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Matt from TN · 05-15-2003, 12:53 PM

1. Oregon Blues, (92-70, 1st Place, NBL Champs)

The defending NBL champs took a huge hit when they lost catcher Garret Duran to free agency. They chose not to replace him, but instead handed the reigns to Don DeBaret, who doesn't have Duran's power, but who hits for a high average. They expect Duran's slack will be taken up by future Hall-of-Fame second baseman Kevin Reboss (.352 AVG), leftfielder Brad Daye (.278, 18, 103) and centerfielder Chris Morrison (.278, 21, 113).

Pitching has become the team's strong suit. They are led by surprise 26-year-old Mike Morris (15-8, 3.79). Their bullpen is one of the league's best, and they showcase Johnny Yostetson, one of the two best closers in NBL history.

2. Nevada Goldminers, (78-84, 3rd Place)

After failing to improve on 2001's strong performance, Nevada looks to improve on last season. They lost a lot of players to free agency, but they made a huge splash in signing ace Rusty Catlin (16-12, 3.74) to a 4-year contract worth over $42 million. He will lead a staff that features other solid starters, such as Mahktar Sarr (12-6, 3.78), Louis Yunghall and Steve DeMay.

Offensively, they have one of the best hitters in the history of the NBL, first baseman Jerry Cevericks. They also managed to resign centerfielder Ethan Welch (.284, 22, 96), who is one of the top defensive outfielders in the SL. The lineup also contains leftfielder Brock Young (.289, 31, 94).

3. California Cobras, (87-75, 2nd Place)

California will not likely be able to overcome the loss of several key offensive players this winter. They still have young rightfielder Trace Williamson (.283, 23, 98) and first baseman Jack Stern (.322, 19, 98), but that likely won't be enough firepower.

Their strength lies in pitching, where they are led by Jake Nahgler (17-10, 2.30). They also feature young star Rufus Gherting. The presence of Gherting allowed the Cobras to trade another young star pitcher, McKinley Marty to New York, but they will probably come to regret that decision.

4. Arizona Trailways, (76-86, 4th Place)

This once proud franchise is now in full decline. Many players have gotten too old. They have three solid starters: two-time POTY Jack Hasserry, Brad Mytry and Theodore Morgan. After them, the rotation is shaky at best. Their bullpen is solid, especially with star closer Tommy Waters.

The offense is where most of the age has caught up, and where most of the weaknesses are. Their only solid starters are second baseman Andrik Howard (.294, 20, 99), third baseman Mike Georgia (.306, 17, 76), leftfielder Malik Howard (.298, 18, 105) and rightfielder Miguel Nunez (.292, 38, 143).

05-15-2003, 12:53 PM	#7 (permalink)
Matt from TN Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: In a funk.... Posts: 3,413 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2x in 2 posts	2003 SL West Preview 1. Oregon Blues, (92-70, 1st Place, NBL Champs) The defending NBL champs took a huge hit when they lost catcher Garret Duran to free agency. They chose not to replace him, but instead handed the reigns to Don DeBaret, who doesn't have Duran's power, but who hits for a high average. They expect Duran's slack will be taken up by future Hall-of-Fame second baseman Kevin Reboss (.352 AVG), leftfielder Brad Daye (.278, 18, 103) and centerfielder Chris Morrison (.278, 21, 113). Pitching has become the team's strong suit. They are led by surprise 26-year-old Mike Morris (15-8, 3.79). Their bullpen is one of the league's best, and they showcase Johnny Yostetson, one of the two best closers in NBL history. 2. Nevada Goldminers, (78-84, 3rd Place) After failing to improve on 2001's strong performance, Nevada looks to improve on last season. They lost a lot of players to free agency, but they made a huge splash in signing ace Rusty Catlin (16-12, 3.74) to a 4-year contract worth over $42 million. He will lead a staff that features other solid starters, such as Mahktar Sarr (12-6, 3.78), Louis Yunghall and Steve DeMay. Offensively, they have one of the best hitters in the history of the NBL, first baseman Jerry Cevericks. They also managed to resign centerfielder Ethan Welch (.284, 22, 96), who is one of the top defensive outfielders in the SL. The lineup also contains leftfielder Brock Young (.289, 31, 94). 3. California Cobras, (87-75, 2nd Place) California will not likely be able to overcome the loss of several key offensive players this winter. They still have young rightfielder Trace Williamson (.283, 23, 98) and first baseman Jack Stern (.322, 19, 98), but that likely won't be enough firepower. Their strength lies in pitching, where they are led by Jake Nahgler (17-10, 2.30). They also feature young star Rufus Gherting. The presence of Gherting allowed the Cobras to trade another young star pitcher, McKinley Marty to New York, but they will probably come to regret that decision. 4. Arizona Trailways, (76-86, 4th Place) This once proud franchise is now in full decline. Many players have gotten too old. They have three solid starters: two-time POTY Jack Hasserry, Brad Mytry and Theodore Morgan. After them, the rotation is shaky at best. Their bullpen is solid, especially with star closer Tommy Waters. The offense is where most of the age has caught up, and where most of the weaknesses are. Their only solid starters are second baseman Andrik Howard (.294, 20, 99), third baseman Mike Georgia (.306, 17, 76), leftfielder Malik Howard (.298, 18, 105) and rightfielder Miguel Nunez (.292, 38, 143).