[Matt from TN]

1. Washington Timbers, (88-74, 1st Place)

This has always been an offensive team in a highly offensive division. The NL West has never been known for its pitching. Washington lost one of its top hitters in catcher Mitchell Breeden. First baseman John Rickner's average slipped last season (.232, 31, 106). They still have a lot of firepower with right fielder Derek Ingram (.341, 29, 110), centerfielder Rick Columbus (.325, 23, 95) and third baseman Eric Wysniewski (.291, 20, 70). The entire lineup has good offensive capabilities, perhaps one of the best lineups in the league.

With offense no question, pitching becomes the key to success for the Timbers. Ozzie Consuela, who was let go after 14 seasons in Ohio, was masterful for Washington in 2002 (20-1, 2.90). The team also has good young arms in Pablo Holliday and Marv Zelichenko, as well as veterans Tyler Isler and Stew Penley. The team's bullpen is also solid. This team should be among the best in the NL when the season's over.


2. Dakota Grizzlies, (82-80, 2nd Place)

The Grizzlies have a solid offense, led by rightfielder Bryce Hares (.323, 41, 148). He is surrounded by centerfielder Jay Russard (.292, 18, 80), leftfielder Tayib Helms (.313, 18, 101), shortstop Emilio Stevens (.262, 22, 81), third baseman Donnie Moore (.275, 29, 116) and catcher Mark McDaniel (.285, 18, 104). The best news for Dakota is the fact that Hares, Helms, Stevens and McDaniel are all age 28 or younger.

Pitching is the key for this team. They had three solid starters last season, and they hope that the addition of Pete Jenkins (9-14, 6.09) and Pete Salzen (14-9, 4.66), both of whom had sparkling careers a few years ago, will turn this pitching staff around. Jenkins and Salzen are the only two major acquisitions the Grizzlies made this offseason, so they need these guys to perform.


3. Alaska Huskies, (74-88, 4th Place)

Several key offensive players retired from last year's squad. The organization brought in catcher Ryan Kensha (.257, 19, 81) and new leadoff hitting shortstop Dick Roche (.259, 82 R, 48 SB). The team has several other solid offensive contributors, but they still don't match up to Washington and Dakota.

The Huskies have the best 1-2 pitching combo in the league, but the question comes after their turn in the rotation. Greg Rymon (17-11, 2.89) and Paul Van Jander (17-9, 2.40) are devastating, but the final three starters are aged 25 and younger. They need to learn the ropes, but they have potential. This could be a surprising team in 2003.


4. Kansas Wranglers, (79-83, 3rd Place)

Kansas took big hits this winter and did little to replace lost talent. They have some talented pitchers like Clint Anglin (15-11, 4.03), Marv Roberts (8-13, 5.06) and youngster Ben Capone (12-16, 5.37), who many think will be a future ace. The rest of the staff is weak, and the bullpen is average.

The Wranglers offense is its biggest liability. There's no way these guys can keep up with the big dogs in this division. Their only real offensive star is young catcher Tony Sassus (.285, 21, 100). The only thing the Wranglers have going is their youth.