[Matt from TN]

1. Michigan Dragons, (90-72, 3rd Place)

Michigan was very disappointed last season to win 90 games and miss the playoffs. They made very few changes this offseason, but they traded for veteran starter Aril Hamburg (11-15, 5.15). They also added a few faces to the bullpen. They were very happy with the 2002 performance of first-time closer Digby Austin (9-7, 23 Sv, 2.76 ERA).

This team has some major offensive firepower, with key hitters like catcher Zack Rozway (.275, 32, 105), shortstop Kenny Kyan (.304, 27, 81), leftfielder Wendell Aldwin (.331, 31, 111) and centerfielder Marcus Rosas (.312, 22, 120).


2. Illinois Panthers, (71-91, 5th Place)

This may be the season that Illinois finally makes their move after years of rebulding. Their rotation is led by Mike Fornier (19-9, 3.38). He is followed by some other stong pitchers, such as Tex Jackson (9-17, 4.63). Closer Aaron Mitchell can only be helped by the addition on setup man Mark Lecksauer.

The offense is steadied by veteran centerfielder Jed Williams (.340, 22, 88). Rightfielder Gabe Rawls (.297, 25, 104) has become a consistent bat. The team also counts on hitters such as third baseman Bryce Chapman (.285, 15, 51) and young leftfielder Josh Erlec (.283, 19, 104).


3. Wisconsin Rattlers, (76-86, 4th)

The Rattlers hope to improve on their disappointing 2001 BTCS title defense last season. They made few changes to their roster, but they are counting on more productivity for their established players. The pitching staff is led by Randy Cole (15-7, 3.83). Second starter Dustin Jackson (8-13, 6.31) was a huge disappointment in 2002, but newcomer Ronaldo Aceves (5-8, 4.20) made a good impression. Their pen is strong with closer Drew Alley and setup man George Zulansky.

Leftfielder Brian Pitt (.294, 37, 112) leads the offense along with catcher Chris Abistan (.292, 33, 105). The team needs similar production from shortstop Ol Tak (.297, 53 RBI) and third baseman Justo Rivera (.268, 23, 83). They also expect better numbers from first baseman Harmon Dego (.220, 19, 54).


4. Pennsylvania Pirates, (97-65, 1st Place)

It's not easy to pick the team with the best record in the NL last season to finish fourth, but this was an overachieving team. Pitching is the team's strength, and Ben Lemire (18-8, 3.50) is developing into an ace. He is followed by Bryce Preston, Geoff Montayne and youngster Gary Summers, all solid starters. The bullpen is also strong.

However, the offense just isn't there. First baseman Joseph Turrut has slipped lately. The Sentinels only two major offensive threats are third baseman Alik Krzysztof (.349, 21, 115) and rightfielder Lewis Speed (.297, 33, 124).


5. Ohio Assassins, (92-70, 2nd Place, Wildcard)

Pitching, once a steadying force in Ohio, has crumbled. Future Hall-of-Famer Joe Wiclock (24-5, 2.98), is still there, but the other starters are either fading vets or youngsters still getting their feet wet. The bullpen has a solid closer and setup man, but the rest is shaky.

First baseman Benny Covasonn (.277, 21, 87) was signed to a 5-year, $51 million contract. Ohio hopes he can breathe some life into this offense. He will be assisted by first baseman Pete Marshall (.316, 22, 88), third baseman Mike Strickland (.314, 29, 117) and 25-year-old centerfielder Curtis Davis (.358, 32, 130).