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Welcome to the Season 17 of the USMLB.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

AMERICAN LEAGUE NORTH PREVIEW

Ottawa Crawdaddies (86-76)


Question:
The last time the Crawdaddies won the American League North the following season the team had 25 fewer victories, can the team avoid another repeat of that this season.

Answer:
The Crawdaddies learned there lesson from a couple seasons ago and I believe they should be in the American League North contention once again this season.

Player to Watch:

Brantley really pitched well last season and the team is really expecting him to make a big jump this year.

A word from the Coach:
The goals for the team this season is to make the playoffs. We where really disappointed that we couldn’t land a true leadoff guy during free-agency but overall I believe we improved in all areas this off-season. A lot is riding on last year not being career years for these guys. In a nutshell, a lot of potential on this team, but they have to prove it and stay away from inconsistency that this team sometimes gets into.

Outlook:
The young pitching staff of the Crawdaddies looked like they got tired down the stretch and the team really got pushed by the Landports at the end of the season. With another year under there belt I don’t think the pitching staff will struggle down the stretch and the team should get there second straight American League East crown. I think the team will finish with a 89-73 record.

Minnesota Milfoils (69-93)

Question:
With the Milfoils in rebuild mode, how bad will the team be this season?

Answer:
The Milfoils probably won’t compete for the playoffs but they won’t be the worst team in the league as they still have some good firepower on the offensive side.

Player to Watch:

Expect Douglas to see a improvement this season and the team would like he to walk a little more to provide the power hitters a chance to score runs.

A word from the Coach:

Outlook:
The Milfoils had some bad contracts and aging players last season but it looks like this team could see a short rebuilding project. The organization so far has really done a nice job getting some young talent to merge with the veterans on the club. I think the team will finish the season with a 68-92 record.



Scranton Beet Farmer's (79-83)

Question:
Can this team make a big enough step to challenge for a playoff spot and a .500 record for the first time in team history?

Answer:
In the American League North you never know who will win the division from year to year so the Beet Farmer’s could surprise some teams and take the American League North crown and I believe they should really come close to getting that .500 record.

Player to Watch:

Shigetoshi won the Rookie of the Year award in season 3 and he’s gotten some good numbers since then, just hasn’t improved them since his rookie season. The team really needs him to have a monster season this year.

A word from the Coach:

Outlook:
The Beet Farmer’s have improved a little every season and there getting really close to the .500 mark and within shouting distance of the American League North leaders. I think the Beet Farmer’s will get to the .500 mark but will fall short of the American League North leaders and finish in third place once again. I think the team will finish with a 81-81 record.


Seattle Sundogs (Portland Landports – 83-79)
Question:
Can a new coach and city get this team to stop underachieving and has the damage been done?

Answer:
The second half last season showed just how good this team could be and under the right kind of leadership this team could really scare a lot of teams this season.

Player to Watch:

Rivera had his best season in his young career last year and the team is expecting him to improve.

A word from the Coach:

Outlook:
With the team making a move to Seattle the pitching staff is going to make a big improvement and with the new coach in place expect the team to play hard every game. The Sundogs should challenge for the American League East crown but I think they might just fall short of the goal once again. I think the team will finish the season with a 88-74 record.

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