1. Kansas City Bush Leaguers
Last season's World Series Champion Kansas City didn't care to make any moves this past offseason; and frankly, they didn't need to. Returning the NL's top offense and the 4th best pitching staff statistically, expect the Bush Leaguer's to remain on top and possibly make a return trip to the show.
2. Vancouver Mountain Lions
The Mountain Lions were big spenders in free agency this offseason. Vancouver fans hope an extra $30 million dollars spent will help bolster a squad that already won 100 games and a number one seed last year. They have arguably the best staff in the National League and with youngsters like Gene Gaetti and Rey James just getting warmed up, this is a very scary team.
3. Fargo Tides
Fargo, formerly of Madison, was leading the NL North coming into the final week of last season. They ended up making it as a wild card but were ousted in the second round by Vancouver. Now in a new city and under new ownership, they look to build upon last season's success and 98 wins. Don't be too surprised if the Tides were to sneak past Kansas City for the division title and a first-round bye.
4. Charlotte Knights
Although they entered the playoffs as a #3 seed, the Knights were underachievers in the eyes of many last season. But this is a new year and Charlotte is buzzing again with talk of a 4th division crown in as many seasons. Everyone knows about the Charlotte pitching staff and the level of greatness they have already achieved, but ownership's clear contentness with a mediocre lineup leaves many of us scratching our heads. Only time will tell what this squad is truly capable of.
5. Salem Slugs
At times, last year, Salem seemed unbeatable. At other times, it seemed as though they didn't know how to win a game. With seven new faces on a retooled major league squad, the Slugs hope to achieve a greater level of consistency this time around. Salem has made the playoffs every year since the inauguration of the league. Don't expect much to to change in that regard.
6. Buffalo Spectacular Views
The Views are hoping to avoid another late season collapse such as the one that knocked them out of the playoff race last year. Many Seattle fans felt unfulfilled as their team sat home while division rival Kansas City tore through the rest of the National League field. Now the team has relocated to Buffalo, New York where many hope that the ship can right itself and the Views will make another playoff run.
7. Salt Lake City Primetimers
The Primetimers were very selective with where their money was spent this past free agent period. Adding a few key bats to what was already one of the better lineups in the National League can only be sign of good things to come. After netting an 86 wins last year, Salt Lake City will certainly be involved in some sort of playoff race as the season draws on.
8. New York Gridlock
The Gridlock spent less money than any other team last year but were red hot in the second half and they slapped the division rival Mets, now the Hurricanes, out of the division lead in the final series. This team is very young and they have a lot to build on. No one will let New York sneak up on them again, but don't expect a repeat of last season's magical ending.
9. Florida Hurricanes
The Hurricanes will be seeking to avenge the fallout they experienced at the end of the year and Nick Black will be sending many Miami natives home with souvenirs as he looks to win his fourth straight MVP. Although the Hurricanes are currently ranked ninth, the National League East looks to be a toss up and Florida's offense could put them over the top.
10. Huntington Hackers
A team that should never be overlooked, Huntington hopes to return to their winning ways and compete for the city's first playoff appearance since their inception. Even with virtually the same squad but one year older, Huntington can beat any given team at any given time and with a little luck, they could be in line for a surprise season that could leave many Charlotte residents bewildered.
11. Baltimore Barksdales
12. Montgomery Hornets
13. New Orleans Sinners
14. San Diego Mad Friars
15. Rochester Red Wings
16. Tacoma Thunderbirds
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