[Elendil]

Opening Day Previews, May 15, 2009



The Pilots' offense would once again depend on a resurgence by Bonnar and Robbins. The team's real strength would lie in the pitching staff, with 2007 POY Gary Tufts, 2-time All-Star Bryan Kendall, and 2008 All-Star Eric Liger filling the top three positions. The loss of Vincent Robinson would probably hurt, though. The new #4 starter was Mike McCutcheon (3-4, 5.85 last year with Sitka). Closer John Adams, an All-Star last year, should once again be solid.

Financially, the team was still in pretty dire shape due to their massive, immobile player payroll ($813,611). Next year Bonnar and Adams would drop off the books, but for now, they look poised to lose money yet again.

Prediction: 4th in the Seward.



The Bucs had surprised everyone in '08 with their second place finish. However, they really hadn't improved over the offseason and didn't have the financial room to bring in veterans for a playoff push.

Last year's POY, Jack Hatt, was their only true star. The rest of the team was fairly well rounded, but few names really stand out.

They expect to make a fair bit of money again this year and finally perhaps dig themselves out of that big hole from the first season.

Prediction: 3rd in the Seward.



The Mushers' offseason moves have already been reviewed. They would probably improve this year, but any team whose #1 starter is Newt Langille has limited potential. Outfielder Kelyn Birley, a new acquisition, would lead the offense.

The team had made quite a bit of money this year, but they were on track to spend most of their cash reserves this year. However, hugely overpaid starting pitcher Davis Crawford would be off the books next year, when the Mushers would likely start to make a push.

Prediction: 5th in the Seward.



Chugiak, as they were becoming known colloquially, was in bad shape. The worst-off team in the league, financially speaking, had tied for the worst record in the league last year. While first baseman Adam Joly was a bona fide star (.292/.389/.480 career), at almost every other position the Jets were among the least well equipped for the coming season. The number one starting pitcher would be Jeremie Dessureault (15-15, 4.55 career).

The team could break even this year, but if attendance collapsed, they could fall into a deeper hole. Privately, the team's ownership was considering getting out of the business already.

Prediction: 6th (last) in the Seward.

More previews coming soon...