Latest Poll Results - NL Tougher Division

Although AL teams have won the last five World Series titles the NL was declared the stronger division. In a recent poll asking which of the two leagues were stronger the NL received 10 votes, and the AL 9.

All Time Records - Pitching

• Wins - Santiago Manto with 103
  
• Strikeouts - Santiago Manto with 974
• Shutouts - Sammy Roosevelt with 8
• Complete Games - Sammy Roosevelt with 23
• Saves - Bryan McDowell with 202

Latest Poll Results - Twins Expected to Win AL North

According to our latest poll results the Minnesota Twins will take the AL North in season 7. The Twins received 41% of the votes, followed the Salt Lake City Multiple Spouses with 35%, the Toronto Blue Jays with 17% and lastly the St. Louis Barracudas with 5%.

Cincinnati Reds offseason review

The Cincinnati Reds had a busy off-season this year. General Manager Erff stayed clear of the free agent market but was quite active on the trade front. While most of the Starting line-up for the Reds remains the same with reigning NL MVP Omar Nixon in the clean-up spot again and the slugging Carlos's right behind him, thw bench however has been completely overhauled. In an attempt to improve overall defense utility man Al Sanchez was traded in a deal which brought Felipe Ontiveros to Cincinnati who should wind up as the Reds opening day shortstop. This move allowed Al Uribe to move to right field where he should be much more effective. Last years right fielder and one time rule 5 draft pick Dale Hume was traded for SS prospect Juan Barajas who is hoped to one day be a fixture at shortstop for a long time in Cincy. Something the Reds have not had since the days of Davey Rodriguez.

With a new back-up catcher, (a job yet to be won in spring training) and back-up outfielder Matt Larkin and utility man Nicky Hogan (a sentimental waiver claim) Cincinnati's bench has a whole new look.

As far as pitching the starting rotation is much the same as it was. Cy Young winners Yamil Pulido Mel Wagner, Santiago Manto return as the top three while the Reds look for a breakout year from young hopeful Bruce Kinney and continued mediocrity from one Yorvit Castillo. Kent Heredia, along with a frustrated Willis Ulrich (just couldn't make the jump) were moved in a blockbuster that netted three prospects destined to one day grace the field of GABP.

Fireman winner Mitchell Ray returns as closer with an aging yet still effective Gabe Lee and a much misunderstood Max Warden setting up for him. The rest of the pen remains the same minus one Greg Wells and plus a much anticipated Jaime Philips.

Though they'll likely start the year in AAA, Midre Davis, Tommie Jefferies and Roger Merrick all hope to make it up the show at some point this year. We shall see won't we......

Reds fans will tolerate nothing less than another division title this year and do indeed expect it. One wonders how long they'll tolerate the Reds consistent failure in the postseason however. Someone may need to get their resume in order after this one.

Omar Nixon Cincinnati Reds Age: 27 B/T: R/R Born: Mayer, AZ Position(s): 1B/LF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Yamil Pulido Cincinnati Reds Age: 26 B/T: R/R Born: Los Llanos, DO Position(s): P (P) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Team Preview of the Omaha Larrupin Lous

The Lous, one season removed from a 19-143 campaign, raised their win total in Season 6 to 64-98. The Lous are rebuilding from the bottom up, which will not produce a winning product on the Major League Level for another couple of years. The Lous are looking to their young prospects, Pedro DeSoto, Jose Benitez, and Andrew James to be the core of their pitching staff of the future. The top pick in the draft in Season 6, Lonny Waltman, sufferred a season ending injury, but will be making a splash in the bigs soon. The Larrupin Lous will be concentrating their Season 7 efforts on the international market, as well as, finding great talent with the number 5 pick of the Season 7 draft. A young, but dedicated ownership team led by yoker70, will bring this franchise back to it's past glory, although results may not be seen until Season 9 or 10.

Thanks yoker70 for writing the preview.

Pre-Season Power Rankings Part II

11) Arizona Splashdogs (AL) - 88 - 74 last season. Arizona has played bridesmaid to the Slobs in the AL West for the past three seasons. Arizona is a talented team that is primed to knock off the aging Slobs for the AL West.

12) Toronto Blue Jays (AL) - 88 - 74 last season. The Blue Jays have been one of the most powerful teams in the AL, winning AL North titles in seasons 2, 3, an 5. Will they be the team to beat this year in AL North? It could be tough in a division with a very good Twins team, experienced owner wylie715 taking over the team formerly known as the Ron Pauls, and the solid Barracudas all in the same division.

13) Salem Mayhem (NL) - 89 - 73 last season. Under weo49's superb management the Mayhem have won two division titles since he took over in season 5. They undoubtedly will be one of the strongest teams in the division, but do they have what it takes to get past NL powerhouses like the Reds, Marlins, and Cubs?

14) Salt Lake City Multiple Spouses (AL) - 90 - 72 last season. They deserve the award for the team with longest name. Wylie715 takes over after going through 6 owners in 6 seasons. Last season they deserved the most improved team. Will Wylie715 have the level of success they had last season? Wylie715 is an experienced owner, so they should be a contender in the AL.

15) Milwaukee Brewers (NL) - 88 - 74 last season. The Brewers play in arguably one of the strongest divisions in the league. Last season was tough for the Brewers. Last season they won 8 fewer games than season 5, and missed the playoffs after five straight playoff appearances. They have a young (one of the youngest teams in the NL) and talented team, so they should be back in the hunt in season 7.

MLB AWARDS HISTORY

American League MVP winners

Fernando Armas
Lee Crane
Fernando Armas
Fernando Armas
Fernando Armas
Dallas Payton


National League MVP winners

William Hernandez
Patsy Wheeler
Abraham Jordan
Omar Nixon
Omar Nixon
Omar Nixon


American League Cy Young winners

Sam Durbin
Sam Durbin
Britt Swindell
Britt Swindell
Chad Sanders
Charles Kinney


National LEague Cy Young winners

Dwight Johnson
Vernon Hernandez
Santiago Manto
Yamil Pulido
Yamil Pulido
Mel Wagner


AL Rookie of the Year winners

Frank Gates
Tuck Buck
Javier Benitez
Andres Domingo
Jorel Atkins
Lorenzo Sanchez


NL Rookie of the Year winers

Dwight Johnson
Patsy Wheeler
Manny Castillo
Wayne Stewart/Joey Tracy
Tony Torrealba
Sid Bryant


AL Fireman winners

Jay Dingman
Bruce Shelley
Iago Hayes
Bryan McDowell
Bryan McDowell
Bryan McDowell


NL Fireman Winners

Vic O'Donnell
Yamil Pulido
Fritz Weaver
Mitchell Ray
Mitchell Ray
Mitchell Ray