sort, or another big power hitter in their lineup in RF, 3B or DH.

Cleveland Indians

I predicted them to finish 2^nd, but I really see them possibly finishing first in this division. I would say from 1-5 in their lineup there is no better team in the AL in hitting. Their 6-9 is fairly weak though, and that is why I picked them to finish second. Their pitching is not particularly strong either, with no real ace, and a couple of guys past their prime. They did add another reliever to their pen, which may help them, but once again their pen is decent, but not noteworthy player in there. I think if they want to win the division, they need to get a starter than is either an ace or a good 2-3, and possibly a first baseman or DH to back up Thome.

Kansas City Royals

I did pick them to finish 3^rd, but if their pitching can carry them, they could move up. It will be interesting to see in this division whether it is hitting or pitching that can reign supreme. Incognito has a team where they the top of the rotation is very strong, and has a fairly good closer as well. Really this team has three aces on their team, and if she plays her cards right, and is able to add some hitting to this team, she may have one of the strongest teams out there. The hitting, however, is really bad, and what this team needs to find is some power, and some speedy leadoff hitters. LF, RF, 2B, SS seem to be the weakest areas, and it may be harder to find a solution, but in order to win the division, I think those improvements need to be made. It should be interesting if Randa will end up starting so that McGuinness could DH or something, but time will tell how this pitching heavy team will fare.

Milwaukee Brewers

I pick them to finish last in this division, because they are in an attempt to rebuild, and overall their major league team is fairly weak. They have a lot of young players playing, and really only have one very solid pitcher on their team in Cal Eldred, who I feel could move before the season is done for those teams who need another pitcher. Their pen overall is also weak, and their strongest player there is likely Graeme Lloyd who will not be able to win games on his own. As for hitting they have a great leadoff in Hamilton, and Giambi will be in his rookie season as a DH, and his time is in a few years not right now, so do not expect their team to end up moving out of 5^th this season. Luckily for them, they have a lot of young talent, and with picks this year and what should be high picks next year, they will build a very good competitive team in the future.

Minnesota Twins

I pick them to finish 4^th, not because they have a bad team, just due to the fact that their team is not as good as the other three ahead of them. They have one of the best leadoff hitters in the league in Kirby Puckett, and they have a few other players who have good contact, but really no one stands out as a power hitter. Hrbek, and Brito are good power hitters, but are not a Frank Thomas or Jim Thome. Their starting pitcher is fairly decent, but like the Chicago and Cleveland no one really stands out as an ace. Their bullpen looks very solid as well, but no major standout either, and for this reason I rank them behind the other three. If they can get an ace or a power hitter, this could make the Central very close in terms of who makes the playoffs.

AL East Analysis

Baltimore Orioles

I predicted them to finish 2^nd in the East. However, I believe they could be a team to beat the New York Yankees. The strength of this team is clearly the pitching. Overall their pitching is young and very good, possibly the best in the AL East.  Fernandez is their oldest, and is only 31, so really I think this team has very good rotation depth if they were to lose a starter. Even their bullpen is fairly strong, and they have some players in AAA that could boost their pen if needed or even to use as trade pieces. The area I see them lacking is at the corners, 1B, 3B, LF, RF and DH. Really I do not see anything really strong in terms of power, which may hurt their chances, and as good as Harold Baines was in the past, he is 35, and who knows how he may hit. I think if they can improve their hitting over the course of the year they have a very good chance to beat out the Yankees, and go deep in the playoffs.

Boston Red Sox

I predicted them to finish 3^rd in the East, and really I only see them as being anywhere from 2-4 in the division. They have a good middle of the lineup, but the rest of their hitters are starting to get old, and with the way their bench looks, I feel like a small retooling might work more for them than trying to compete. Their pen is pretty strong, but then there is the rotation. Behind Clemens, there is not a lot of upside, and they lost one of their starting pitchers for three and a half months. I really do not see them being able to surpass New York or Baltimore. If they are able to pick up another strong bat, or another ace quality pitcher, then maybe they will be able to compete with the Yankees and Orioles.

Detroit Tigers

Well I predicted them to finish 4^th. Sorry Cadmus. Their team is starting to get old, with 6 of their starting lineup above 30, and some of them looking to be on the wrong side of 30, this could be an issue. They do have some strong hitters from 2-6 it will just be how strong it stays. The good thing for them is that Fryman is young, and if he can rebuild around him then they could have a strong team, or he may be able to net some pieces to improve his team. His pitching is the worst in the AL East in my opinion, but David Wells should be fairly good for him. If his team has the lead early, I think his bullpen will be able to keep it together, and for this reason, I can see them moving between 3^rd to 5^th, depending on what happens during the course of the year. Realistically I think the Tigers need to get an outfielder, unless they wait for their talent to come up over the course of a few seasons, they also really could use an ace.

New York Yankees

Now you have the Yankees, who I have predicted to win the AL East. Overall their pitching is really good, and hitting is also very good. Their starting pitchers should be able to compete, none of them are going to win the CY Young, but they are all very strong. Their backend is also very strong, and they have a young Ramiro Mendoza, who looks to be quite a good short relief pitcher. If they can out pitch Baltimore they will run away with the division, if not then they will have to rely on their hitting. I would say they have the best hitting in the AL East, but they still need some power I think. It should be interesting if they let young Bernie Williams start over Pose, but I think that their offense should be able to make up the difference to let them win the division. If they do improve any position, it would be 2B or SS.

Toronto Blue Jays

Mike has clearly made it known he is rebuilding, and that is why I pick them to finish last. Honestly with the team they still have I could see them finishing fourth. However, I know Mike will trade off some pieces, and I think in time teams will see that they need some of his pitching, and that is where Toronto is strongest. Their rotation is very strong at the start, and then drops off in their 3-4-5. Although, his 3-4 are not bad, they just are not of the same caliber as his starting two. Then you have the bullpen, and Ward is still in his prime, and a fantastic closer. The rest of his bullpen is okay, but nothing particular stands out. As for his hitting there are some nice pieces there for teams who need a DH or maybe OF or CF, but really nothing stands out again, although it should be interesting to see how Delgado does if he ends up being a catcher, or if Mike moves him to 1B.

Outline Predictions for the Season

AL East Predictions

1.       New York Yankees

2.       Baltimore Orioles

3.       Boston Red Sox

4.       Detroit Tigers

5.       Toronto Blue Jays

AL Central Predictions

1.       Chicago White Sox

2.       Cleveland Indians

3.       Kansas City Royals

4.       Minnesota Twins

5.       Milwaukee  Brewers

AL West Predictions

1.       Seattle Mariners

2.       Texas Rangers

3.       Oakland Athletics

4.       California Angels

Wild Card Teams

1.       Baltimore Orioles

2.       Cleveland Indians

NL East Predictions

1.       Atlanta Braves

2.       Montreal Expos

3.       Philadelphia Phillies

4.       New York Mets

5.       Florida Marlins

NL Central Predictions

1.       Houston Astros

2.       Cincinnati Reds

3.       St. Louis Cardinals

4.       Chicago Cubs

5.       Pittsburgh Pirates

NL West Predictions

1.       San Francisco Giants

2.       Los Angeles Dodgers

3.       San Diego Padres

4.       Colorado Rockies

NL Wildcard

1.       Los Angeles Dodgers

2.       Cincinnati Reds

ALDS

New York over Cleveland (who beat BAL)

Seattle over Chicago

NLDS

Atlanta over Los Angeles (who beat CIN)

San Francisco over Houston

ALCS

Seattle over New York

NLCS

Atlanta over San Francisco

WS

Atlanta over Seattle

Spring Training

With disputes, one free release, and trades and free agency all happening. The first sim of the year will happen on Thursday, April 24th. Everything will be due by then.

The first real sim of April baseball will happen on Sunday, April 27th, and will likely occur around 10 PM EST rather than 9.

With only Pittsburgh open a lot of teams are making moves to try and improve their teams or to rebuild a struggling franchise. Who will win it all?

Potential Season Preview may be upcoming over the weekend.

Go out and Play Ball!

No Strike Mogul League Confirmation

It has been confirmed that a brand new Retro Mogul League will be created under the admin named hokeyrules.

It will be starting in 1994. Unlike real baseball that year, we will still have baseball in this league, and hopefully everyone will have a good time.

I would like to welcome all the GM's who joined and the xat on the front page should be a great place for everyone to mingle.

Hope you enjoy the league!

- Hokeyrules