NL Predictions

NL West:
Poll Prediction: Mayhem
My Prediction:
1. Salem Mayhem - The Salem Mayhem has dominated the West for the past 5 seasons. I don’t see that changing in season 10. They were able to add a solid SP in Esteban Torres. The addition of Torres should help out the Mayhem who ranked 11th in team ERA last season. Last season: 1st
2. Scottsdale Pepperjackets – The Peppers have been quiet on the trade front. They have a lot of solid young talent like Vin Veras, Bey Lynch, Matt Pierce, Lonny Waltman, and Ugueth Cruz. Their rotation appears to be a little too weak right now to compete for a division title. They did sign the legendary Cookie Almanza to a one year deal. He should be a solid addition to their rotation. Last season: 2nd
3. Vancouver Canadians – Although it probably won’t impact them this season the Canadians are more than likely going to lose at least 4 solid players in the rule V draft due to some doodling, and general diddling. There is a lesson to be learned here, dont doodle or diddle before the rule V draft. The Canadians did add Mendy Hughes in a trade with the Cubs. He should be solid out of the pen, and be a big boost to a team that only converted 53% of their save opportunities last season. Last season: 4th
4. Oklahoma City Kevin Durants – Jsholmes did a great job last season with the Kevin Durants last season. This is a project team though that needs a few more seasons. Last season: 3rd

NL South:
Poll Prediction: Swingers
1. Houston Astros – I’m going with the upset here. The Astros may be the most talented team in the league. If they don't make the playoffs this season KJD should be forced to retire. They probably have more pitching depth than any other team in the league. They added SP’s Dick Reed and Jorge Navarro through free agency. They were able to add Russell Relaford and Danny Hennessey through trade. Hennessey should be a nice addition to a bullpen that was medicore last season. Relaford is projected to start at 3B. You got to wonder if he has the glove to play 3rd. Last season: 3rd
2. Louisville Swingers – One of the NL’s elite teams. The loss of Cam Anderson could be big for the Swingers. He was one of the NLs top pitchers last season. They still have Albert Johnson, arguably the leagues most talented position player. There still a 100+ win team. Last season: 1st
3. Jacksonville Beach Boys – The Beach Boys lost SP’s Reed and Navarro to the Astros. They were able to add starter Cam Anderson from the Swingers. The loss of Reed and Navarro may be too big of a hit to their rotation to overcome. Then again with Omar Elcano and Anderson at the top of the rotation it may not be as bad as it seems. Last season: 2nd
4. Santa Fe Heat – Santa Fe doesn’t appear to have the talent to compete with the Astros, Beach Boys, or Swingers this season. They do have a solid farm system stacked with some very good young players though. The Heat have the potential to be a very good team in a few seasons. Last season: 4th

NL East:
Poll Prediction: Pork N Beans
1. Cleveland Indians – Another upset. The Indians started out really strong last season, but faded as the season progressed. They have a lot of solid young talent. There bullpen is a bit weak though. Last season: 2nd
2. Atlanta Pork N Beans – There is enough info in the preview. Not much to say, they have dominated the East for 6 seasons. This is probably the season they fall. Last season: 1st
3. Trenton Ball Hogs – Trenton has improved each of the last two seasons. They were able to add a very good OF in Vin Ibanez from a trade with the Deuce Droppers. Don Bell could be a nice addition to their rotation if he returns to his season 8 form. Last season: 3rd
4. New York Mets – It’s only a matter of time before the Mets turn the corner. They have quite a few talented young prospects. Last season: 4th

NL North:
Poll Prediction: Reds
1. Cincinnati Reds – The North is arguably the leagues toughest division , but there is no reason to think the season 9 champs are going to fall from the top in season 10. The Reds added some solid vets in Posiedon Warden, Doug Cambridge, Tommy Johnson, and Jimmie Bergman. (I hate the Deuce Droppers, I refuse to call them the Fightin Armadillos after trading Bergman and Cambridge to the Reds J/K.) I predict another championship this season. Last season: 1st
2. Milwaukee Brewers – The Brewers improved significantly last season over their relatively dismal season 8. This off season they added some solid vets in Cooper Benes and Wes Kelly to go along with some very talented young players. The Brewers have a ton of solid young pitchers like Joaquin Villano, Tomas Camacho, and Edgard Espinosa. They have the potential to be one of the leagues best teams. Last season: 3rd
3. Chicago Cubs – The two time champs were really active this off season. Luis Jose was the teams most significant addition. They have the talent to win the division and a championship, but their window of opportunity may be closing. Last season: 2nd
4. Pittsburgh Pirates – This shows how good the NL North is. The Pirates are stacked. Last season they were over .500 for most of the season before falling off late. They have the potential to be a very good team in a season or two. Last season: 4th