The new construction on the ballpark was complete, and the Mushers were ready for Opening Day. There was plenty of buzz about the new club in Bethel and the surrounding towns, but experts downplayed their chances. In fact, this club might have the best shot at finishing with the league's worst record. They really had no positional strengths at all, although recently signed outfielder Lloyd Flannery brought high expectations for the local faithful. Slugging third baseman and All-Star, Steve Davis, had left baseball, presumably for good. Their best pitcher might be Ryan Dye, but he had been stuck in the bullpen most of last year, putting up a 2.86 ERA in 79 innings. Their projected Opening Day starter, Davis Crawford, had put up a 5.57 ERA. Closer Gaylord Powers was gone. This was gonna get ugly.
Financially, things looked pretty good, as they appeared set to make up for last year's losses and then some.
Prediction: 6th (last) in the Denali
The Jets had some pop in the lineup, but for the most part, they didn't play much defense. Solid hitters included first baseman Adam Joly (.294/.370/.457 last year), shortstop Bill Duval (.233/.331/.408 but expected to do better this time) and superstar right fielder Ray Tomiak (.336/.425/.610). Newt Langille (4-9, 4.60) headed up a weak rotation. Closer Loren Coleman could get the job done if he kept his control (18 BB, 48 K in 44 IP).
Eagle River-Chugiak was still in a financial hole, having lost about $130,000 last year and projected to lose another $20,000 this year.
Prediction: 4th in the Seward