N.L. EAST PREDICTIONS

Wichita Tradio 1st N.L. East Last Season: 103-59

The Tradios have improved each season under manager themehl and last years 103 win season had the fans buzzing in Wichita of a possible World Series title, but Salem crushed their hopes by sending the Tradios home after the 1st round. The Tradios didn't sit around and mope, but instead went out and signed one of the top hitters in Ott in Bartolo Sardinha. Sardinha makes the Tradios an instant front runner to be the team to represent the N.L. in the World Series with his 57 Home Runs, 154 Rbi's and .320 BA. With Tyreace Parrott along side Sardinha, Wichita will have one of the best offenses in the Majors. Wichita couldn't ask for a better rotation than Tomas Benitez, Ray Hundley, and Oswaldo Arias. The big 3 combined for 56 wins last season. Cy Young award winner Benitez led the group with 21 wins and a ridiculous 2.00 Era. The Tradios great pitching and high powered offense have the fans going crazy in Wichita again as they expect to be parading the streets at seasons end.

Prediction: 110-52 1st N.L. East

KEY LOSSES: Edgard Mantalban, Rafael Marquez 4.39 Era, Brian Price 34 Home Runs, 128 Rbi, .303 BA, Javier Estrella 24 Home Runs, .308 BA, Carl Pillette 26 Saves, 3.48 Era, Hootie Wolf 2.84 Era, Julian Ozuna 2.32 Era

KEY ADDITIONS: Tim Adams - Promoted, Amos Dunwoody - Promoted, Al Martin - Promoted, Al Parrish - FA, Pascual Nieves - FA, Bartolo Sardinha - FA, Neifi Valenzuela - FA

Trenton Tractors 2nd N.L. East Last Season: 102-60

The Trenton Tractors knocked off the defending World Series Champs last season and looked primed for another World Series run until they met hot Helena in the National League Championship Series and were swept out of the playoffs. With the loss of Ricardo Perez and Tony Martin, the Tractors may have a tough time keeping up with the Tradios this season. Ace Al Castillo and his 20 wins from last season head the starting rotation for the Tractors and SP Anthony Sanders should cushion the blow of losing Perez and keep the Tractors in contention for the playoffs. Trenton relies on the long ball for offense as Benji Perez, Merv Zito, and Edwin Brow each mashed over 40 Home Runs last season while driving in 367 runs. The Tractors offense will keep them in the running for the N.L. East, but the loss of Perez may be the difference in Trenton finishing atop the league.

Prediction: 93-69 2nd N.L. East

KEY LOSSES: Chip Leon, Tony Tavarez 2.76 Era, Ricardo Perez 3.74 Era, 18 W, 196 K's, Tony Martin 10 W

KEY ADDITIONS: Samuel Gross - FA, Javier Mairena - FA, Matt Magnante - Trade

Toledo Raptures 3rd N.L. East Last Season: 91-71

Toledo was the only team that didn't make any moves in the offseason to better their team and it could cost them dearly in the competitive N.L. East. Willie Campbell was the only player to reach over 100 Rbi's last season for the Raptures and if they hope to challenge for the N.L. East, they will need more production out of their offense as they finished in the bottom of the league in scoring runs last season. With no true Ace, The Raptures may find it hard to reach 90 wins again this season, but if they can get it to the 9th inning and Jeffrey Simmons, they will likely walk away winners as Simmons posted a 3.56 Era and 40 saves for Toledo last season. Unfortunately for Toledo, there is too much talent in the N.L. East to contend and will likely have them looking up from the cellar all season long.

Prediction: 78-84 4th N.L. East

KEY LOSSES: NONE

KEY ADDITIONS: NONE

Indianapolis Thunder Road 4th N.L. East Last Season: 79-83

Management wasn't happy with last seasons below .500 ball and they showed how serious they were about winning by making moves that could put the Thunder Road in position to make the playoffs this season. Indianapolis struggled to hit the long ball last season but with newly aquired Benji Rosado and Jose Martinez that shouldn't be a problem as both of these guys belted 40 Home Runs apiece last season. Roscoe Morris and Esteban Molina led the way for the Thunder last season winning 29 games and with the addition of Alex Lee Indianapolis is looking to make some noise in the N.L. East. Offense kept the Thunder from making the playoffs last season, but with the additions of Rosado and Martinez, the fans should be catching plenty of souvenir balls and watching the Thunder fight all the way to the end for a playoff spot.

Prediction: 91-71 3rd N.L. East

KEY LOSSES: Grover Wood 3.92 Era, 35 Saves, Phil Suzuki, Kris Rushford, Daniel Carroll 28 Home Runs, 109 Rbi, .327 BA, Posiedon Dodd

KEY ADDITIONS: Benji Rosado - Trade, Jason Peterman - Trade, Alex Lee - Trade, Orlando Bravo - Trade, Jose Martinez - Trade, Brent Latham - Rule 5, Patrick Judd - Promoted, Sammy Rosado - Promoted, Wes May - Promoted