Rangers Announce 2052 Fan of the Year
 Ms. Mandi Colgate | ARLINGTON, Tex. - The Texas Rangers today continued their annual tradition of recognizing the "Texas Rangers Fan of the Year" during a press briefing at the Ballpark at Arlington. The winner of the award, Mandi Colgate, 21, grew up in Mansfield, but now attends Texas Woman's University majoring in nursing. "My parents always took me to ballgames when I was younger," Ms. Colgate said. "My dad and his friends thought I would make a good 'Fan of the Year' so I tried out. And I won!" Also as usual, the event was disrupted several times by protestors who believe the event is sexist. This is the 34th consecutive season the "Fan of the Year" has been a young woman. "This is outrageous," one protestor who wished to remain anonymous said. "The way they prance these women out, year after year is just disgusting." Rangers Vice President Candy Jetts continues to deny protestors' allegations that contestants must "make it to third base" to be nominated. "We have nothing but admiration and respect for our fans," Ms. Jetts said. "Most of you remember that my own daughter is a former 'Fan of the Year' and it launched her modeling career, all thanks to Rangers' staff." Fans interested in the 2053 award can send a photo of themselves in Rangers memorabilia or sportswear to the Rangers marketing department. Winners are chosen by Rangers staff at the beginning of each season. |
Rangers Announce 2051 Fan of the Year
 Ms. Holly Van Ness | ARLINGTON, Tex. - In what has become an annual tradition (although not always reported in the press), Texas Rangers GM Scott Brochhausen announced the "Texas Rangers Fan of the Year" today during a press briefing at the Ballpark at Arlington. Hailing from suburban Cockrell Hill, 25-year-old Holly Van Ness wins a 2052 season ticket package, a Texas Rangers memorabilia package, and several other prize packages presented by Texas Rangers players and staff, including a photo shoot featured in the inset. "Like, I've totally never won anything in my life," Ms. Van Ness exclaimed at the press event. "The GM called me personally to tell me I'd won. I mean, I've been trying to win this since I turned fifteen. I'm the biggest Rangers fan in the world, and all these [prize] packages are just great!" This season marks the 33rd consecutive season the Rangers have announced a "Fan of the Year," and remarkably, every season it has been awarded to a young woman. In addition to most of the Rangers roster, former Arlington mayor and now Rangers Vice President, Candy Jetts, was also on hand during the presentation. "The selection of another beautiful young woman is just uncanny," Ms. Jetts said. "But the exact method of selection is a carefully guarded secret to protect our marketing ideas from other clubs," she added. Fans interested in the 2052 award can send a photo of themselves in Rangers memorabilia or sportswear to the Rangers marketing department. Winners are chosen by Rangers staff at the beginning of each season. |
CDL 2049 Preview & Power Rankings (Part 2 of 2)
CDL 2049 Preview & Power Rankings - Part 2 of 2
With opening day scheduled for tomorrow evening these are the top 14 teams as predicted by my completely unscientific method. Apologies if I have place your team lower than your expectations, but these are just raw predictions, and you can expect a lot of variance due to injuries and unexpected performances, both good and bad. Good luck to all teams in 2049!
1. Detroit Tigers:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
104 59 .638 1 842 614 [2048 AL and CDL World Series Champs]
Key Additions: None.
Key Subtractions: SS Pedro Arvajo (free agency).
Farm System: 15th in the league with top prospects P Roberts (21st) and C Pearson (41st). Pearson is a few years off but Roberts is already on the big team, and should have more success in 2049.
2049 Expectations: Without any key new pick ups so far the Tigers are earning their #1 slot solely due to their magnificent recent past history (three straight CDL World Series championships), and Rich's obviously strong management abilities to make the most out of what he has. One indication this #1 overall predication might be accurate: The Tigers topped all CDL teams with a 17-7 Spring Training record this spring. Look for 24 year old 3B Hector Hernandez to have an MVP run in the AL.
2049 Prediction: 104-58, 1st in the AL central.
2. Boston Red Sox:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
101 61 .623 - 993 761
Key Additions: None of note.
Key Subtractions: SP Gerald McLaughlin (released), LF David Snyder (free agency), CF Chad Warren (trade).
Farm System: 7th in the CDL, with top prospects P E. Noriega (26th) , P M. Fox (29th) , 1B M. Cloutier (45th) , P J. Wade (65th) , P L. Jiménez (72nd).
2049 Expectations: With some elite prospects expected to make the team this spring the loss of a few part timers and their #3 SP won't hurt the Bosox too much, and they should have no trouble topping the AL East again this year. Tough decisions had to be made regarding payroll cuts in order to get under the cap (they were about 10 million over the cap during Spring Training), but these decisions are less awkward when a team has built a deep farm system. A nice follow up to RF Cesar Sanchez's breakout 82 VORP 2048 season will be a key factor for Boston in 2049.
2049 Prediction: 103-59, 1st in the AL East.
3. Chicago (N) Cubs:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
101 61 .623 - 893 709
Key Additions: SP Ethan McMahon (free agency), SP Gen Watanabe (free agency).
Key Subtractions: LF Jimmy Riley (free agency), 1B Ron Smith (free agency), 2B Joseph Howard (free agency).
Farm System: 6th in the CDL, with top prospects P E. Vaughan (12th) , P J. Hewitt (17th) , C J. Rodríguez (33rd) , 2B P. Quintanilla (57th) , P H. Reid (76th).
2049 Expectations: Off season upgrades to already good starting pitching (expect a big comeback from Hinkle) and an elite farm system with lots of 'ready now' players will make for an interesting 2049 Cubs season. Note that two of their three key FA subtractions have yet to be signed elsewhere - not sure what that means, but I still think the Cubs will be even better this year. Two questions: Do the Cubs have the best hitting infield in the CDL? Is Ray Hinkle among the best 5 SP in CDL history?
2049 Prediction: 102-60, 1st in the NL Central.
4. Montreal Expos:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
101 61 .623 - 861 596 [NL 2048 Champs]
Key Additions: 3B Sam Knight (trade), 3B José Selem (trade).
Key Subtractions: SP António Álvarez, SP P Chris Downey (trade), 1B T.J. Clemons, LF Tony Hill.
Farm System: 20th in the CDL, with top prospects RF W. Ernst (39th) , P C. Rodríguez (82nd) , LF D. Nelson (83rd).
2049 Expectations: They lost a lot of SP innings via trades and free agency, but they have the depth to maintain their top status in the NL East. One big plus for this team is their ability to replace disappointing performers or injured stars faster than other teams because the Expos are one of the most prolific trading teams in modern CDL history. Look for Ernesto Lampos to make a run for rookie of the year if he makes the team this spring.
2049 Prediction: 100-62, 1st in the NL East.
5. Toronto Blue Jays:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
83 79 .512 18 767 648
Key Additions: SS Pedro Arvajo (free agency), C Jesse 'Bull' Williams (free agency).
Key Subtractions: SP Orlando Rodríguez (minor league free agency), SS Barry Vaughn (released), 3B Paco Peña (released).
Farm System: 21st in the CDL, with top prospect 3B P. De Jesús (30th).
2049 Expectations: The once powerful Jays are on their way back as shown by their 16-8 Spring Training mark, but an upgrade at SS and comebacks from 2048 disappointments is still not enough to challenge for the AL East title. The Jays will have to be content with the wild card. The biggest strength is their offense, especially their all-slugger outfield with expected breakout years from Ray Meyers and Jason Roberts.
2049 Prediction: 99-63, 2nd in the AL East, AL Wild Card Winner.
6. St. Louis Cardinals:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
85 77 .525 16 798 655
Key Additions: C Chad Everhart (free agency), 3B John Beck (free agency).
Key Subtractions: C Juan García (free agency), 2B Bryce Jacobs (free agency), SP Tim Vogel (released).
Farm System: 5th in the CDL, with top prospects C C. Martínez (7th) , 1B R. Gray (16th) , P F. Xistre (40th) , P B. Alfonso (44th) , P J. Hendricks (56th).
2049 Expectations: Very good starting pitching, a massive crop of quality rookies in the pipeline, and a big offensive boost from new catcher Everhart means the Cards will be nipping at the Cubs heals soon. Good finishing skills: CL Bill Riese lead all CDL relievers with 8 saves this spring.
2049 Prediction: 96-68, 2nd in the NL Central.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
94-76 .531 15 841 808
Key Additions: C Eduardo López (free agency), 3B T.J. Clemons (free agency), CL Tracy Kennedy (free agency), MR Danny Beauregard (free agency), MR Aaron García (free agency), C John Harris (free agency), 3B Paco Peña (free agency), SP Rodrigo Martínez (free agency).
Key Subtractions: None of note.
Farm System: 3rd in the CDL, with top prospects 1B J. Ortíz (10th) , SS D. Simms (19th) , P D. Clay (31st) , 2B B. Carson (64th) , 3B E. Miller (73rd).
2049 Expectations: A great farm system and a big off season foray into free agency puts this years Pirates into the thick of the playoff mix again, but even with their new look team I think they'll be stuck behind Chicago and faster improving Cardinals.
2049 Prediction: 93-69, 3rd in the NL Central.
8. Kansas City Royals:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
105 58 .644 - 892 677
Key Additions:
Key Subtractions: SP Bernardo Navarro (free agency), RF Juan Palácios (free agency), 3B José Cordero (minor league free agency).
Farm System: 28th (last) in the CDL, with no listed league wide top prospects.
2049 Expectations: Sam's got a solid enough team that he was able to stand pat this off-season and still tie the Tigers for the best 2049 Spring Training record, but the loss of FA SP Bernardo Navarro will be a concern for this team without a lot of shut down hurlers. Stand out 2B Mike Gibbs will likely pace the teams offense again this season but I don't think the pitching will be strong enough to get a repeat of the AL Central title this time out.
2049 Prediction: 93-69, 2nd in the AL Central.
9. Minnesota Twins:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
83 79 .512 21½ 836 805
Key Additions: SP Enrique Soto (free agency), CL J.R. Campbell (free agency), C Juan García (free agency).
Key Subtractions: MR Tomás Zapata (free agency), 3B José Selem (trade), MR Lyndon Woods (trade).
Farm System: 4th in the CDL, with top prospects LF J. Power (6th) , 3B C. Montgomery (8th) , P A. Love (55th) , P J. Green (62nd) , CF R. Dotson (63rd).
2049 Expectations: The long rebuild may soon be over as the Twins dip into the FA pool and score a few ace arms, and two of the better CDL prospects (Powers and Montgomery) may make the Twins starting lineup by mid-season or even earlier.
2049 Prediction: 89-73.
10. New York (N) Mets:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
91 71 .562 10 770 703
Key Additions: None.
Key Subtractions: C Jesse Williams (free agency).
Farm System: 26th in the CDL, with top prospect P C. López (74th).
2049 Expectations: Not much action from the Mets so far this off season due to being handcuffed by salary cap concerns, and that will likely hurt the teams ability to try and keep pace with Montreal. There is still excellent pitching (SP's Cervantes & Tiekink, plus a deep pen) and a few monster bats (1B Zavala & SS Robinson) to try an match last years 90+ wins. CDL Fantasy Draft pooler note: Zavala lead the CDL in HR's this spring with 8 in 24 Spring Training games.
2049 Prediction: 87-75.
11. Cleveland Indians:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
69 93 .426 32 767 932
Key Additions: MR Tomás Zapata (free agency), CF Chad Warren (trade), MR Mark Helms (trade), MR Chris Brooks (free agency), MR Scott Williams (free agency), 1B Steve Barnett (free agency).
Key Subtractions: None of particular note.
Farm System: 10th in the CDL, with top prospects CF G. Britton (9th) , C B. Dunseith (59th) , P B. Riddle (69th).
2049 Expectations: The Indians stocked up on so many relievers this off season that you should expect at least one or two to join their starting rotation in 2049. At the plate 2B David Gaona lead all players in slugging and OPS this spring, and was 2nd in batting with a .429 mark. He should be expected to come close to his fantastic 2048 campaign again this year. Overall, the many interesting long-shot moves this off-season should improve the Indians team, but they still have a ways to go.
2049 Prediction: 85-77.
12. New York (A) Yankees:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
92 70 .568 9 868 709
Key Additions: C José 'Dingo' Reyes (free agency).
Key Subtractions: C John Harris (free agency), MR Aaron García (free agency).
Farm System: 24th in the CDL, with top prospects P R. Lucas (66th) , 3B R. Tavárez (85th).
2049 Expectations: A smart catcher upgrade (Reyes, one of the biggest FA's) won't be enough to topple the Red Sox from 1st, but this is still a solid team with stronger pitching than many of their rivals. Reyes actually lead the CDL in highest OBP this spring, a good start to his Yankee career. On the mound, Cory Hudson could become the next ace of the Bombers staff after a fantastic rookie campaign, and watch out for journeyman SP Ramon Mateo, who lead the circuit in wins this spring with 4.
2049 Prediction: 85-77.
13. Cincinnati Reds:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
84 78 .519 17 687 688
Key Additions: MR Domingo Pérez (free agency), LF Bartolo Maestas (free agency), SS Wilson Fuantes (free agency).
Key Subtractions: 3B Tim Leslie (free agency).
Farm System: 16th in the CDL, with top prospects P A. Watkins (28th) , 3B S. Therrien (47th).
2049 Expectations: You can expect a lot of strikeouts when the Reds are batting this year, but also a lot of long bombs by sluggers like Koen, Flowers and Proctor. Their pitching is okay too - SP Woody Dillard is a true ace on the hill, and Ben Walker showed enough last year to be a fine #2. The Reds definitely improved themselves this off season, which should position them a little closer to the Cardinals in the NL Central. Good omen time: Check out their 16-8 Spring Training record.
2049 Prediction: 85-77.
14. Houston Astros:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
68 94 .420 15 825 963
Key Additions: SP Jorge Pérez (free agency).
Key Subtractions: LF Michael Henderson (free agency).
Farm System: 25th in the CDL, with top prospect C K. Brandon (60th).
2049 Expectations: Pérez is a big splash signing at a key position for the offensive minded Astros, and might be enough to return the Astros to #1 in the NL West after a very disappointing 2048. Pacing the Houston bat attack will likely be 1B Ron Cranstoun and LF Jim Ridler.
2049 Prediction: 83-79, 1st place in the NL West.
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With opening day scheduled for tomorrow evening these are the top 14 teams as predicted by my completely unscientific method. Apologies if I have place your team lower than your expectations, but these are just raw predictions, and you can expect a lot of variance due to injuries and unexpected performances, both good and bad. Good luck to all teams in 2049!
1. Detroit Tigers:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
104 59 .638 1 842 614 [2048 AL and CDL World Series Champs]
Key Additions: None.
Key Subtractions: SS Pedro Arvajo (free agency).
Farm System: 15th in the league with top prospects P Roberts (21st) and C Pearson (41st). Pearson is a few years off but Roberts is already on the big team, and should have more success in 2049.
2049 Expectations: Without any key new pick ups so far the Tigers are earning their #1 slot solely due to their magnificent recent past history (three straight CDL World Series championships), and Rich's obviously strong management abilities to make the most out of what he has. One indication this #1 overall predication might be accurate: The Tigers topped all CDL teams with a 17-7 Spring Training record this spring. Look for 24 year old 3B Hector Hernandez to have an MVP run in the AL.
2049 Prediction: 104-58, 1st in the AL central.
2. Boston Red Sox:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
101 61 .623 - 993 761
Key Additions: None of note.
Key Subtractions: SP Gerald McLaughlin (released), LF David Snyder (free agency), CF Chad Warren (trade).
Farm System: 7th in the CDL, with top prospects P E. Noriega (26th) , P M. Fox (29th) , 1B M. Cloutier (45th) , P J. Wade (65th) , P L. Jiménez (72nd).
2049 Expectations: With some elite prospects expected to make the team this spring the loss of a few part timers and their #3 SP won't hurt the Bosox too much, and they should have no trouble topping the AL East again this year. Tough decisions had to be made regarding payroll cuts in order to get under the cap (they were about 10 million over the cap during Spring Training), but these decisions are less awkward when a team has built a deep farm system. A nice follow up to RF Cesar Sanchez's breakout 82 VORP 2048 season will be a key factor for Boston in 2049.
2049 Prediction: 103-59, 1st in the AL East.
3. Chicago (N) Cubs:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
101 61 .623 - 893 709
Key Additions: SP Ethan McMahon (free agency), SP Gen Watanabe (free agency).
Key Subtractions: LF Jimmy Riley (free agency), 1B Ron Smith (free agency), 2B Joseph Howard (free agency).
Farm System: 6th in the CDL, with top prospects P E. Vaughan (12th) , P J. Hewitt (17th) , C J. Rodríguez (33rd) , 2B P. Quintanilla (57th) , P H. Reid (76th).
2049 Expectations: Off season upgrades to already good starting pitching (expect a big comeback from Hinkle) and an elite farm system with lots of 'ready now' players will make for an interesting 2049 Cubs season. Note that two of their three key FA subtractions have yet to be signed elsewhere - not sure what that means, but I still think the Cubs will be even better this year. Two questions: Do the Cubs have the best hitting infield in the CDL? Is Ray Hinkle among the best 5 SP in CDL history?
2049 Prediction: 102-60, 1st in the NL Central.
4. Montreal Expos:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
101 61 .623 - 861 596 [NL 2048 Champs]
Key Additions: 3B Sam Knight (trade), 3B José Selem (trade).
Key Subtractions: SP António Álvarez, SP P Chris Downey (trade), 1B T.J. Clemons, LF Tony Hill.
Farm System: 20th in the CDL, with top prospects RF W. Ernst (39th) , P C. Rodríguez (82nd) , LF D. Nelson (83rd).
2049 Expectations: They lost a lot of SP innings via trades and free agency, but they have the depth to maintain their top status in the NL East. One big plus for this team is their ability to replace disappointing performers or injured stars faster than other teams because the Expos are one of the most prolific trading teams in modern CDL history. Look for Ernesto Lampos to make a run for rookie of the year if he makes the team this spring.
2049 Prediction: 100-62, 1st in the NL East.
5. Toronto Blue Jays:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
83 79 .512 18 767 648
Key Additions: SS Pedro Arvajo (free agency), C Jesse 'Bull' Williams (free agency).
Key Subtractions: SP Orlando Rodríguez (minor league free agency), SS Barry Vaughn (released), 3B Paco Peña (released).
Farm System: 21st in the CDL, with top prospect 3B P. De Jesús (30th).
2049 Expectations: The once powerful Jays are on their way back as shown by their 16-8 Spring Training mark, but an upgrade at SS and comebacks from 2048 disappointments is still not enough to challenge for the AL East title. The Jays will have to be content with the wild card. The biggest strength is their offense, especially their all-slugger outfield with expected breakout years from Ray Meyers and Jason Roberts.
2049 Prediction: 99-63, 2nd in the AL East, AL Wild Card Winner.
6. St. Louis Cardinals:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
85 77 .525 16 798 655
Key Additions: C Chad Everhart (free agency), 3B John Beck (free agency).
Key Subtractions: C Juan García (free agency), 2B Bryce Jacobs (free agency), SP Tim Vogel (released).
Farm System: 5th in the CDL, with top prospects C C. Martínez (7th) , 1B R. Gray (16th) , P F. Xistre (40th) , P B. Alfonso (44th) , P J. Hendricks (56th).
2049 Expectations: Very good starting pitching, a massive crop of quality rookies in the pipeline, and a big offensive boost from new catcher Everhart means the Cards will be nipping at the Cubs heals soon. Good finishing skills: CL Bill Riese lead all CDL relievers with 8 saves this spring.
2049 Prediction: 96-68, 2nd in the NL Central.
7. Pittsburgh Pirates:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
94-76 .531 15 841 808
Key Additions: C Eduardo López (free agency), 3B T.J. Clemons (free agency), CL Tracy Kennedy (free agency), MR Danny Beauregard (free agency), MR Aaron García (free agency), C John Harris (free agency), 3B Paco Peña (free agency), SP Rodrigo Martínez (free agency).
Key Subtractions: None of note.
Farm System: 3rd in the CDL, with top prospects 1B J. Ortíz (10th) , SS D. Simms (19th) , P D. Clay (31st) , 2B B. Carson (64th) , 3B E. Miller (73rd).
2049 Expectations: A great farm system and a big off season foray into free agency puts this years Pirates into the thick of the playoff mix again, but even with their new look team I think they'll be stuck behind Chicago and faster improving Cardinals.
2049 Prediction: 93-69, 3rd in the NL Central.
8. Kansas City Royals:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
105 58 .644 - 892 677
Key Additions:
Key Subtractions: SP Bernardo Navarro (free agency), RF Juan Palácios (free agency), 3B José Cordero (minor league free agency).
Farm System: 28th (last) in the CDL, with no listed league wide top prospects.
2049 Expectations: Sam's got a solid enough team that he was able to stand pat this off-season and still tie the Tigers for the best 2049 Spring Training record, but the loss of FA SP Bernardo Navarro will be a concern for this team without a lot of shut down hurlers. Stand out 2B Mike Gibbs will likely pace the teams offense again this season but I don't think the pitching will be strong enough to get a repeat of the AL Central title this time out.
2049 Prediction: 93-69, 2nd in the AL Central.
9. Minnesota Twins:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
83 79 .512 21½ 836 805
Key Additions: SP Enrique Soto (free agency), CL J.R. Campbell (free agency), C Juan García (free agency).
Key Subtractions: MR Tomás Zapata (free agency), 3B José Selem (trade), MR Lyndon Woods (trade).
Farm System: 4th in the CDL, with top prospects LF J. Power (6th) , 3B C. Montgomery (8th) , P A. Love (55th) , P J. Green (62nd) , CF R. Dotson (63rd).
2049 Expectations: The long rebuild may soon be over as the Twins dip into the FA pool and score a few ace arms, and two of the better CDL prospects (Powers and Montgomery) may make the Twins starting lineup by mid-season or even earlier.
2049 Prediction: 89-73.
10. New York (N) Mets:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
91 71 .562 10 770 703
Key Additions: None.
Key Subtractions: C Jesse Williams (free agency).
Farm System: 26th in the CDL, with top prospect P C. López (74th).
2049 Expectations: Not much action from the Mets so far this off season due to being handcuffed by salary cap concerns, and that will likely hurt the teams ability to try and keep pace with Montreal. There is still excellent pitching (SP's Cervantes & Tiekink, plus a deep pen) and a few monster bats (1B Zavala & SS Robinson) to try an match last years 90+ wins. CDL Fantasy Draft pooler note: Zavala lead the CDL in HR's this spring with 8 in 24 Spring Training games.
2049 Prediction: 87-75.
11. Cleveland Indians:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
69 93 .426 32 767 932
Key Additions: MR Tomás Zapata (free agency), CF Chad Warren (trade), MR Mark Helms (trade), MR Chris Brooks (free agency), MR Scott Williams (free agency), 1B Steve Barnett (free agency).
Key Subtractions: None of particular note.
Farm System: 10th in the CDL, with top prospects CF G. Britton (9th) , C B. Dunseith (59th) , P B. Riddle (69th).
2049 Expectations: The Indians stocked up on so many relievers this off season that you should expect at least one or two to join their starting rotation in 2049. At the plate 2B David Gaona lead all players in slugging and OPS this spring, and was 2nd in batting with a .429 mark. He should be expected to come close to his fantastic 2048 campaign again this year. Overall, the many interesting long-shot moves this off-season should improve the Indians team, but they still have a ways to go.
2049 Prediction: 85-77.
12. New York (A) Yankees:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
92 70 .568 9 868 709
Key Additions: C José 'Dingo' Reyes (free agency).
Key Subtractions: C John Harris (free agency), MR Aaron García (free agency).
Farm System: 24th in the CDL, with top prospects P R. Lucas (66th) , 3B R. Tavárez (85th).
2049 Expectations: A smart catcher upgrade (Reyes, one of the biggest FA's) won't be enough to topple the Red Sox from 1st, but this is still a solid team with stronger pitching than many of their rivals. Reyes actually lead the CDL in highest OBP this spring, a good start to his Yankee career. On the mound, Cory Hudson could become the next ace of the Bombers staff after a fantastic rookie campaign, and watch out for journeyman SP Ramon Mateo, who lead the circuit in wins this spring with 4.
2049 Prediction: 85-77.
13. Cincinnati Reds:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
84 78 .519 17 687 688
Key Additions: MR Domingo Pérez (free agency), LF Bartolo Maestas (free agency), SS Wilson Fuantes (free agency).
Key Subtractions: 3B Tim Leslie (free agency).
Farm System: 16th in the CDL, with top prospects P A. Watkins (28th) , 3B S. Therrien (47th).
2049 Expectations: You can expect a lot of strikeouts when the Reds are batting this year, but also a lot of long bombs by sluggers like Koen, Flowers and Proctor. Their pitching is okay too - SP Woody Dillard is a true ace on the hill, and Ben Walker showed enough last year to be a fine #2. The Reds definitely improved themselves this off season, which should position them a little closer to the Cardinals in the NL Central. Good omen time: Check out their 16-8 Spring Training record.
2049 Prediction: 85-77.
14. Houston Astros:
2048 Record
W L WPct GB R RA
68 94 .420 15 825 963
Key Additions: SP Jorge Pérez (free agency).
Key Subtractions: LF Michael Henderson (free agency).
Farm System: 25th in the CDL, with top prospect C K. Brandon (60th).
2049 Expectations: Pérez is a big splash signing at a key position for the offensive minded Astros, and might be enough to return the Astros to #1 in the NL West after a very disappointing 2048. Pacing the Houston bat attack will likely be 1B Ron Cranstoun and LF Jim Ridler.
2049 Prediction: 83-79, 1st place in the NL West.
