N.L. WEST PREDICTIONS

Helena Swingers 1st N.L. South Last Season: 106-56

The Swingers ended the season partying in the streets and drinking champagne as they were able to win the franchise's 1st World Series in convincing fashion by only losing 1 game the whole playoffs. New comer Roger Russell was forced into the rotation last season due to injuries, but he made the biggest impact for the Swingers by tossing his 1st career no hitter at the young age of 22 and going 12-4 with a 2.36 Era. The Swingers were able to bolster their bullpen this season with some key free-agent aquisitions but the loss of power hitter Pascual Nieves to free-agency could keep the Swingers from achieving their 2nd World Series title in as many years. The Swingers are counting on Matt Ramsey getting back to form and picking up the slack of losing Nieves. With Helena returning the bulk of their World Series team with a better bullpen, Helena will look to stay on top in the West Division and hopefully make some noise in the playoffs.

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

KEY LOSSES: Ricky Woods, Pascual Nieves 33 HR, 103 Rbi, 90 R, Ricardo Mantalban 3.58 Era, Alex Pescado 3.82 Era, 11 W, Tomas Franco, Victor Rodriguez .296 BA,


KEY ADDITIONS: Harry Delgado - FA, Miguel Martin - FA, Grover Wood - FA, D.T. McMurtry - Promoted, Ray Bessire - Promoted, Brian Lim - Rule 5

Salem Volcanoes 2nd N.L. West Last Season: 91-71

Salem ended the season in exciting fashion by barely pulling out a wildcard spot in the playoffs and then knocking off a 100 win team in the 1st round of the playoffs. The fans are still feeding off that excitement and hope to accomplish more this season. Salem lost power hitting Erick Alexander by trading him to division rival K.C., but with Junior Gil and Ron York still in the lineup, the Volcanoes will still have a very potent offense. Pitching wise, Salem experimented with 9 different pitchers in the starting rotation and are hoping they are set by adding free-agent Clarence Allen to start season 17. The offense will lead Salem this season and if the pitching can continue it's success from last season, the Volcanoes could see themselves on top of the division at seasons end.

Prediction: 80-82 3rd N.L. West

KEY LOSSES: Miguel Martin, Erick Alexander 39 HR, 114 Rbi, 96 R

KEY ADDITIONS: Clarence Allen - FA, Al Rivera - Promoted, Pete Forest - Promoted, Scott Leskanic - Promoted, J.T. Smalley - Aquired Via Trade

Kansas City Baseball Furies 3rd N.L. West Last Season: 73-89

Kansas City is hoping to make a move up the division ranks this season. The Furies were in the bottom 4 in scoring runs last season but adding Erick Alexander through trade and promoting SS Hugh Wise, the Furies hope to have remedied their scoring woes. Vic Matthews will make his ML debut for the Furies this season and will be a rookie of the year candidate if he performs up to his abilities. One of the biggest reasons K.C. will be a dangerous team is the free-agent signing of ace Ricardo Perez. Perez has a career 3.07 Era and 135 wins and when it's all said and done could be staring down 200 career wins. Kansas City will be a different team this year and with the upgrades in offense and pitching could easily take the division this year.

Prediction: 92-70 2nd N.L. West

KEY LOSSES: Ed Becker 24 HR, 82 Rbi, Samuel Burks 4.03 Era, Ernest Burks .282 BA, 87 R, 18 HR, J.T. Smalley

KEY ADDITIONS: Hugh Wise - Promoted, Esteban Santos - Promoted, Vic Matthews - Promoted, Ricardo Perez - FA, Frank Ono - FA, Hector Bailey - FA, Erick Alexander - Aquired Via Trade, Nate Pratt - Aquired Via Trade, Hiram Pong - Aquired Via Trade

Arizona Federales 4th N.L. West Last Season: 61-101

Federales aren't as bad as their record indicates from last season and it's a wonder how they lost over 100 games. New owner baggs03 has some talent to work with and should be able to right the ship in a short time. With Jesus Chavez and his 40 HR and 122 Rbi's leading the offense, the Federales are looking to take the Division this season. The additions of Bryan O'Malley and Alex Guerrero should keep Arizona from finishing at the bottom of the league in offense like last season. SP Victor Ugueto is hoping to continue his success and lead the rotation with his 12 Wins and 3.28 Era. Under new management, the Federale fans will have competitive ball club to look forward to this season and could be cheering their team on in the playoffs.

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

KEY LOSSES:Santos Samuel, Benito Cruz, Brian Ishida .291 BA

KEY ADDITIONS: Nate Brooks - Promoted, Howie James - Promoted, Bryan O'Malley - Promoted, Alex Guerrero - FA, Ariel Macias - FA