N.L. NORTH PREDICTIONS

Cincinnati Red Stockings 1st N.L. North Last Season: 114-48

The Red Stockings led the Majors with 114 wins last season, but a second round playoff series lost to the Tractors have them hungrier than ever to return to the World Series and bring the Trophy back home to Cincy. The Stockings made sure that the starting pitching would stay intact with the re-signing of Lou Brock and his 17 wins and 3.33 ERA. 6 time Cy Young award winner Donald Zhang leads the way for Cincy and is only 6 wins away from 200 career wins. The stockings missed Pablo Mendoza after he went down early last season with a torn ACL. Mendoza hit 21 Home runs in only 43 games last season and if he comes back true to form, I'm not sure any team will be able to stop Cincy from returning to the World series. Cincy did lose pop in the lineup when they traded away Jose Martinez to the Thunder Roads, but Cincy has plenty of fire power even with the loss of Martinez's 40 Home runs. If there's a weak spot on this Cincy team, it would have to be the bullpen. With the Red Stockings starting pitching and offense, Cincy should still be able to pound their way to another North Division Title and deep run in the playoffs.

Prediction: 108-54 1st North

KEY LOSSES: Harry Delgado - 24 Home runs and .304 BA. Jose Martinez - 40 Home runs, 106 RBI, 109 R, and .304 BA.
KEY ADDITIONS: Richie Thompson - FA

Chicago Freeway 2nd N.L. North Last Season: 61-101

The Freeway are looking at another long season as they continue to rebuild. With no talent on the starting pitching rotation, limited offensive weapons and a shaky bullpen, The Freeway are probably looking at another 100 loss season. MVP Al Rosado may be wasting his talents in Chicago this season with limited save opportunities, but with Rosado only being 26, he hopes to stick around and be a big part in the rebuild process that will eventually help the Freeway to a North division title and deep run in the playoffs. The Freeway were at the bottom of the league last season in offense and losing Al Alvarez 40 Home runs won't help the Freeway's offensive woes. Chicago promoted Justin Pote to the majors hoping to make up for the loss of Alvarez, but with Pote's low contact and batting eye, Manager Coneheads may be wishing he would have re-signed Alvarez while leaving Pote in the minors for 1 more year of development. The future is bright for Chicago as young players like Miguel Ortiz start to bring their talents to the big leagues and turn the Freeway into a contender instead of a pretender.

Prediction: 59-102 4th N.L. North

KEY LOSSES: Geronimo Alvarez, Al Alvarez - 41 Home runs and 105 RBI, Junior McCartney, Vic Sanchez

KEY ADDITIONS: Justin Pote - Promoted, Charles McCallum - Promoted, Archie Wolcott - Rule 5, Shouta Uchida - Rule 5

Hartford Whalers 3rd in N.L. North Last Season: 57-105

The Whalers struggled last season to find wins but they are hoping that the offense can lead them to more victories this season. The pitching staff is still below par as David Baerga leads the way with his 4.90 ERA. Aging Kyle Key is in the last year of his contract and by his 2 wins and 6.07 ERA last season, next season can't get here fast enough for the Whalers. J.R. Kirwan's 37 Home runs and 120 RBI will keep opposing pitchers on their toes as Ralph Nelson, Julian Seanez , and Julian Moraga will help put pressure on opposing defenses. Pitching will still be the Whalers kryptonite and will keep the Whalers from making an impact on the playoff race this season.

Prediction: 65-97 2nd N.L. North

KEY LOSSES: Torii Kent, Gene Hague , Eduardo Melo

KEY ADDITIONS: Benji Torrealba - FA, Julio Gonzales - FA, Samuel Burks - FA, Mac Satou - FA

Madison Labradors 4th N.L. North Last Season: 55-107

The fans are hoping new management is what the Labradors need to get back to their winning ways. Madison struggled in all aspects of the game last season, but Madison has dropped some dead weight and added talent by promoting within but they still have a long way to go to start to be considered playoff contenders. Edgard Ferrer and Troy Nixon led the way offensively last season by belting 30 and 36 Home runs. It's going to take a lot more than that though with the Labradors lacking quality pitching as Sean Williams and his 7.58 ERA is leading the rotation. The Labradors will be fighting to stay out of the cellar this season and with no major talent additions and the loss of Trajano, the fight will last all season long.

Prediction: 62-100 3rd N.L. North

KEY LOSSES: Rafael Trajano 4.65 ERA, Matty Ugueto, Robert Henderson, Wesley Tracy 25 Home runs

KEY ADDITIONS: Johnny Hutch - Rule 5, Alex Satou - FA, Miguel Mercado - FA, Fergie Douglas - FA, Sammy Figureoa - FA, Earl Mayne - Promoted, Harry Wilkins - Promoted, Lee Carlson - Promoted