[Matt from TN]

This post will begin the division previews for 2003. I will list teams in my predicted order of finish.

Southern League East

1. Tennessee Mockingbirds, (99-63, 2nd Place, Wildcard)

Three-time Pitcher of the Year Jacques Turrut announced this would be his last season. His ERA ballooned to 4.97 in 2002, and he will pitch out of the #4 or 5 spot in the rotation. This will mark the first time in Tennessee's 16-year franchise history that Turrut was not the opening day starter. That distinction falls to Tommy Henkgen, who was 18-6 with a 3.62 ERA in 2002. The rest of the staff is loaded with Martin Evans, Quinn Magee and 25-year-old future ace Cedric Arriaga.

The team's offense is strong as well. They are led by a core of powerful hitters. Leftfielder Jeff Woods hit .323 with 32 HR and 112 RBI last season. He is surronded by other solid hitters such as shortstop Kevin Martin (.324, 27, 104), third baseman Matt Alford (.318, 24, 101), catcher Gene Patrick (.296, 19, 90), rightfielder Gary Cerex (.298, 14, 74, 33 SB), new centerfielder Tomo Tsunami (.292, 15, 86) and others.


2. Alabama Lariats, (105-57, 1st Place)

This is a very potent lineup that hit on all cylinders last season. No matter how good they are, it will be hard to replace the bat of first baseman Fernando Villalpando who left via free agency this winter. They still have 2003 SL MVP, third baseman John D'Amirico (.309, 49, 145), one of the top power hitters in the game. They need a major upgrade at first base. Villalpando's departure has left a gaping hole there. Currently they only have former backup Simon Telutta to fill the spot, but they will need to bring in someone else.

Pitching made the difference for this team last year, mostly thanks to the addition of Beau Rochester, who went 14-8 with a 3.20 ERA. The biggest shock was now 24-year old Eric Alford, who was named Rookie of the Year after recording a 22-5 record and 2.53 ERA, all SL rookie records. Alford's brother Lucas was NL Rookie of the Year in 2000 for New York. Eric earned the opening day nod in 2003 after mowing down the competition in his rookie campaign. Young closer Marcus Mihara makes up a great 1-2 combo with setup man Thomas Boldey.


3. South Carolina Ocenics, (96-66, 3rd Place)

The Ocenics were very disappointed last season when they won 96 games but finished third in the division and missed the playoffs. Competition will again be tough this season, but the Ocenics are up for the challenge. Ace Cy Mills again anchors the rotation. He won his first Pitcher of the Year Award last season by going 27-5 with a 1.68 ERA. Newly acquired Greg Wright will be the #2 starter. He was 12-12 with a 3.60 ERA between Connecticut and Nebraska last season.

Offensively, this team has some question marks. Leftfielder Steve Beuser hit 40 homers last season, but he hit only .244. This 26-year-old can go nowhere but up. He will have little other help outside of second baseman Tuck Carver (.286, 22, 78) and first baseman Thomas Akeo (.301, 12, 82).


4. Georgia Rangers, (59-103, 5th Place)

The Rangers further proved that their 2001 BTCS appearance was a fluke, but no one foresaw them losing 103 games in 2002. Manager John Caspar's promise to rebuild the pitching staff has been hollow up until now. However, some of his work may begin to pay off now that youngsters Michael Clift and Luther Whatley have a full season under their belts.

Pitching will need to improve if this team wants to win. Thier offense doesn't stand up to other powerhouses in this division. 26-year-old first baseman Eduardo Coska had a breakout year in 2002 hitting .288 with 37 HR and 97 RBI. Very good on a team that won only 59 games.


5. Virginia Stallions, (70-92, 4th Place)

This team has some very good hitters in first baseman Arthur Adams (.292, 29, 106), leftfielder Carlos Iveman (.267, 25, 103) and new rightfielder Wayman Lucas (.255, 23, 87). Their pitching rotation is anchored by fading Robin McCormick. They also have young up-and-comers Karl Kadani and Daniel Phillipi. However, outside of closer Adam Gillahan, their bullpen is in shambles. They are expected to promote some youngsters, but it might be too soon.