AL East Preview

Welcome to the AL East, home of the Orioles, Yankees, Red Sox, and Indians. Since taking over the Orioles in season 12, crabman has turned around a franchise that had struggled in the past. Last year they won the division with 91 wins. The Yankees had ruled the division since season 4, only missing the playoffs twice since season 4, including a world series win in season 5. Who will take the crown this year???

Last Season: 91-71

RS/RA: 770-651

Key Players Returning: Arthur Lone,  Austin Lane,  Karim Saenz,  Dan Newson,  Ryuu Choi,  Sam Long

Key Players Leaving: Lou McDonald(TB), Adrian Ramsay(BOS), Ivan Mota(DC), Ramon Wang(TB)

New Additions: Placido Santana(TB), Isaac Sinclair(SF), Seth Hemingway(CLV), Stuart Wilson(SF)

Prediction: The trade of young star Lou McDonald and reliever Ramon Wang to Tampa Bay for Placido Santana was a huge move for the franchise. Time will only tell if it was the best move. At 27 Santana has a lot of baseball to play, and his career can rebound in Baltimore. The rest of the moves really do help the Orioles and should keep them easily in contention.

RS/RA: 810-640

W/L:96-66

Last Season: 83-79
RS/RA: 745-750
Key Players Returning: Brandon Sutton , Benny Picasso , Ismael Goya , Albie Pineda , Lonny Sierra,  Woody Parker , Sam Russ
Key Players Leaving: Guy Cunningham (CUBS), Johnny Cressend (MIL),  Ozzie Percival (FA), Kyle Carlyle (CLV),
New Additions: Graham Ardoin (LAA), Donn Sisler (TEX), Harry Cairo (cubs), Tony Rivera (PHI), Sidney Wells (cubs), Cooper Tomlinson (POR).
Prediction: Two things stand out from last years team...a) they were OLD and b) they were very lucky to reach the playoffs. There was some turnover this year. But the Yankees stuck with experience (old age + knowledge). Either way, it doesn't look like the Yankees will improve much over last years squad.
RS/RA: 756-740
W/L:  85-77

Last Season: 80-82
RS/RA: 754-791
Key Players Returning: Adrian Ramsay , Charles Farrell , Jaime Faulk , Jerry Murray , Max Ferrer , Chuck Vaughn , Mendy Williams ,
Key Players Leaving: Kevin Marte (mets), Alving Martis (FA), Cristian Rhodes (tex),  Mendy Williams , Branch Crosby (FA), Damion Weiland (FA)
New Additions: Royce Crawford (BAL), Larry McCorley (BAL), Mariano Mateo (TB), Luis Pineiro (LAA), Steven Leon (LAA), Juan Miro (PHI), Luis Cueto (rule5-CHA)
Prediction: The Red Sox have quietly built a powerful team. They did a terrific job of replacing unproductive aging players, with players that will contribute and improve their wins. They will even challenge for the division crown and certainly for a playoff spot.
RS/RA: 795-770
W/L: 86-76

Last Season: 74-88
RS/RA: 806-781
Key Players Returning: Tito Owens , Welington Rojas , Ivan Morlan , Hulk Shannon , Rodrigo Lima , Alex Tejeda , Bo Whitaker , Harry Calvo , Randy Coleman
Key Players Leaving: Damian Brantley (SD), Edgar Seanez (FA), Rex Yearwood (cubs), Seth Hemingway (BOS), Earl Barclay (TEX), Geoffery Kelly (FA), Andres Mota (LAA)
New Additions: Maximo Goodwin (WAS), Jerry Grieve (POR), Kyle Carlyle (NYY)
Prediction: Quite a few young players have moved forward allowing the Indians to cut some of the low hanging fruit. They had a bit of bad luck, but their pitching was a sore spot allowing 781 runs (4.82/gm). But they got stronger on offense, defense, and pitching. Their additions will make for an interesting year in the AL East, and now the Indians are in the conversation to win the East or a playoff spot.
RS/RA: 835-770
W/L:  88-74

In reviewing these four teams it became clear...these teams are all here to win. They all might the right moves. It really comes down to how they play head to head. I truly think we will see the four teams within 5 games of each other all year. I give the Orioles the East, with the Indians sneaking into the playoffs. Depending on the rest of the divisions you could see either the Yankees or Red Sox battling for the last playoff spot. This will be THE DIVISION to watch from start to finish.

NL North Preview

The Brew crew has held the divisional crown in the NL North for four of the past five years. They went to the WS two years ago and nearly won it all. Cincy finally posted a winning record last year, while the Cubs have steadily declined since winning the division in season 14. The Expos have been mired in rebuilding for several seasons now.

Last Season:95-67
RS/RA:702-533
Key Players Returning:The pitching staff, Bobby Simmons, Bruce Lewis
Key Players Leaving: Alex Itou(FA), Brett Stuart (FA), Bert Gilbert(FA), Aaron Graham(FA), Brian Chang(FA), Alvin Sasser(FA)
New Additions: Dee Dee Hutton (Cubs), Jean Carpenter (POR), Glen Stanley(SF), Johnny Cressend (TB), Tito Yoon (KC), Pat Chang(FLA), Sammy Corino(MTL)
Prediction:The Brewers re-tooled...BIG TIME. They add two former MVP's in Hutton and Cressend. Their pitching staff is still amazing, and getting better. This could very well be the team to beat in the NL.
RS/RA:755-520
W/L:101-61

Last Season:83-79
RS/RA:687-706
Key Players Returning:
Key Players Leaving: Jordan Brower(FA), Enrique Navarro(FA), Don Anderson(CUBS), Yamil Saenz(FA), Patrick Adams(FA), Derrick Watkins(PIT), Eugene McMillon(TB), Shane Bradley(MIN), Pepper Stearns(FA), Wilt Diaz(FA), Ben Daniels(FA), Jackson Steele(FA), Stuart Flynn(FA), Dan Thomson(retired)
New Additions: Moises Pescado, Ralph Lowell(METS), Harry Uribe(AZ), Vasco Castillo(LAA)
Prediction:Quite a bit of turnover in the organization. If they can pick up another big bat or solid arm they might be trouble for the Brewers. The team probably overpaid Harry Uribe, since he is basically a platoon player. His defense will help, but it just isn't the biggest move they could have made. The young guys that have moved up in the organization are going to have to grow up quick. I predict they will.
RS/R:740-680
W/L:90-72

Last Season:49-113
RS/RA:586-1022
Key Players Returning: not many key players...
Key Players Leaving:Dee Dee Hutton (MIL), Buck Brown(PHI), Tommy Norman(FLA)
New Additions: Aurelio Infante(MTL), Jose Liriano(NYY), Guy Cunningham(NYY), Ivan Prince(PIT), Rex Yearwood(CLV), Kyle Toombs(KC), Esteban Carrasco(CSOX), Marc Buhner(AZ), Cesar Trajano(AZ), Scott Perry(TB), Denny Rath(STL), Tuck Murphy(TX), Don Anderson(CIN), Enrique Pena(TB), Morris Houston(HOU)
Prediction:I haven't seen many teams in HBD give up over a 1000 runs. Obviously the leadership felt the same way. The Cubs dove headfirst into the free agency market and made the team substantially better. It will be enough to make the Cubs respectable again, fast.
RS/R:660-750
W/L: 70-92

Last Season:35-127
RS/RA:440-819
Key Players Returning: Luis Rodriguez, Ernie Gehrig, Joel Canseco
Key Players Leaving: Alex Almanzar(PHI),  Albert Weathers(FA),  Pedro Jimenez(FA)
New Additions: Tom Urich(WAS), Jim Rowan(TB), Vic Sierra(MIN), Stan Borbon(DET), Garret Barker, Peter Pan, Derek Williams(BOS), Michael Walter(FLA), Jeremie Morgan(METS), Ernie Gehrig(SF), Ruben Gongora(WAS)
Prediction:The Expos made some decent moves that will pay off in the long run. But right now the rebuilding is painful. Good thing no one in Montreal really likes baseball.
RS/RA: 460-760
W/L:42-120

AL North Preview

The AL North has been dominated by the Chicago White Sox for the past eight seasons, including a World Series title in season 15. Can anyone else in the division step up to knock them out of the top spot?

Chicago White Sox
Last Season: 115-47
RS/RA: 854-568
Key Players Returning: Al Palacious, Brace Watkins, Walter Phillips
Key Players Leaving: Lorenzo Rios (Atl), Esteban Carrasco (Cubs)
New Additions: Jimmie Torres, Nick Terrell, Sven Hammonds
Prediction: Didn't lose anyone crucial and the team is still among the youngest in the league. With room to grow more expect another division championship from the Black and White from the Southside.
RS/RA 870-540
W/L 110-52

Blue Jays
Last Season: 80-82
RS/RA: 823-872
Key Players Returning: Victor Blanco, Chin-Lung Chang, Douglas Carpenter, Wally Barton
Key Players Leaving: Albie Pineda (NYY), Lariel Juarez (PIT)
New Additions: Phillip Kingston (FLA), Joseph Ishii (DET),
Prediction: The big question is if the Jays improved their pitching and defense. By adding Kingston and Ishii they have taken a step forward. Pasqual Ramirez and Delanor Johnstone, while some of the older pitchers took a step backwards. With basically the same team, don't expect the Jays to make big enough strides to reach the playoffs this year.
RS/RA: 840-850
W/L: 82-80
GM FEEDBACK: " I project Johnstone will post 20 wins. Also, Doumet will have a full season. I project him to hit 44 homers. Hopefully these 2 will lead the team to a wild card spot. Chicago is just too strong in the division." (Toronto GM rod33

Minnesota Twins
Last Season: 73-89
RS/RA: 766-877
Key Players Returning: Benny Astacio, Gene Simms, Brady Sierra, Jesse Cooke
Key Players Leaving: Jesus Figureoa (Phi), Lonny Chavez (FA), Nerio Rose (FA)
New Additions: Stretch Boucher, Pedro Ordonez, Shane Bradley (CIN),  Clint Brocail(rule5-NYM)
Prediction: It's hard to say that the Twins have done enough to make a big leap this year. Their biggest problem was allowing runs. There isn't any upgrades on the defensive side, and nothing on the pitching side that will really help. The offense will miss Lonny Chavez.
RS/RA: 745-850
W-L: 71-91


Detroit Tigers
Last Season:63-99
RS/RA: 730-880
Key Players Returning: Tommy Corcoran, Adrian Lee, Vance Cora,
Key Players Leaving: Felipe Oropesa (FA), Stan Borbon (MTL)
New Additions: Edgard Nunez
Prediction: Made one big upgrade to their team by calling up prospect Nunez to play CF. That should make a difference in a couple of ways. But one change to a team that finished dead last doesn't impress the once rabid fanbase. The rebuilding continues and fans are losing patience in Mo-Town.
RS/RA: 760-850
W/L: 68-94

Marsrover Takes Over Florida

Former Expos GM marsrover21 has returned to baseball and now looks to make the Florida Marlins relevant again. The architect of the midworld powerhouse ‘Spos, marsrover21 brings his experienced hand to a franchise that hasn’t even made the playoffs since S3, when they won it all. The new GM made a big splash his first week on the job by trading away young phenom Jim Rowan for established vet Branch Vitiello. Although they won only 75 games last year, marsrover21 seems to think that this team is ready to make the jump to playoff contender. Time will tell if mars’ moves were shrewd team-building or just an overeager executive trying to reinvigorate a beleagured fanbase.

Prediction: 90 wins.

NL North Offseason Report

Moving over to the NL North, we've had a massive FA spending binge by the Cubs, a youth movement by the Expos, a couple of shrewd moves by the Brewers, and an intriguing strategy by the Reds.

The division-champ Brewers picked up a pair of nice free agent bats: 1B Brett Stuart and C Jolbert Romero. Add the promotion Season 10's #7 overall, SP Richard Cameron, and already-tough Milwaukee becomes the odds-on favorite to repeat.

Chicago was perhaps Kinsella's biggest free-agent spender, luring SP's Sidney Wells and Rod Dupler; relievers Warren Giles and Jorge Sierra; OF's Earl Jorgensen, Carlos Cruz, and Pat Freeman; and IF Jason Brewington. They also re-signed C Jolbert Saenz and 2B Hub Veres. The Cubbies may well give Milwaukee a run...at bare minimum they'll score a lot more runs with Jorgensen and Cruz in the OF.

Cincinnati is still incomplete. No FA signings, no trades, no promotions and 17 players on the ML roster thus far. "It's a bold strategy, Cotton, let's see if it works out for'em."

Montreal said "sayonara" to a boatload of free agents and has used free agency, trades and promotions to restock. They moved P J.P. Taveras for reliever Peter Pan and a pair of prospects, brought CF Scott Perry home in exchange for Manuel Martin, and signed SP Nelson Stockton to a 2-year deal. The farm system produced 1B David Fernandez (Season 7 IFA), SP Greg Hewson (Season 9 #28 overall), SP Paul Kim (Season 6 #43 overall) and SP Manuel Samuel (Season 9 #48 overall). Could be another down year for the Expos, but the youth movement has begun.

One-On-One With Kinsella Commish Overeasy

In a futile attempt to overcome the boredom of Spring Training, "World Kinsella" recently sat down for a candid give-and-take with overeasy on all things Kinsella...and a few other things.


Who is overeasy in real life?
Overeasy is John Coffman, a 36 year old happily married man with three wonderful boys (Almost 5, Almost 3, and 1) who works as an electrical engineer for a small consulting firm near Portland, OR.

Do you develop "man-crushes" on your HBD players?
I wouldn't exactly call it a man crush like sparrow and Dee Dee, but I would call myself a fan of Brandon Sutton and will probably keep him around longer than I should.

What are the most under-rated and over-rated player ratings and why?
Under-rated - Contact: High contact guys seem to get a boost to their stats above what you would expect from their other ratings and when combined with high eye they become an OBP machine. Pitch ratings: Seems that a lot of the primary focus is on control and splits, but a pitcher isn't truly able to be their best without a P1 of 80+ (love to see 90+) and a P2 of 70+. It's what separates Walt Hernandez from Kordell Becker.
Over-rated - Power: It has the shortest lifespan of the key ratings and many hitters are near worthless once it drops. GB/FB - Some folks profess that it is very important, but I haven't seen any good evidence that it matters too much, though I usually like to have a good defense all around.

Favorite moment of your HBD career?
It was very unexpected and satisfying to win my first world series with the Yankees in Kinsella. It felt great to have that burden lifted early in my HBD career as I would hate to be going now with 30+ seasons and not have at least one.

If you could change one thing about HBD, what would it be and why?
I would change HBD so that it would become my real job and I could get paid for being the league commissioner of Kinsella (unfortunately that $5 HBD credit doesn't pay the bills) and for my 4 GM jobs.

F, Marry or Kill:

a) Angelina Joile - K, Jennifer Connelly - M, Marissa Miller - F
Somebody has to stop Angelina from adopting every orphan throughout the world. A lame movie called Career Opportunities came out near the end of my high school years and from that moment I was hooked on Connelly. I think now she could stand to gain a bit of weight to get her curves back, but as her husband I'll would make sure she eats. Never had an SI subscription so not that familiar with Miller, but she looks alright.

b) Sarah Palin - F, Nancy Pelosi - K, Oprah - M
Of the 3, Palin seemed the most do able. I'd consider myself a moderate Democrat, so I would love to get rid of Pelosi as a major face of the party. Oprah is loaded! And with the size of those mansions, you could get lost and only see each other every few weeks if you wanted.

c) jclarkbaker, fellman9, Sockless_Joe - Abstain
I don't play for that team, not that there is anything wrong with that, so that eliminates the F and M options. The last thing I want to do is damage the retention rate of the highest retention world, so K is off the table as well.

AL North Offseason Report

Let's start our offseason review in the AL North, where the Tigers made perhaps Kinsella's biggest single move. They plopped down $74 million to sign former Atlanta and Philly slugger, 4-time MVP and dead-lock Hall of Famer Dee Dee Hutton for 5 years.

Dee Dee will be charged with reviving an offense that scored only 714 runs last year, and he'll be getting some added help. Detroit has also signed CF Wilt Benes, a speedy lefty-swinging CF with an eagle eye. The move may allow Damian Chen to move in to second base against righties, bumping Trenidad Ruiz to a utility and vL platooner role.

Tigers GM jdrake27 had some optimistic comments about the signings: "Well, it was a pretty easy decision. I had the cap room and wanted to try to spark my offense. Hutton is clearly a monster so I am hoping he'll be my older version of Miggy Cabrera. I like the speed of Benes and am hoping he'll be my Austin Jackson. I think Graves and company produce this year as well, so between that and the two signings I'm hoping I can make a run at a playoff spot."

Detroit's spending contrasts with division champ Chicago, who seems content to keep developing its pipeline of young talent. Flash Tessmer, a Season 10 1st-rounder, appears ready to join the already-impressive staff.

Toronto started strong last year but faded due to pitching, and they've hit both the trade market and free agency to address that. Trades landed reliever Buddy Lawson and starter Spike Henley (they also swapped CF's with Montreal, getting Manuel Martin); a late FA signing brought in SP Rusty Little. They've also jumped Season 11's #1, 1B Victor Blanco, from AA to the Bigs...he looks like he's ready.

The Twins tapped free agency for a trio of hitters: Darryl Whitaker, who was the cheapest 100 RBI money could buy last year; Jesus Figueroa, a solid OF defender who could also see 3B action; and Lonny Chavez, a bargain at $4.8mm per year. They also promoted Season 9's #1 pick, fireballing SP John Pryce.

Looks like everybody in the North could be better this year. The Sox still have to be the odds-on favorite to win the division, but keep an eye on the Tigers as a dark-horse wild card contender.

Vitiello Era Over In Tampa Bay

What started in Season 10 as a grand dream of multiple World Series titles has come to an end in Tampa Bay.

Branch Vitiello, the centerpiece of Kinsella's most-extravagent-ever free agent spending spree, has been traded.

The Rays were young, cocky and coming off a surprise WS trip in Season 9 (they lost 4-3 to the Giants) when they committed a total of $240MM to Vitiello, Kordell Becker and Matthew Crosby in Season 10 free agency. After losing the WS in Seasons 10 and 11, salary pressures and Becker's spotty performance forced the team to start dismantling. With the ascendancy of Oakland to AL domination and a first-round playoff loss to the Yankees last season, management concluded it was time to re-tool. Crosby's option was declined and Vitiello went on the market.

"We were fortunate to get a good number of strong bids," said GM blanch13. "The White Sox were certainly players and the Red Sox made an impressive offer. Ultimately, we thought Florida's offer of Jim Rowan was the best for our club."

Vitiello went 63-28 in 4 seasons with the Rays, posting sub - 3.00 ERA's in 3 and logging 200+ IP every year. He won the AL Cy Young with the club in Season 10.

With Vitiello moving on to Florida and Blaine Lowry traded to the Dodgers for 3B Luis Flores, the Rays find themselves in the dual unfamiliar positions of having cash and needing pitching. With the FA market for pitching looking slim, it might be a record-setting (in a bad way) year for team ERA. It appears the responsibility will fall to Vic Gonzalez, Placido Santana & co. to slug the Rays to victory this year.