2014 CFOD PREVIEW "Your Mileage May Vary" Predicted Playoff Teams: Mechan Syndicate (Koufax division winner) Lakeview Zeros (Mantle division winner) San Diego Termites (Ruth division winner) Tualatin Pioneers (Young division winner) Angry Candy (MK conference wildcard) California Coneheads (RY conference wildcard) Cincinnati Rock (#1 league wildcard) Paxtang Pitbulls (#2 league wildcard) World Series - Tualatin Pioneers over Lakeview Zeros MANTLE DIVISION PREVIEW 1st - Mechan Syndicate (Last Year: 58-104, 6th in Mantle division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Barry Bonds, 89 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Adam Eaton, 6.8 runs per game While 2013 was a big disappointment, 2014 should be vastly different. Buster Posey and Troy Tulowitzki have pop for hard to populate positions, and Justin Upton, Adam LaRoche and Adam Eaton are decent batters in those not-so-hard-to-populate positions. Mookie Betts will provide some depth in the lineup and could give the Syndicate their future star. Zach Greinke, Garrett Richards, Danny Duffy, Dallas Keuchel and David Price gives the Syndicate one of the best rotations in the majors, and a bevy of good relievers gives them plenty of options in later innings. 2nd - Angry Candy (Last Year: 81-81, 4th in Mantle division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Chase Utley, 109 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Josh Beckett, 6.2 runs per game A pair of draft picks last year, Anthony Rendon and Josh Harrison, lead a refreshed hitting lineup. Matt Adams should put up some good sabrmetric numbers, Brandon Moss can provide some power and Pablo Sandoval will provide some veteran stability. Jordan Zimmerman mans the ace slot in the rotation, but after Carlos Carrasco and rookie Marcus Stroman the starting pitching tends to thin out. Fortunately for the Candy Hector Rondon and Santiago Casilla leads a talented and stocked bullpen. 3rd - Fightin' Oglethorpes of Georgia (Last Year: 94-68, T-1st in Mantle division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Miguel Tejada, 120 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Clay Buchholz, 5.4 runs per game Last year the Fightin' Oglethorpes were a win away from capturing the CFOD Championship. This year they're looking to get back into the playoffs to defend their conference title. Hunter Pence and Jonathan Lucroy return to anchor the offense, and Lorenzo Cain will provide some speed in the outfield. After that the hitting gets a bit iffy. Chris Tillman, Drew Smyly and Vance Worley lead a capably rotation, and the bullpen will be lights out, featuring the likes of Craig Kimbrel, Zach Britton and Koji Uehara. 4th - San Francisco Organization (Last Year: 84-78, 3rd in Mantle division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Eric Young, 77 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Jon Lieber, 5.7 runs per game Adrian Gonzalez is once again a mainstay in the middle of the lineup, and he'll be joined by Neil Walker to provide some runs. Norichika Aoki, Chris Coghlan and Juan Uribe will help keep opposing pitchers honest, and Yadier Molina is one of the best defensive catchers in the game today. Corey Kluber will have a monster year, and Collin McHugh, Scott Kazmir and Matt Garza round out the rotation. The bullpen doesn't have any major stars (LaTroy Hawkins anyone?) but will get the job done in the later innings. 5th - Springfield 'Topes (Last Year: 94-68, T-1st in Mantle division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Melvin Mora, 43 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Francisco Cordova, 5.2 runs per game Puig-mania remains in force, and Yasiel Puig is once again the reason Springfield fans flock to the stadium. Ben Revere and Rajai Davis gives the 'Topes a couple of dangerous base stealers (when they can get on base). Dustin Pedroia will hold his own at 2nd, but the rest of the hitting won't be remembered years from now. Mark Buehrle begins his 15th year of service with the 'Topes, and Miguel Gonzalez and John Lackey fill the 2nd & 3rd spots. The back end of the rotation is rather thin, and Springfield hopes to make it up with their bullpen, which features the likes of Joe Smith. 6th - Arlington Arthropods (Last Year: 70-92, 5th in Mantle division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Gary Sheffield, 96 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Juan Guzman, 5.4 runs per game Here's a question: If you have potential all-stars Mike Trout, Matt Kemp and Carlos Santana, but AAAA players everywhere else in the lineup, will you finish near the bottom in runs scored? The Arthropods will find out in 2014. Alex Wood, Yovani Gallardo and Wily Peralta form a strong pitching trio. Drew Storen can close out games with the best of them, but lack of depth in the bullpen means late inning leads will be in danger. Koufax Division 1st - Lakeview Zeros (Last Year: 96-66, 2nd in Koufax division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Derek Jeter, 77 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Adam Wainwright, 5.6 runs per game Walks rule the day in Lakeview. Michael Brantley, Matt Holliday, Freddie Freeman and Matt Carpenter all subscribe to the "on base is best" theory, and Kurt Suzuki and Carl Crawford are not far behind. Brantley, Crawford, Jason Heyward and Jimmy Rollins are also stolen base threats, so expect Lakeview to expertly manufacture runs. Adam Wainwright is a bon-a-fide ace, and Alex Cobb, Max Scherzer and Jarred Cosart are a starting pitching rotation worthy of a pennant. The bullpen led by Jeurys Familia and Dale Thayer might be a little thin for what Lakeview is shooting for this year, but that can always be rectified by mid-season trades. 2nd - Cincinnati Rock (Last Year: 100-62, 1st in Koufax division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Derek Jeter, 59 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Ervin Santana, 5.5 runs per game Happy days are here again. Last year's pennant should be followed up by another strong season in '14. Corey Dickerson, Lucas Duda, Kole Calhoun and Starling Marte will make sure the Rock score plenty of runs. Lonnie Chisenhall, Devin Mesoraco and Chase Utley will only add to the offense. Felix Hernandez and Johnny Cueto give Cincinnati 2 workhorse aces, and Josh Beckett, Bud Norris and Gerrit Cole will pick up any available slack. Luke Gregerson and Zach Putnam leads an "OK" bullpen but one that wouldn't be ranked among the best of ridiculously stocked bullpens that are seen in 2014. 3rd - Walcott Walruses (Last Year: 74-88, 4th in Koufax division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: A.J. Pierzynski, 57 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Rick Helling, 5.9 runs per game 2 years removed from a world series appearance, Walcott is hoping for another shot at the big time. Albert Pujols, Ryan Braun, Hanley Ramirez and Melky Cabrera gives the lineup some oomph, and David Freese and Daniel Murphy add quality at bats to the lineup. Stephen Strasburg was acquired in the off-season, and instantly becomes the ace. Mat Latos, Yu Darvish and Michael Wacha would round out a killer playoff rotation, they just need enough live arms to get them through the regular season. Francisco Rodriguez and Cody Allen lead a deep and competent bullpen. 4th - Pig's Eye Pirates (Last Year: 60-102, 6th in Koufax division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Albert Pujols, 49 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Gustavo Chacin, 6.0 runs per game In a perpetual youth movement, the Pirates should see improvement from their double digit loss campaign of '13. Jose Altuve is among the best infielders in the game, providing hitting and speed at the top of the lineup. Leonys Martin and Christian Yelich are also blessed with speed. Anthony Rizzo could see a lot of RBIs in the middle of the order, and Evan Longoria is solid at the corner spot. Rookie Jacob deGrom instantly becomes their ace, but their rotation gets progressively worse as you go down the line. Bullpen duties are solid (as is with just about every team), with Fernando Rodney and Trevor Rosenthal providing the star power. 5th - Minneapolis Malice (Last Year: 92-70, 3rd in Koufax division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Jeff Bagwell, 114 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Carlos Perez, 5.4 runs per game Jose Bautista is healthy again and should hit home runs like nobody's business, and Denard Span can swipe a base and hit at the top of the order, but injuries to Joey Votto will put a damper on Minneapolis' playoff hopes. Jon Lester is an ace and a workhorse, but after Shelby Miller the rotation gets weak. The Malice have a few good relievers like David Robertson, but don't have the bullpen depth that playoff bound teams feature. 6th - Somerville Sluggers (Last Year: 73-89, 5th in Koufax division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Chuck Knoblauch, 100 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Aaron Cook, 6.1 runs per game The Sluggers have several folks like Brian Dozier, Brian McCann and Dayan Viciedo who are 20 home run threats, but will have a low .200's batting average to go along with it. Danny Santana is someone to look forward too in the lineup, as is Manny Machado (for the games he is expected to play, which is unfortunately not all of them). Edinson Volquez and Zack Wheeler are solid in the rotation, but after that it turns very bad very quickly. Somerville does have a good bullpen though, led by Jack McGee. If they get a lead heading into the 8th inning, there's a good chance they'll keep it. It's the getting the lead by the 8th inning which will be problematic. Ruth Division 1st - San Diego Termites (Last Year: 82-80, 6th in Ruth division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Andres Galarraga, 93 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Barry Zito, 5.9 runs per game This veteran team has enough talent this year to win the division. Justin Morneau should have year reminiscent of his heyday 8 years ago. Josh Donaldson and Jose Reyes for a 1st round pick looks even better this year, as both will contribute solidly to the lineup. Jon Jay, Drew Stubbs and Howie Kendrick are also hitters to watch out for. Lance Lynn and Tanner Roark are solid starters, and Matt Shoemaker, Josh Collmenter and Chris Young make this one of the best rotations in the division. Aroldis Chapman leads a strong and capable bullpen to defend the many late inning leads the Termites are sure to have. 2nd - Paxtang Pibulls (Last Year: 96-66, 2nd in Ruth division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Alex Rodriguez, 130 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Javier Vazquez, 6.0 runs per game You are always going to contend when you feature Miguel Cabrera and Andrew McCutchen in your lineup. Jayson Werth, Ben Zobrist and Trevor Plouffe will only add to the run count. Chris Archer is emerging as an ace, and Anibal Sanchez, Jason Hammel and Gio Gonzalez will keep Paxtang in the playoff hunt. Greg Holland stars in a bullpen that should fine as long as the starters don't tire out too early. 3rd - Topeka MooseDogs (Last Year: 86-76, 3rd in Ruth division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Jason Kendall, 171 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Kris Benson, 5.3 runs per game Adrian Beltre continues to be a main stay at the hot corner for Topeka, and joining him this year via the draft is 1B Edwin Encarnacion, who provides a lot of power at 1B. Alcides Escobar provides plenty of speed at shortstop, and Marcell Ozuna should have a strong year in the outfield. Clayton Kershaw is one of the best pitchers in the majors right now, and Jeff Samardzija, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Homer Bailey help provide an above average rotation. The bullpen is no-name but they'll get the job done. 4th - California Coneheads (Last Year: 102-60, 1st in Ruth division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Craig Biggio, 118 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Brett Myers, 5.9 runs per game Champions once again in 2013, California gets docked a few spots in the pre-season rankings due to Paul Goldschmidt's injury plagued season. Scooter Gennett is an emerging infielder, and Alexei Ramirez's .700 OPS actually places him in the above average category of shortstops. Cole Hamels mans the ace spot, and Kyle Lohse, Alfredo Simon and Yusmeiro Petit will keep opposing lineups honest. Alexander Torres and his huge baseball cap lead an unheralded but very effective bullpen. 5th - Miami Mangos (Last Year: 84-78, 4th in Ruth division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Adam Jones, 50 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Tom Glavine, 5.6 runs per game 5th place isn't what it used to be -- expect Miami to have a winning record this year and can easily finish higher in the division. Adam Jones continues to be a strong outfielder, and Torii Hunter and Alex Gordon give Miami above average hitting in all 3 outfield spots. Starlin Castro will have a bounce back year at shortstop, and Ian Kinsler, Michael Morse and Kyle Seager can be counted on in the other infield spots. Not having Jose Fernandez for a whole year really hurts, but Jake Arrieta, Masahiro Tanaka, Rick Porcello and Wei-Yin Chen should still get plenty of wins in the rotation. Pat Neshek leads a deep and talented bullpen. 6th - Pismo Beach Drunken Clams (Last Year: 83-79, 5th in Ruth division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Craig Biggio, 73 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Shane Reynolds, 5.4 runs per game Well, someone has to be picked to be last in this very strong division. But it wouldn't be surprising if the Ruth division's streak of winning records for all continues in 2014. JD Martinez, Carlos Gomez and Johnny Peralta bring the power to this lineup. After Seth Smith and Mike Napoli the lineup gets a bit thin. Doug Fister, Tyson Ross and Tim Hudson form a capable starting trio, but the 4th & 5th starters will find it hard to keep up with the deep rotations in the league. Tommy Hunter and Pedro Strop lead a decent bullpen. Young Division 1st - Tualatin Pioneers (Last Year: 70-92, 4th in Young division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Vladimir Guerrero, 96 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Wade Miller, 5.7 runs per game Is this the year Tualatin puts it together to take it all? Giancarlo Stanton has certainly put it all together. Combined with Victor Martinez, Yan Gomes, Todd Frazier and Ian Desmond the home run fireworks will be plenty. Dexter Fowler doesn't hit home runs, but does get on base. Emilio Bonifacio and Coco Crisp don't really hit home runs or get on base, but when they do should be good for several stolen bases. Julio Teheran, Madison Bumgarner and Sonny Gray are all young and excellent in the rotation. Dellin Betances leads a talented bevy of relievers who are up to the task for a team that is expected to do very well this season. 2nd - San Francisco Piazza's (Last Year: 59-103, 6th in Young division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Robinson Cano, 52 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Jair Jurrjens, 5.5 runs per game Owners of the #1 overall pick, they selected an impact player, bringing in the big bat of Jose Abreu to anchor the lineup. Combined with a resurgent Nelson Cruz, the speedy Jacoby Ellsbury and the always reliable Robinson Cano and you have the foundations of a stellar offense. David Wright and JJ Hardy may only have .700 OPS, but these days that good enough to be slightly above average. Henderson Alvarez should have a good year in the rotation, but Hisashi Iwakuma, Jose Varges and Jake Peavy may find it hard to go toe-to-toe with the Tualatin rotation. Huston Street and Jonathan Papelbon leads a lights-out bullpen (just like everyone else!) 3rd - Rocklin Thunder (Last Year: 70-92, 4th in Young division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Mark McGwire, 41 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Kenny Rogers, 5.9 runs per game The never aging David Ortiz continues to power the Thunder offense. Joining him this year are Jay Bruce, Colby Rasmus and Luis Valbuena, who have the power if not the batting average. Youngster Billy Hamilton will thrill on the basepaths, if not at the plate. As a rotisserie baseball team these guys are set. Chris Sale is a legit ace if a bit injury prone, but Yordano Ventura, Jose Quintana, Jesse Chavez and Phil Hughes help make for a strong starting rotation. Kenley Jansen is the marquee name in the bullpen, but some of their rotation may make the occasional appearance in relief to help the slightly-thin bullpen. 4th - Seattle Moshers (Last Year: 79-83, 2nd in Young division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Albert Belle, 55 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: David Cone, 5.7 runs per game Seattle had a middling season in 2013, and chances are they'll have a middling season in 2014. Dee Gordon should swipe plenty of bases and score lots of runs, and Nolan Arenado and Khris Davis are two youngsters with some pop. Salvador Perez is one of the best catchers in the league. Josh Shields is a solid ace, but after Jon Niese the starting depth gets thin. Mark Melancon and Darren O'Day lead a deep and talented bullpen. 5th - Brookfield Brouhaha (Last Year: 86-76, 1st in Young division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Edgar Martinez, 91 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Terry Adams, 5.6 runs per game Chris Davis had a great year in 2013, so did Brookfield. Davis is going to come crashing down in 2014, and unfortunately that's what may be in store for the Brouhaha this year. Brookfield will lean on Marlon Byrd and Aramis Ramirez to score some runs. Francisco Liriano and Aaron Harang will lead a rotation that can eat plenty of innings, but may have trouble keeping up with some of the elite rotations in the league. Al Albuquerque is Brookfield's best reliever, but the reliever depth gets a little thin after that. 6th - Park City Climbers (Last Year: 73-89, 3rd in Young division) All-Time Hit By Pitch Batting Leader: Mike Stanley, 37 All-Time Run Support for Pitcher: Mark Prior, 6.2 runs per game The Park City offense should have plenty of power. Chris Carter is one of the league's few big power hitters, and Curtis Granderson, Evan Gattis, Charlie Blackmon and Yoenis Cespedes are all good for 20 home runs. What will doom Park City's season is the pitching. After Ian Kennedy the staff goes batting practice-level really quickly, and there's no bullpen to speak of. Given that they have not made the playoffs since 2010, you may be looking at the holders of the #1 overall pick holders in the 2015 draft.