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Welcome to the Season 17 of the USMLB.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

American League East Preview

Cincinnati Highlanders (89-73)
Question:
Will the Highlanders once again play the role of the bride’s maid to the Brave Vawts in the American League East this season?

Answer:
Well it’s hard to say but yes they will. They may still make the playoff but a second place finish will be in order once again.

Player to Watch:


Look for this very young tear the ball all over the park this season. Top contender for Rookie of the Year in the American League this season.

A word from the Coach:
This year is to just make the playoffs, where still one season away from competing for the division (watch out in season 8, Vawt). If I don't make the playoffs this year, it will be a disappointment. We really didn’t need to make any big improvements this off-season but looking for a some offense at the first base and DH spot and with some minor league players joining the club this year. It should be a fun year once again in Cincinnati this season.

Outlook:
The Highlanders has done a very good job of getting some young players in and competing for the playoffs every season, it’s very hard to that in this league. The Highlanders I think shouldn’t really have a problem making the playoffs but I think the division is a little to far away for them. I think the team will finish the season with a 90-72 record.


Dover Souls (Columbus Pride – 74-88)

Question:
Is this the start of a rebuilding year for the Souls or will they find a way to compete for a playoff spot this year?

Answer:
I think the rebuilding of the Souls will begin with a lot of there veterans being gone by the trade deadline and the youth movement really taking effect.

Player to Watch:

The team is really hoping the Davenport can really have a big year, for trade purposes or team goals we don’t know yet.

A word from the Coach:
This team is really going to start to stock up on prospects but still try to keep the major league team competitive. The pitching really needs to improve and the offense needs to find a way to be more consistent if where going to compete.

Outlook:
The Souls are going to be in for a long year, as they have talent but it doesn’t look like that talent will be staying for long. The young players are really going really have to play big for the team. The offense should be fine no matter what but the pitching staff is going to be a big concern for the team. I think the team will finish the season with a 65-97 record.

Boston Braves (70-92)

Question:
Will the Braves finish the season in the American League East basement for the five straight season or will they claw themselves into third place?

Answer:
I think with the improvements that the Braves have shown and the rebuilding in Dover the Braves should finish in the third spot this season.

Player to Watch:

With Terrero out of options and being a free-agent at the end of the season, this could really be a big year for him.

A word from the Coach:

Outlook:
The Braves as struggled to find wins the last couple of seasons but I think with the young players the Braves could see the end of the rebuilding project and there a couple seasons away from competing for a playoff spot. The Braves might just approach the .500 mark but I think they may fall just short of that mark. I think the team will finish with a 75-87 record.


Atlanta Brave Vawts (95-67)

Question:
With five straight division championship and one trip to the World Series in the last five years can the Brave Vawts final win there first World Series this year?

Answer:
Every season the Brave Vawts are going to be on of the favorites to win the World Series and this year is no different.

Player to Watch:

Really look for Bowman to really have a great year and score a ton of runs as well.

A word from the Coach:

Outlook:The Brave Vawts have to be the favorites to win the American League East for the sixth straight season this year and one to the favorites to represent the American League in the World Series. The Brave Vawts are really entering there prime as most of there players are still in there primes so it could be a very interesting year in Atlanta this season. I think the team will finish the season with a 102-60 record.