2004 CFOD PREVIEW "Your Mileage May Vary!" MANTLE DIVISION --------------- 1st - Angry Candy Last Year: 110-52, won Mantle division pennant Defeated Sluggers 4-2 in MK conference finals Defeated Coneheads 4-3 to win 2003 CFOD champsionship The Angry Candy accomplished the ultimate goal in 2003, winning their first ever CFOD championship, becoming the first '93 expansion team to do so. What do you do for an encore? You try to win 2 in a row. The gang's all back. Todd Helton, Chipper Jones, Bobby Abreu and Torii Hunter continue to power one of the league's best offenses. Joining them this year is shortstop Nomar Garciaparra and young outfielder Jason Bay. Carl Pavano is a solid ace, and the other starters (Josh Beckett, Carlos Arroyo and Kevin Brown) are no slouches. Like last year, no definite closer, but Akinori Otsuka is the leading candidate. OVERALL: They've got the hitting, they've got the pitching, they've got enough to make it 2 titles in a row. ************************************************ 2nd - San Francisco Shriners Last Year: 68-94, 5th in division The Sammy Sosa years are officially over. The Randy Johnson years have started back up. Randy Johnson, Johan Santana and Livan Hernandez harken back to a Shriners era when their pitching staff terrorized the league. Jon Lieber's the 4th starter, but would pitcher higher in the rotation in most teams. Francisco Rodriguez will be a primo closer. On offense, the Shriners will have to depend on the veteran bats of Moises Alou, Luis Gonzalez and Ray Durham. OVERALL: Awesome pitching. Will their hitting be enough to challenge the Angry Candy? ************************************************ 3rd - Arlington Arthropods Last Year: 77-85, 3rd in division For a long time it's been the Manny Ramirez & Gary Sheffield show, but with Sheffield being dealt in the off-season, it's time for a new show: The Manny & Aramis Ramirez show. Guest starring Sammy Sosa. And youngster Wily Mo Pena. And infielders Michael Barrett and Mark Bellhorn. The offense is a lot more balanced than it has been in years, and their run production should trend upwards. Jason Schmidt, David Wells and Brad Penny form a solid trio of starters, and acquiring closer John Smoltz via the draft will anchor a very solid rotation. OVERALL: A lot of hitters, some decent pitchers. Arlington is a player this year. ************************************************ 4th - Mechan Syndicate Last Year: 79-83, 2nd in division The Rock 'em, Sock 'em Syndicate are back for another year. The Syndicate put one of the toughest hitting orders out there, led by Barry Bonds. Bonds is such a force of nature that the guys around them will see their stats get pumped. Not that they really need any help. Sluggers Adam Dunn, Miguel Cabrera and Eric Chavez would hold thier own on any team. A bit of a log jam at 1B and in the outfield though. Shawn Green could hit 30 homers if he played full time, but he might be riding the bench this year due to all of the quality hitters in front of him. Jack Wilson puts in a surpring performance at shortstop, and his double play mate D'Angelo Jimenez may join him on the all-star team this year. The Syndicate's preview is almost done, and nothing has been said about the pitching. Perhaps that's for the best. OVERALL: Great hitting, not so great pitching. The umpire crew will have to order extra baseballs for these games. ************************************************ 5th - Springfield 'Topes Last Year: 76-86, 4th in division The 'Topes feature an awful lot of guys who don't typically make the morning papers. The offense is led by veteran Melvin Mora, who should have a career year. Kevin Mench and a resurgent Sean Casey also contribute. John THomson, Mark Buehrle and Steve Trachsel man a veteran rotation. The bullpen is "OK", but there are no firemen of the year candidates here. OVERALL: The 'Topes won't be lighting up the scoreboard this year, but they won't be pushovers, either. ************************************************ 6th - Bakersfield RamJets Last Year: 67-95, 6th in division The RamJets feature a nice core of players led by SS Miguel Tejada, catcher Ivan Rodriguez and 1B Carlos Lee. But they'll be hard pressed to come up with more players who have more punch in the lineup. Eddie Guardado and Danny Kolb should combine to form a nice closer by committee, but the rest of the pitchers need seasoning. OVERALL: They'll get 'em next year. ************************************************ KOUFAX DIVISION --------------- 1st - Cincinnati Rock Last Year: 85-77, 4th in division After winning two CFOD championships and a long string of playoff appearances, the Rock narrowly missed the playoffs last year. They took that as an opportunity to reload, nabbing Derek Jeter and Brian Westbrook from the Mudfish. Jeter joins Jorge Posada, Carlos Pena and Mark Loretta in one of the more talented infields in the game. Outfielder Carl Crawford is a demon on the bases, and is one of the few elite base stealers in the game. The Rock have a nearly unbeatable duo of Curt Schilling and Roy Oswalt in the rotation. Brian Westbrook should feast as the #3 guy. Antonio Alfonseca isn't your typical closer material, but he'll do OK. OVERALL: With Schilling, Oswalt and Jeter the Rock hope this is the year they return to the playoffs. ************************************************ 2nd - Boston Brewins Last Year: 91-71, won division Lost 0-4 to Sluggers in 1st round playoff The Brewins have enjoyed a renaissance of late, coinciding with the drafting of Albert Pujols, who may be the best pure hitter in the game. Joining him are 2B Alfonso Soriango, last year's MVP Javy Lopez, and young CF Vernon Wells. Rondell White, Troy Glaus and Shannon Stewart help round out a lineup that has some punch. Geezer Roger Clemens dipped into the fountain for at least once more year, and young'un Brandon Webb should be able to hold his own at the #2 spot. The rest of the staff is "OK". OVERALL: They definitely got the stars. If the supporting cast can step up, they could win the division again. ************************************************ 3rd - Somerville Sluggers Last Year: 89-73, 2nd in division, MK conference wildcard Defeated Brewins 4-0 in round 1 Lost 2-4 to Angry Candy in MK conference finals The Sluggers surprised everyone but themselves in 2003, nearly capturing the Koufax division pennant, then going on to the MK conference finals. The Sluggers retooled in the off-season, bringing in sluggers Adrian Beltre and Andruw Jones to lead the new-look lineup. SS Carlos Guillen should step it up at the plate this year. The rotation of Roy Halladay, Joe Kennedy, phenom Zack Greinke and Jose Silva should be competitive. Tom Gordon and LaTroy Hawkins are a strong 1-2 punch in the bullpen. OVERALL: No last place predictions for the Sluggers this year! ************************************************ 4th - Hillsborough Regulators Last Year: 70-92, 6th in division Aaron Rowand, franchise player? A ways removed from the years when Jason Giambi picked up the team and placed it on his broad shoulders to trudge to the pennant. But the youngster hits for average, gets on base, and has a little pop in his bat as well. Everyone else just, well, sort of fades into the background. Not too good, not too bad. OVERALL: Not too good, not too bad. A likely middle of the division placing this year. ************************************************ 5th - Oregon Wet Sox Last Year: 87-75, 3rd in division A changing of the guard. The heavy hitting trio of Andruw Jones, Nomar Garciaparra and Jeff Bagwell were broken up. 1B Paul Konerko provides the power, good for 40 homers. Everyone else is more of a doubles hitter. The team has an usual amount of speed. With Endy Chavez, Juan Pierre and Ryan Freel, the Wet Sox should lead the league in steals this year. Billy Wagner and Ron Mahay are top relievers, and Al Leiter is no slouch at the #1 starter position. But the rest of the rotation needs a lot of work. OVERALL: The lack of starting pitching will hurt. With the old guard out, who will step up and be the new guard? ************************************************ 6th - Missouri Mudfish Last Year: 74-88, 5th in division New management came in and cleaned house. This year it's Carlos Lee and not a whole lot else. OVERALL: Wait 'til next year. A #1 overall pick should help. ************************************************ RUTH DIVISION ------------- 1st - California Coneheads Last Year: 100-62, 2nd in division, RY conference wildcard Defeated Climbers 4-3 in round 1 Defeated Pitbulls 4-3 in RY conference finals Lost 3-4 to Angry Candy in CFOD world series Just call them the Coneheads: The Next Generation. The original guys, including Mike Piazza, Juan Gonzalez, Jason Giambi, Tom Glavine, and Matt Clement, were shown the door. Piazza walked back in via the draft, but he's in a supporting role this year. The new guys are catcher Victor Martinez, outfielder JD Drew (he's finally healthy for once), 1B Erubiel Durazo and SS Khalil Greene. Serving as the bridge between new and old is 3B Scott Rolen, one of the elite infielders in the game. Tim Hudson is back to lead the rotation, and joining him are acquisition Ben Sheets and Oliver Perez, who has grown into a star starter. Scot Sheilds and Ricky Bottalico lead a bevy of relievers who can get the job done. OVERALL: Considering the sheer amount of talent the Coneheads lost to age, injury, and salary cap attrition, a 1st place prediction borders on the miraculous. ************************************************ 2nd - Topeka MooseDogs Last Year: 91-71, 3rd in division, #1 League Wildcard Lost 0-4 to Moshers in round 0 playoff Now that the MooseDogs have tasted the playoffs, they are setting their sights higher than just a playoff appearance. Mark Teixeira is making Topeka fans say "Richie who?". Veteran 3B Vinny Castilla is back to his old form, and Aubrey Huff and Travis Hafner will circle the bases many times. Let's not forget Johnny Damon, who could have his best year in quite a while. On the pitching side, Topeka introduces their new reclaimation project, Jaret Wright. The former phenom finally breaks out, and is capable in the ace position. Kelvin Escobar, Rich Harden and Mike Hampton round out a solid rotation. Ryan Madson, Luis Ayala and Mike Standon lead an above average bullpen. OVERALL: At the rate this team is improving, can a preseason 1st place prediction be far behind? ************************************************ 3rd - Paxtang Pitbulls Last Year: 107-55, Ruth division winners Defeated Moshers 4-2 in round 1 Lost 3-4 to Coneheads in RY conference finals Age and salary caps can be cruel. Not that Paxtang has fallen on hard times. But slugger Brian Giles was traded for salary cap considerations, and Jeff Conine's services were no longer required when Alex Rodriguez decided to move to 3rd base. ARod is still one of the best players in the game (if a bit of a punk!) as is Carlos Delgado. But Delgado's numbers are a bit down this year from his usual MVP self. Catcher Ramon Hernandez, Bernie Williams and Jermaine Dye round out the lineup. Jake Peavy, Odalis Perez, Jeff Weaver and Mark Mulder form a decent rotation. David Riske won the fireman of the year award last year, but was let go. The reason? Brad Lidge, who should be unhittable in the 9th inning. 2 FOTY awards for Paxtang in a row? OVERALL: Still a very dangerous team. ************************************************ 4th - San Diego Termites Last Year: 62-100, 6th in division The geritol gang is back, and they hope to prove that after posting the worst record in the league, all you can do is go up. Or sideways, I guess. But mostly up. Chunk Finley, Jeff Kent, Craig Biggio and Matt Lawton should put up fine performances. Acquisition Jason Varitek provides punch at catcher, and youngster Lyle Overbay should put up some nice sabrmetric stats. The Termites may have one of the deepest bullpens in the league, led by Armando Benitez. The starting rotation is not that bad, either. Chris Carpenter is an effective ace, and the other guys should be able to keep it in the park. OVERALL: Don't count on San Diego being able to post the worst record in the league this year. ************************************************ 5th - Carolina Lightning Last Year: 79-90, 5th in division The Lightning have a bit of thump in their lineup. Jim Edmonds, Jose Valentin, Mike Lowell, and a healthy Phil Nevin all can take it out of the park. Scott Podsednik does his best Cecil Espy impression, stealing bushels of bases (when he can get on them). Joe Nathan should be an elite closer, and Scott Linebrick and Trever Miller lead a good bullpen. Brian Lawrence is an OK starter, but he'll have trouble matching up against the Tim Hudsons of the division. OVERALL: Some good hitting, but the lack of quality starters will hurt their move upwards. ************************************************ 6th - Miami Mangos Last Year: 79-83, 4th in division The Mangos are going the veteran route. Brian Giles, Paul Lo Duca, Tom Glavine and Matt Clement were all brought in the off-season. Dontrelle Willis helps fill out the rotation. Braden Looper and Jim Brower give them options in the bullpen. Jeromy Burnitz should have a nice comeback year in the outfield. OVERALL: Will the vets allow Miami to move up in the standings? ************************************************ YOUNG DIVISION -------------- 1st - Arizona Thunder Last Year: 69-94, 4th in division The Thunder feature a fearsome trio of hitters in Jim Thome, Carlos Beltran and Gary Sheffield. Jimmy Rollins provides speed and on base ability at short, while Casey Blake provides power at third. Doug Davis and Brad Radke are ace workhorses, and AJ Burnett and Jeff Suppan help fill one of the better rotations in the division. Trevor Hoffman, Jason Isringhausen and Salomon Torres will make sure the leads are protected in the 8th & 9th innings. OVERALL: They've got the horses this year to win the division. ************************************************ 2nd - Seattle Moshers Last Year: 88-74, 2nd in division, league wildcard Defeated MooseDogs 4-0 in round zero playoffs Lost to Pitbulls 2-4 in round one playoffs Seattle has always been able to field competitive teams, and this year is no exception. 1B David Ortiz is one of the best 1B out there, and Michael Young is a top shortstop. The rest won't make the all-star team but hit well enough that Seattle should be above average in scoring runs. Jason Marquis, CC Sabathia and Greg Maddux (longest tenured player with a single team in the CFOD) lead an OK rotation. Keith Foulke is a top notch closer, and the Moshers have enough relievers and part time starters to give them an above-average pitching staff. OVERALL: A lot of role players come together to make Seattle a contender for the division again. ************************************************ 3rd - Park City Climbers Last Year: 103-59, won Young division Lost 3-4 to the Coneheads in round one The Climbers have a bevy of arms in the rotation, led by Carlos Zambrano, Mark Prior and Pedro Martinez. Bobby Madritsch and Orlando Hernandez complete the rotation. The bullpen will be a little iffy, as there are no obvious candidates for closer. Mariano Rivera left in the off- season. Brad Wilkerson, Craig Wilson, Jose Guillen and Juan Uribe lead a no-name offense that will hit better than their baseball card worth would indicate. OVERALL: A bit of a downer after their 103 win season of a year ago, but they'll still be competitive. ************************************************ 4th - Brookfield Brouhaha Last Year: 75-87, 3rd in division Pitching will drive this team. Rodrigo Lopez, Brett Tomko and Russ Ortiz leads a deep rotation. Francisco Cordero is a bonafide closer, and others like Juan Rincon and Guillermo Mota fill a quality bullpen. Lots of vets in the lineup, led by OF Geoff Jenkins. No one will hit 40 home runs, but 2/3rds should hit at least 20. OVERALL: Brookfield hopes they can make Edgar Martinez's last year one where he sees playoff action again. ************************************************ 5th - Oregon City Pioneers Last Year: 62-100, 6th in division The Pioneers certainly have the hitting to contend. Vladimir Guerrero, Hank Blaylock and Lance Berkman could hit cleanup for any team in the league. Bobby Crosby, Placido Polanco and Scott Hatteberg are decent infielders. With Chad Cordero, Eric Gagne and Mariano Rivera, the Pioneers are blessed with 3 closer quality relievers. Freddy Garcia is a decent ace. But the rest of the starting rotation has seen better years (or will see better years). OVERALL: They've got the hitting and the bullpen. Can 2 out of 3 = wins? ************************************************ 6th - San Francisco Piazza's Last Year: 64-98, 5th in division International sensations Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui run this team. Vets Jeff Bagwell and Bret Boone provide some offense in the infield, while shortstop Rafael Furcal should score some runs and steal some bases at the top of the order. Kerry Wood is still good when healthy, as is closer Troy Percival. The rest of the starters are kind of "eh". OVERALL: Some nice players, but they will have trouble catching Arizona this year. ************************************************