[Matt from TN]

1. New Jersey Jets, (88-74, 1st Place, NL Champs)

The Jets lost their leadoff hitter and their closer this offseason. The team still has one of the better rotations in the game, led by future Hall-of-Famer Ben Lestrick (22-5, 2.37). They also have the luxury of a second ace, Ean Carlisle, (8-14, 3.53) who struggled at times last season. They signed free agent Earl Davidson (11-7, 4.24), a former All-Star. Their rotation also features Manuel Despaigne and Ricardo Keenan. 25-year-old setup man Corey Herrera will move to the closer's role, replacing one of the all-time great closers, Marc Germaine. That transition will be key.

New Jersey spent over $41 million to add catcher Stan Nolan (.270, 30, 105) to their lineup. He worked out at first base during the spring, and that move will allow young catcher Terry Zamudio to start most of the season behind the plate. The Jets also have one of the better hitters in the game with leftfielder Duane Cope (.313, 23, 84).


2. Connecticut Dragsters, (80-82, 3rd Place)

Connecticut has a solid pitching staff. They are not dominating, but they can help the team win many games. They have three-time POTY Evan D'Weston (3-8, 5.60), who has continued to slip badly after his three awards in 1993-1995. He is no longer considered among the elite. They also have Rick Irwin (10-15, 5.40), Chad LaCaze (8-10, 3.86) and 22-year-old Jim Hardy (15-11, 5.39). While their rotation is average, their bullpen is strong. Dale Bronas moved into the closer role in 2002 and did well (36 saves, 2.42 ERA).

Last season's NL Rookie of the Year, Graham Salzman (.292, 39, 129), leads the offense. He is surrounded by rightfielder Mitch Vaughn (.302, 24, 79), centerfielder Dave Coleman (.260, 18, 73) and shortstop Edgar Dillon (.298, 15, 83).


3. Delaware Mavericks, (75-87, 4th Place)

Two-time POTY Ben Garse leads this underachieving team. Last season he was 13-11 with a 3.88 ERA. He is #1 on a strong pitching staff. Brain Bavada struggled last season in his first shot as a closer. This season, the Mavericks brought in one of the game's best lefty setup men, Cal Gordon, to help out.

Gus Macy (.324, 46, 153), the 2000 and 2002 NL MVP, returns as the starting catcher. He leads a strong offense that also features third baseman Gabe Baldwin (.324, 27, 116), shortstop Rob Hoch (.272, 17, 78), LF/DH Tom Marine (.302, 23, 94), leftfielder Jim Russell (.242, 22, 77), young centerfielder Gary Flickinger (.324, 11, 51, 29 SB) and new rightfielder Brad Oakley (.295, 15, 68).


4. New York Knights, (85-77, 2nd Place)

This team that was once a hitter's haven, is now becoming a pitcher's team. They are led by 2001 Rookie and Pitcher of the Year Lucas Alford (20-6, 1.66), brother of Alabama's pitching phenom Eric Alford. They also get strong pitching from John Turcsak, who had an off year in 2002. They added future star McKinley Marty to their staff this winter in a trade with California. They have a strong bullpen, headed by closer Kelvin Graff, but their overall pitching depth is questionable.

This offense still has some pop with catcher Byll Beach (.288, 29, 93), second baseman Nate Gaston (.284, 24, 83) and young third baseman Randall Bethel (.275, 38, 109). They also hope to get some increased productivity out of newly acquired rightfielder Kevin Young.


5. New Hampshire Hornets, (57-105, 5th Place)

Although this was one of the worst teams in the league last season, they managed to land some big free agents, namely catcher Garret Duran (.331, 29, 115) and closer Marc Germaine (3-1, 42 Sv, 0.95 ERA). While these two players cannot make the Hornets an overnight success, they should at least prevent them from losing 100 games again.

The team has a few solid pitchers in Ryan Edwards (15-16, 4.03) and company. Their bullpen, however, is full of holes - outside of Germaine. Duran's main offensive counterparts will be third baseman Matt Fitzsimmons (.310, 35, 100), first baseman Jerrod Vicker (.234, 25, 78) and shortstop Chad McCawben (.258, 17, 79).