N.L. SOUTH PREDICTIONS

Little Rock Travelers 1st N.L. South Last Season: 92-70

With Tom Perkins and the new addition of Stone Gragg, the Travelers have a good shot at being back to back N.L. South Division Champs. Little Rock's pitching staff wasn't the reason they couldn't advance past the 1st round in last seasons playoffs, but more on the Traveler's offense being in the middle of pack among the Major League teams. The offense does have potential to break out with Alton Holt having a full season in the majors and if Brad Mintz can return to his 100 Rbi days. The bullpen was solid last season and should be a major contributor in the Travelers holding leads and winning close games this season. With solid pitching and an improving offense, the Travelers should be able to keep the division crown and possibly a deep run into the playoffs.

Prediction: 98-64 1st N.L. South

KEY LOSSES: None

KEY ADDITIONS: Stone Gragg - Aquired Via Trade, David Moraga - FA

Memphis Belles 2ne N.L. South Last Season: 74-88

jwperry decided to move the franchise from the hitters park in New Orleans to the pitchers park in Memphis and while some fans think it was to help the franchise, most fans know jwperry couldn't deal with the pressure that the Saints have put on the franchise to win and win big. The Belles will be fighting to stay out of the cellar this season as the offense only produced 2 players that hit over 20 Home Runs and with aging Bryan Lieber moving to the pitchers park and Max Pena being traded to the Yankees last season, the Belles will be hard pressed to score runs this season. While the pitching staff will benefit from the move to Memphis, it won't be enough to challenge for the division with no true ace and some shaky control issues. The Belles will be looking to rebuild and add talent for the future this season and will have to sacrifice wins to do so.

Prediction: 65-97 3rd N.L. South

KEY LOSSES: Billy Ray Flanagan 4.08 Era, Dan Melhuse, Walt Lunsford, Mickey McCarthy, Alfredo Mendoza 3.53 Era, Alan Starr, Richie Thompson, Stan O'Malley .333 BA, Jason Peterman .308 BA, 90 Rbi

KEY ADDITIONS: Juan Osuna - Aquired Via Trade, Peter Riley - Rule 5, Sal Stratton - FA, Clyde Griffin - FA, Mike Osting - FA, Louie Vincente - Promoted, Tony Cora - Promoted, Ruben Jose - Promoted, Quinn Scott - Promoted

Jacksonville Waterfronts 3rd N.L. South Last Season: 64-98

The Waterfronts went the Rule 5 draft to fill their roster by adding 5 players. Jacksonville's pitching staff struggled last season finishing in the bottom 3 in Era and with no upgrades will be looking at another long season. The offense wasn't as bad as the pitching, but finishing in the bottom half of the league in hitting and no player knocking in 100 runs won't help the Waterfronts to many victories this season. Mac Eiland led the Jacksonville offense with 29 Home Runs and 98 Rbi's. Despite another rebuilding season, the Jacksonville fans can rest easy though as there is plenty of talent making its way up the Waterfront's minor league system.

Prediction: 60-102 4th N.L. South

KEY LOSSES: Geronimo Navarro, Archie Norton, Albert Merced, Kevin Servais

KEY ADDITIONS: Sid Sappelt - Rule 5, Pedro Guerrero - Rule 5, Hanley Fullmer - Rule 5, Dan Perkins - Rule 5, Matthew Lane - Rule 5, Jack Alexander - Promoted, Cutter Matthews - Promoted, Joshua Holloway - Promoted, Mike Gomesb - FA

Charlotte Flyers 4th N.L. South Last Season: 63-99

Charlotte could be the team on the move in the N.L. South with some big aquisitions in the offseason. The biggest catch was Yuniesky Ortiz who hopes to lead Charlotte to the playoffs and shot at the division. SP Jorel Olson could be a rookie of the year candidate if he can perform like he has in the minors. Pitching could be suspect for the Flyers with the control issues, but if they can find enough control, the Flyers could find themselves in the playoffs this season.

Prediction: 82-80 2nd N.L. South

KEY LOSSES: Freddie Perkins 4.71 Era, 10 W, Ken Campbell, Alex Serra, Ellis Shaw .323 BA, .391 OBP

KEY ADDITIONS: Hong-Jin Pan - Promoted, Jorel Olson - Promoted, Zip Turner - Promoted, Miguel Castillo - Promoted, Woody Bagley - Promoted, Tony Martin - FA, Joaquin Mesa - FA, Yuniesky Ortiz - FA, Brian Ishida - FA, Eduardo Mendoza - FA, Matty Ugueto - FA