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Welcome to the Season 17 of the USMLB.

Monday, May 18, 2009

New Britain Fisher Cats (91-71)

Question:
Does the Fisher Cats have the hunger to win a World Series or is there window slowing slipping away?

Answer:
I think this could be a make it or break year for the Fisher Cats, they have the talent to win a World Series they just really need to play to there abilities.

Player to Watch:

Valdes has great bat that can find hits all over the field and with some surprising power as well.


A word from the Coach:
The goal for the Fisher Cats this season is to have a solid and consistent season, hopefully winning the division and making another trip to the playoffs. This season's team has not changed much from last season; with a few additions that are mainly promotions from the minors. Starting pitcher Esteban Polanco was traded to the Durham Bulls for prospect and taking Polanco's spot in the rotation will be Jimmie Amezaga, who we signed as an international free agent a couple seasons ago. Starting pitcher Phil Perry will fill out the rotation in the 5th spot. Another notable promotion is that of Pep Valdes, who will be the team's starting LF and will bat leadoff.

Outlook:
The Fisher Cats will probably see themselves in the playoffs once again this season making it four straight playoff appearances. The talent is there for the team to win the World Series and once you get the playoffs this team needs to show the heart of a champion to win it all. I think the team will finish the season with a 100-62 record.



Philadelphia HeadHunters (48-114)

Question:
Can the HeadHunters improve from last season or will they lose another 100 games this season?

Answer:
Last season the HeadHunters really struggled with the pitching staff, which I think they have improved a little but I don’t think the HeadHunters can avoid another 100 lose season this year.

Player to Watch:

Watch Aguilar become one of the best young players in the league this season.


A word from the Coach:
The goal this season is to field a competitive team. To do that where going to have to really improve the worst pitching staff in the league last season as it was proved last year that hitting alone will not win ball games. I think realistically winning 70-80 games will be good in a tough veteran division.

Outlook:
The HeadHunters where just terrible last season, especially from the pitching staff. A major rebuilding project is under way this season, so if the fans in Philadelphia can show a little patience they could see a contending team in a couple seasons. I think the team will finish the season with a 60-102 record.


Milwaukee Bucks (106-56)

Question:
After surprising everyone last season and making it to the World Series, can the Bucks repeat the same feat this season?

Answer:
With the National League being so open this season they could make it to the World Series again but I don’t think they will surprise anyone this year.

Player to Watch:

Sierra had limited action with the big league team last season but his performance really has the team and fans talking about what kind of year they can get from him this season.


A word from the Coach:
The goal for this season is to make it back to the World Series, just that simple. To do that, I need to sign a catcher to replace Chris Bellhorn. I'd also like to sign another starting pitcher to improve my rotation, but that seems like a long shot. I feel that we should be able to reach close to 100 wins this season. The offense is much improved with the signing of Guy Williams, so another 1,000-run season could be in order. The pitching staff might not do as well as last season, as 16-game winner Sidney Musial has departed, and it is unclear if the remaining starters can perform as well as they did last year. There will definitely be plenty of runs scoring in Milwaukee this season.

Outlook:
The Bucks really came out of nowhere last season to not only win the division but make it to the World Series. I think it will be a tougher road for them to repeat that feat as the National League North is even tougher this season, as the whole National League seems to be really tough this year. I think the team will finish the season with a 95-77 record.

Chicago Blackhawks (90-72)


Question:
Can the Blackhawks make the playoffs this season after just missing out last season?

Answer:
The Blackhawks will once again be one of the top teams in the National League but with the National League North once again stacked and the improve National League I think it will be a little tough for the Blackhawks to make the playoffs this season.

Player to Watch:

Expect Frey to be one of the top lead-off hitters in the league this season.


A word from the Coach:

Outlook:
The Blackhawks are really in a tough position this season as they have the talent to win most divisions in the league just not the National League North. They will once again compete for the Wildcard spot but they could fall just short with that as well. I think the team will finish the season with a 92-70 record.