NL WEST






And, finally, last AND least, we have those rapscallions and ne'er-do-wells of the NL West. Once upon a time nj's team, wherever it was for that season, was pretty much guaranteed the division, but hard times, baby, hard times. In the past several seasons, rocketcy has carried the banner. In fact since joining BPF rocketman's team has never finished under .500. Last season was close but Albuquerque still won the division and made it's way to the NLCS. And he's done it despite never really blowing me away on paper. Defense is this team's strong point, especially at shortstop. Oklahoma City is also well covered at short, but lacking elsewhere. Catching is especially a concern, but with a bat like Chico Borbon, who gives a muffin? While not incredibly deep in the field, Seattle does have things a little more shored up, overall. The Slew are also relying on hitting to carry the catching position. Man, what is with the West and poor defensive catchers? Arizona ditto, and it doesn't look like the backstops bats can make up for their defensive short comings. Otherwise Arizona looks fairly solid, glove-wise. Boy-o-boy does Seattle have some power, in one of the biggest home run suppressing parks we got. Plus the four biggest smash bats, are, ahem, weak against righties. They will destroy left handed pitching, though. OKC has the same issue, not as big in power and a little stronger against righties. Albuquerque? Same thing. Some good splits against southpaws, but won't have the same success against right handed pitching. There is some speed, though, to help gain an extra base here and there. Offensively weak against everyone is Arizona, maybe the pitching will keep them in games. Ummm...ahhhh...no, no it won't. Things aren't looking good for AZ this season. It's a toss-up between Seattle and OKC for the best pitching in the division. There's little to distinguish between the two, really. Like really little. Alby-Q has decent pitching. Not dominanting but will steal a game once in a while.



Prediction:

OKC: 85-77

Seattle: 82-80

Alby-Q: 80-82

Arizona: 69-93   No girls this time my work comp sucks. So does my home comp.

NL Continued

NL SOUTH




The South has long been the NL's, hell, BPF's division of distinction, winning the last three World Series'. One team does appear to have fallen on harder times, that being the AI led Jimmies of Jacksonville. Beyond Louie Graham in the bullpen, pitching ranges from tslightly above mediocre (Ryan Crawford) to abysmal (Esmerling Rosales, ugh). Atlanta continues to put together a tight staff of hurlers with some dominance. Jackson isn't far behind, with some very good starters and an excellent bullpen. Defending BPF champ, New Orleans looks a kinda weak against left handed batters, but is otherwise extremly solid. Wheres Atlanta's pitching remains strong, the hitting has taken several steps back. Especially losing multi-MVP fella Joel Harvey. There's really not much to get excited about. If Atlanta can win a whole bunch of 1-0, 2-1 games it should work out. Jackson looks pretty potent, though the best hitter is a pure DH, plying his trade in the NL. The Jimmies still boast an intimidating line-up that if Jacksonville can win a lot of games 8-7, 10-8 should be alright. The Chin Music don't seem as threatening at the plate as the Jackson, or the like named ville. But I thought that way the past two seasons and I have had my prediction's ass handed to me. The one thing that will help the Bullochs is the defense. It's very good, and will definitely boost the pitching's fortunes. At the other end of the spectrum, we find Jacksonville. Not very good at all in the field. If those games were televised they would be fun to watch, if you like offense, wild pitches, and errors. New Orleans is capable at getting to balls and making the play. Jackson is unremarkable, but solid.



Prediction:

Jackson: 96-66

New Orleans 88-74

Atlanta: 82-80

Jacksonville: 75-87

And now girls in short shorts: