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Welcome to the Season 17 of the USMLB.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST PREVIEW

Los Angeles Galaxy (Boise Hurricanes – 63-99)

Question:
Can knucklebones get this team back to the glory days during his first run with the team?

Answer:
Yes the team will get back on track it just may not be this season as the pitching staff is still the weak point for the team.

Player to Watch:

The young first basemen has really improved every season and even got a MVP vote last year but the question now with him is how will be take the move to Los Angeles this season.

A word from the Coach:
The players we have here a pretty good, especially on the offensive side so the goal this season for the team should be making the playoffs period. I think if we add a significant pitching talent, we could really make a jump in the standings and scare some teams. The Tacoma Pioneers have controlled this division the last three seasons and I think it’s time to knock them off the top.

Outlook:
The Galaxy will show improvement this season but unless they can find some pitching help, I believe they will fall short of there goal of making the playoffs. I think the Galaxy will have a record of 80-82 when the season is over.


Salem Gangstas (56-106)

Question:
Can the Gangstas get this team moving in the right direction after a disasters year last season with the second worst record in the league?

Answer:
Yes and No. The Gangstas are once again going to be one of the worst teams in the league this season but the team is moving in the right direction especially on the offensive side and in a couple seasons you could see this team getting close to a winning record.

Player to Watch:

Woods had a great rookie season last year showing great discipline at the plate and hitting for some good power. Expect Woods to struggle a little at the beginning of the season but really come on strong to have a good season for the Gangstas.

A word from the Coach:

Outlook:
Expect to see the Gangstas improve a little this season but the problem was the offensive last year and I believe it will be it’s downfall as well this season. I think the Gangstas will finish the season with a 63-99 record.


Santa Cruz Timber Rattlers (Tucson Chupacabras – 85-77)

Question:
Can the Timber Rattlers keep there momentum going with a new ballpark and new owner after really surprising a lot of people with last season effort.

Answer:
Yes they can. The talent is there on the especially on the offensive side and with a less hitter friendly park the pitchers should improve as well.

Player to Watch:

Cruz finally got the be a full time starter last season and really showed that he can play at the big league level and put up some great numbers as well.

A word from the Coach:

Outlook:
The Timber Rattlers should be challenging for the National League West crown once again this season and with the Pioneers looking to have a down year could be the first team besides the Pioneers and Galaxy to win the division. I think the Timber Rattlers will finish the season with an 85-77 record.



Tacoma Pioneers (94-68)
Question:
Can the Pioneers stay healthy this season and get any kind of offensive to help the pitching as well?

Answer:
The offensive for the Pioneers looks improved but the Pioneers have really been rocked hard during the offensive with there start pitcher leaving for free-agency. So it looks like the pitching staff will be the big question for the team this season and not the offensive.

Player to Watch:

The Pioneers gave up a lot to get Cooper last season and the fans will really expect him to produce this season.

A word from the Coach:
We may look like where down this season but with the player’s we have, we could really ban together and once again win the National League west. With the team winning are first playoff series last season, I really believe that we are moving forward in the right direction. The Timber Rattlers are really going to be a scary team and with the rest of the division improving it will be a hard fought battle once again.

Outlook:
The Pioneers have really taking some hard shots during the off-season but the pitching talent is still there and the offensive should really see a big improvement with a healthy lineup. I think the Pioneers will finish the season with a 90-72 record.