[Matt from TN]

1. Missouri Mustangs, (65-97, Tied - 4th Place)

Yes, the Mustangs HAVE improved that much. During the winter, they added first baseman Fernando Villalpando (.328, 30, 100), catcher Mike Wilson (.280, 14, 59) and rightfielder Marco Durrante (.239, 12, 57) who is coming off a down year. Those guys join a lineup that already contains second baseman Clint Browning (.293, 29, 104) and outfielders Dan Billops and Trent Blake.

They added closer Robert Honug to their bullpen. Honug is one of the best. He's had an ERA below 2.00 in four of the past six seasons! Their rotation will be the key to this team's success. They are led by Brian Corsett and Dan Benerot.


2. Louisiana Choctaws, (72-90, 3rd Place)

Veteran Zane Gerdrine (8-8, 3.30) was brought in to anchor this rotation. Around him are youngsters Dorio Chaves (18-5, 4.39) and Charles Zermeno (6-14, 6.81). Outside of Gerdrine, no other starter is over age 27. The bullpen needs to help carry the load. 23-year-old Maxim Figueroa was handed the closer's job last season. He did well, converting 80% of his save opportunities.

They upgraded their offense with catcher Mitchell Breeden, who hit .245 with 43 homers and 115 RBI in 2002. He will be surrounded by other good hitters like first baseman Derrick Pickney (.282, 20, 94), centerfielder LeRoy Mitchen (.313, 27, 115), rightfielder Cleve Maydon (.310, 31, 117) and surprising leftfielder Greg Foley (.281, 20, 73).


3. Oklahoma Coyotes, (65-97, Tied - 4th Place)

Oklahoma added two offensive threats in centerfielder Eric Crenshaw (.333, 26, 104, 28 SB) and rightfielder Charles Hunter (.285, 26, 93). Outside of those two, much of the offense is aging but can still be productive.

The Coyotes believe their core of young pitchers can make this team competitive in 2003. Daniel Belitz, 26, will start on opening day. He was 15-8 with a 4.09 ERA in his first full season. They are also counting on improvement from Mark Luce and Mike Masuraca, as well as the steady hands of Ricky Mariciani and Travis Sanders.


4. Nebraska Shuckers, (86-77, 1st Place)

During the offseason, Nebraska lost two of their starting pitchers and two outfielders to free agency. They are using this opportunity to test out youngsters Farris Berryhill and rookie Charles Wright. The staff is still anchored by former POTY winner Phil Dunnert. They have a very strong bullpen led by closer Harry Heins and the consummate setup man Zeke Riles. The bullpen will aid in their rotation's development.

Their outfield is weak except for 2001 Rookie of the Year Martin Willard. Catcher Damon Erickson may be forced to play leftfield, giving Anthony Beith the duties behind the plate.


5. Texas Oilrigs, (85-78, 2nd Place)

Several of this team's top players retired or left as free agents this winter, namely their #1 pitcher Rusty Catlin. His absense leaves a huge void in this staff.

Offense has long been this team's strong suit, but it was lessened by the loss of Eric Crenshaw. They still have leftfielder Ricky Abbott (.279, 34, 100), catcher Tony Waqueme (.297, 19, 84), third baseman Chet Bennett (.274, 17, 67) and young rightfielder Edward Newbolt (.349, 16, 108).