October 1, 2009
First of all, congratulations are in order for my dear, dear friend, Jeff Meyers. He's richly desrving of his title as Polo Grounds champion. But on a personal note, I'm equally excited to meet the new guy, Charles (or Chuck) as he likes to be called. Read deeply in to the following words, meditate upon the hidden meanings. Peel away the layers, and I think you'll find a Strat-O-Matic soulmate among our midst:

Draft time nears, teams fall-
damn that diamond to seven
A new year begins.

That is gold, Charles. Gold. Welcome, my good friend.

March 15, 2009
I know it's technically a trifle early, but with the opener falling on the Ides, I really felt the need to push through my sentiments. And so many leagues and divisions this year! Oh, I know how my little Groundouts press their noses against the flat-screens waiting to read my pre-season passions, but als, the wait is over. First--a slight surprise! My dear, DEAR friend Sammy Davis Jr. will also be providing his insights this year, and if he can outwit the witty (that's me!) I'll allow him to try again next year. Read this space in the next few days for more on Sammy. Oh, what a little Prognosticating Ratpack are we! Here goes...

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST DIVISION: So dull, but Homestead methodically cranks out an easy division title again.
Homestead: 162 practice games--but can they avoid postseason pitfalls in '09? Teixiera looks fabulous!
Charleston: Big hitters and everything, but ugh--the pitching! Was Jeff waiting for the pitching draft to start before someone explained the rules?
Rochester: A steady climb by the Redbirds will result in a decent finish, but well out of the money this season. Wait 'til 2010 though!
Mississippi: I guess this is the "Britt-ish" invasion--get it? Not a bad little expansion bounty here, but not enough depth to seriously challenge.
Sheboygan: This is the ugly remnant of a successful 2008 campaign. Sadly, it involved complete annihilation of the 2009 season.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST DIVISION: Possible runaway at the top of the division, but we have lots of wildcard possibilities here.
Branson: Odd-numbered year--we all what that means--100 wins. But no Mark Hendrickson to lead the charge this time though
Thunder Bay: The Rats will be in the hunt, and might have just enough horses to force themselves into the playoff picture.
Olympia: Rule-of-thumb: the more Casper players you acquire, the better your playoff chances. Will the pitching hold up?
Ladner: Don't be shocked to see the Alouettes back in the playoffs, but they look a little softer after last year's amazing run fell short.
St. Paul: Fifth place might be too kind of a prediction here. Izzy should be glad we don't play in a relegation league. Yuck!

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST DIVISION: A crazy division. No powerhouses--it should prove to be a grind. Let's see who comes out on top..
Brooklyn: I barely recognize this team. So many trades, but overall a much-improved squad. Don't print playoff tix yet though!
Montpelier: Another 2007 expandee on the rise. Postseason baseball is definitely in the near future after a strong '08 campaign sputtered.
Havana: For the record, I didn't scrutinize this team carefully; I pledge to pick them third every year from now on. Oh, they confound me!
Gnawbone: Seriously, Sparky will somehow find a way to coax a winning record out of the band of rogues and ne'er-do-wells.
Manassas: By design, our defending champions are clearly gearing up already for another run in 2010. It was fun while it lasted!

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST DIVISION: Another shootout in the wild west, but who's slinging the biggest gun?
Yakima: Solid lineup, with an embarrassment of pitching depth. The Bears will need that depth to outplay and outlast in this tough division.
Casper: Pretty stinkin' good second-place team, but not enough to hang with Yakima. Still, the playoffs are a possibility.
Tombstone: Oddly, I can see this team hang around for a while, maybe even flirt with the playoffs. And with a bunch of Dodgers!
San Diego: It feels very wrong to pick the Dogs for fourth place, but their age is starting to creep into those range ratings.
Telluride: A series of misfortunes has befallen the Tortugas after their impressive sophomore season. They need a new plan quickly.

2009 Playoff Teams: AL-Homestead, Branson, Thunder Bay, Charleston; NL-Yakima, Brooklyn, Montpelier, Casper
2009 World Series: Branson tops Homestead in AL, but is out of steam by World Series. Yakima Bears top the 'Knobbers 4-2.

Well, what say you, Sammy? Game on!

SAMMY SEZ:

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST DIVISION: Or bottom three could be MIS, SHE, ROC, or ROC, MIS, SHE
Homestead: Another 100 win season, that’s a cool four in a row, man. Look for defensive wizardry on web gems.
Charleston: Second place but, oh, just misses the playoffs.
Sheboygan: Mike, one of the nicest guys in the league. Finishes in the middle of the (rat) pack.  Like Peter Lawford.
Rochester: This dude had a great draft early. Power and beauty, but another year before the staff catches up to Peavy.
Mississippi: I see a plan man.  The building begins.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST DIVISION: LAD & OLY are so close…edge goes to LAD’s pitching.
Branson – Frank has a lot of bread riding on the ‘Knobbers in ‘09.  My best advice baby…Don’t make the dude mad.
Ladner – No slow fade for the “Kings of Cool”   in ’09. Garza, Harden, Weaver, Olsen, & Vazquez.
Olympia – Hoping for 75 wins in ’09…85 should put you cats in the playoffs.
Thunder Bay – Offense falls short of delivering Rats to the playoffs.  One of two teams to make the playoffs in 4 of 6 years-- 5 of 7?
St Paul – Haren, Masterson, & Galarraga, fine start in building a rotation. Unfortunately, too many other holes.  

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST DIVISION: Tightest Division
Yakama – Rises to the top with pitching.  Totally Fab, man!
Casper – Rides C. C. and Johan to the playoffs.  Best night of my life, the night Dave, Liza, and I hit the town.
Tombstone – .500 finish?  This dude could finish above .500 with possible playoff appearance in rookie season.
Telluride – This team lacks the Rat Packs three P’s.  Pitching, Pitching, Pitching
San Diego – Looks impressive on paper. Groovy young pitching but will have to wait until 2010. All show no go.

NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST DIVISION: Second Tightest Division
Brooklyn – Reliving glory days?  Randy Johnson - four years later? Always has been Joey Bishop’s favorite team man.
Montpelier – Makes it a close race. Pitching duel with BRK down the stretch.
Gnawbone – Makes a run but pitching falls short.  Maybe time for Sparky to pull out the mirrors.
Havana – Hangs close for a while but hitting is not confounding
Manassas – Wild card World Series champ in ’08 following Branson’s lead…loading up on 2010 draft picks.  

Playoffs – NL- Brooklyn, Montpelier, Yakama, Casper;   AL- Homestead, Branson, Ladner, Olympia  
World Series – Branson avenges his 2005 World Series loss to Brooklyn 4 games to 1

December 30, 2008
Sorry for my lengthy time away, but I've been at the Shady Acres Resort for the last few months, trying to grasp the idea of Manassas winning the championship. Good for Jeff Burkett--he's really been one of my favorites. And speaking of Redskins, boy oh boy, did I take a burn on a few of my prognostications last spring--I am positively crimson with embarrassment! To think I suggested San Diego and Havana would still be playing in October. Which brings to my main point: PINK LOGO TIME! Certainly by now, you've seen the Stogies caused me lots of emotional damage; enough to warrant 2009's magenta mark. They looked like a playoff team, they historically played like a playoff team, and then the season started, and... please stop me. The SunDogs also hurt my feelings and finished in consideration, as well as Champ-to-Chump Branson, and record-setting-turned postseason nightmare Homestead. Does A-Rod play for the Grays? You bet he does. I hope everyone enjoys a safe and joyous New Year, and if you're in Las Vegas over the New Year holiday, I'll be playing at the Sand Dollar Motel's Basement Tiki Bar, just off the strip. Stop by and say hello. As they say, I'm out!

July 22, 2008
While the rest of the world keeps telling me to 'think green" I want remind everyone that I'll be "thinking pink" over the next two months, as I decide which team is worthy of the 2009 Pink Logo Award. I give it to the team that makes me look bad when it comes to my pre-season prognostications. And before anybody thinks that it's as simple as won-loss record, let me assure you that far more than that goes in to my formula. Sure, it's easy to envision Havana or San Diego in pastels next year, but even Homestead's not out of the woods. A quick exit from the playoffs leaves even the strongest teams vulnerable. So consider this a warning: there's still a lot to play for down the stretch. I'll be seeing you, and you'll be seeing me.

May 1, 2008
As I've mentioned before, there are times poetry can stir the soul and sometimes not. Let's just say that these words moved me to tears. But still, kudos to my special friends Sean and Keith (so Cassidy brothers sounding for some reason!) for being good sports and enduring our little hazing ritual. And virtual May Day baskets to all my Groundouts! Here, at last, are the Expansion Haikus, Part II:

Eternal talent
Destroy everything I touch
Canseco's a bum.
—Sean B.

Groundouts hold their breath
Two Thousand Nine is coming
Welcome the Shooters!
—Keith G.

April 25, 2008
Hi Groundouts! Well, we're almost at the quarter-turn of the season, and I think the standings look upside-down in a few places! Ladner, Telluride,Montpelier, and Sheboygan? When did they get teams? At least old faves like Homestead and Thunder Bay are up where they belong; where the eagles fly, on a mountain high. And speaking of disappointments, what's going on in Havana? Walsh and Peterson better hope Fidel's replacement has more patience than El Comandante. Let's get things turned around down there, or the dreaded Pink Logo of Unmet Expectations will be adorning the Cuban capital city; that's a millstone Boomers' skipper Mike Mihelich can tell you about! Expansion? Haikus? Check back with me shortly; I've got some goodies for all you Longfellow lovers, Frost fanatics, and Robert Bly Guys.

March 14, 2008
The Ides! The Ides! We love the draft, but we really long for the Ides! I know that the Ides technically fall tomorrow,but I could scarcely wait another New York minute before I launch my pre-season predictions.With the regular season starting tomorrow, I thought it best to get this insider's view disseminated as soon as possible. Before we look at the upcoming season, let's see how I did last year: I got five out of six on the playoff teams, but missed on my pick of San Diego to win it all. But Branson--who knew? The constant thorn in my prognosticating side has always been Havana; when I say up, they fall, and when I say "stinko" they fight like men among boys. Let's see if they treat me any better this year. Here goes...

EAST DIVISION: All Homestead. Not much separating the other five teams, so I'm not confident in these predictions!
Homestead: This one looks easy. If they don't win 100 games, and win the division, I'll eat my candleabra.
Havana: So much starting pitching to not have a strong season. And so many second basemen! I've always liked depth!
Manassas: They climb closer every year, but I see a narrow miss this year. 85 wins and Wampum!
Montpelier: Quietly piecing together a nice little club. You could call them a pioneer of franchise-building!
Brooklyn: Too injury-prone; but it still wouldn't shock to me to see the Trolleys playing postseason. Around .500.
Charleston: Speaking of injuries, this playoff team has grown downright brittle.

CENTRAL DIVISION: The year of the Boomer has arrived! Four teams have serious playoff potential here.
Sheboygan: Well this is fun--a new name at the top of the Central--and so pretty in pink! 95 win potential.
Thunder Bay: The Rats will always be contending in September. They'll chase the Boomers, but just miss.
Gnawbone: Doves=defense. Nice-looking infield and a decent rotation gives them a shot at postseason.
St. Paul: Not a bad team, but too many holes to take them seriously. With a strong draft or two, they'll be a force soon.
Branson: Oh, how the might shall fall. Defending champs will spend most of the season defending fifth place!
Rochester: Greatly improved, but 48-win seasons are easy to build upon. Still too many gaps, but a plan is clearly in place..

WEST DIVISION: Another year of Casper and San Diego, or will it be San Diego and Casper? C'mon Yakima!
San Diego: SunDogs will outlast the Giants in a classic race. Solid starters and no weaknesses in the lineup. 95 wins..
Casper: Dynamite bullpen, but they'll be relied upon too heavily. Strong, but not enough to surpass San Diego.
Yakima: Rotation looks better with Dice-K/Bannister to go along with a certain lefty. It's those other two spots, though. Ugh!
Ladner: Long-term prospects looking up; 2008 season looking grim. Still, a good shot at this franchise's best season.
Telluride: Solid lineup, but no depth and a shaky rotation. Still, this team could go as high as third place--maybe .500?
Olympia: Big gaps in the rotation and outfield will leave the Orioles comtemplating a very early draft pick..

2008 Playoff Teams: Homestead, Sheboygan, Thunder Bay, Havana, San Diego, Casper.
2008 PGB World Series: Hail Sheboygan! Your great season ends with a thumping from new champion Homestead.

January 15, 2008
Happy New Year and Auld Land Syne! My gig in Branson I mentioned earlier didn't last. I guess the Ozark locals didn't take to the show like I had hoped, but still it was fun to meet all the homeschool children! Did someone say "PGB expansion?" (Breathless gasp.) That means more haiku! You know I've always been a sucker for poetry, but Groundout prose is my favorite expression--a true language of love. I heard that nothing's carved in granite yet, but a boy can dream, right? Regarding the upcoming 2008 season, I don't know what to think yet. Really, I've still got a couple of months to ponder my prognostications, so be nice boys and wait patiently. What will be the hottest spot north of Havana? Which reminds me, did anyone catch Manilow at the XCel Center last week? He's never looked and sounded better! (Sigh.) Why can't we all age so gracefully?

October 31, 2007
It's time for my quiet season. Or shall I say, time for a long, hot bath after an unforgettable PGB season. The ironic thing about the Baldknobbers winning the chamionship is that I'll be launching my comeback in Branson, Missouri starting next January! Come down and catch me if you can; I'm the opening act for the "2008 Legends Dream Bonanza." Can't wait to see you; enjoy a long winter of draft planning--February's just around the corner! Until then, I'll leave you with a few snaps from my dear friends Johnny and Brian, who were lucky enough to enjoy the MLB World Series games in Denver:

August 27, 2007
I had a fun idea the other day. Let's all vote on the top musical icons from the past six decades! Won't that be fun? Here's the rules: you only get to choose one performer/artist/group per decade. We don't care who you think is second best, just send in your first choice. Then, after you've chosen your favorite, list the musical artist that best represents the decade. It might be same as your favorite, it might not, but this artist should be more about symbolizing the decade--an icon. One more rule: I'm taking myself out of consideration for this contest. Email your selections to The Commissioner. Here are my choices:
1950s: My Favorite-Elvis Presley; Icon-Elvis Presley
1960s: My Favorite-Simon & Garfunkel; Icon-The Beatles
1970s: My Favorite-Stevie Wonder; Icon-Eagles
1980s: My Favorite-Sade; Icon-Michael Jackson
1990s: My Favorite-None; Icon-U2
2000s: My Favorite-Jack Johnson; Icon-50 Cent
I'll publish the results of my little poll as part of my PGB Playoff coverage. Until then...

July 31, 2007
Oh my little Groundlings, it's been so long since we visited, and so bittersweet. My absence shouldn't be taken as any sort of slight--far from it. It's just that sometimes life interferes with our occasional daliances, and my life has been full of wonder and surprise. But enough about me, let's talk Polo Grounds Baseball! Seven weeks left to see who'll win the shootout in the East. You know, I put my money on Homestead earlier, so I'll stick with them, but what's going on in Havana? Muy caliente! Walbert and Olson have made surprisingly light work out of their races, but Branson, Casper, Manassas and St. Paul are giving me chills as they fight out the last wild card spot. I have to go lay down now, but I hope to see all of you in September when we have our postseason showdown at the Metrodome. Toodles!

March 15, 2007
The Ides are upon us, and that means they let me see if I can find my shadow by candleabra light again. Oh, I'm just teasing--it's forecast time again! Sure others are wildly filling out their little March Madness brackets today, but I've got some educated guesswork of my own for you. Last year was pretty good for me, if you recall. I picked Homestead to win the World Series, and had 2 of the 4 playoff teams correct. Can I top that achievement in 2007? I think so.

EAST DIVISION
Homestead: These guys are going to win the division again, but it won't be close. Repeat after me: "Repeat."
Havana: I've made a living out of underestimating the Stogies, but not this year. Still, cigar smoke is so smelly!
Manassas: 'Skins could wind up in second. Bring back the Tomahawk Chop this fall! It's Ted and Jane, Part II.
Charleston: The Sox aren't by any means out of this thing. The difference between 2nd place and 4th is narrow.
Montpelier: The difference between 4th and 5th is quite significant, however. Still, I give them a free pass in '07.
Brooklyn: Absolutely sickening. To think they were champions just two years ago. Simply pitiful.

CENTRAL DIVISION
Branson: Oswalt is great, but Moyer, Meche, and Mark-freakin'-Hendrickson? Still, that's all this offense needs.
Thunder Bay: 90+ wins is possible. If they can't overtake the 'Knobbers, it's just a matter of playoff seeding.
Gnawbone: Why do I always pick against the Doves? Head straight to Vegas and wager the house on them!
Northfield: Find a Webster's dictionary, look up ".500" and this is what you'll get. But that's 81 wins--with fortitude.
St. Paul: Despite this sickly projection, things are looking up. Third place isn't inconceivable. Dare to dream, Izzy!
Rochester: Growing pains, but there's a plan in place here, so the Redbirds aren't going to stay down for long.

WEST DIVISION
San Diego: What a bullpen! What a lineup! To think he almost took Hidalgo instead of Verlander in last year's draft.
Casper: Another strong contender in the Land of the Giants. But Lopez at SS? Let's be serious for a moment!
Yakima: Johan and the Little Bears might squeak into the postseason, especially with a certain LF returning.
Olympia: Not to pump too much sunshine up the Orioles' skirt, but this looks like the strongest of the newbies.
Arizona: What a wild and entertaining transaction flurry! Fine young rotation shows promise. Come see me in 2008.
Telluride: You just don't walk into the Polo Grounds and start winning, but the Tortugas will challenge for 4th place.

2007 Playoff Teams: Homestead, Havana, Branson, Thunder Bay, San Diego, Casper.
2007 PGB World Series: Upset Special: San Diego SunDogs beat the defending champion Homestead Grays.

January 25, 2007
Draft Day is coming, but before I address the draft, I need to share my feelings for new manager Paul Johnson. I've known Paul since his days as a young, slender broadcasting intern, and I couldn't be more excited that he's joined our exclusive fraternity. And I see he's already shaking up the trade market. Vladimir has been dispatched to Telluride, and Sweeney has been pawned off to an unsuspecting Casper. Out with the old, in with the new. And speaking of new, I hope everyone's draftboards are in order. February is such an exciting month! Will the Groundout see their shadow? Who will be the first pick on February 5? Pitchers and catchers report! This truly marks the beginning of the 2007 season. Honestly; we're only seven weeks from the opener--Homestead vs. Brooklyn! My, my--did someone say "opener?" Well come on out and see me in Las Vegas at the Sahara, where I'm opening for the hot, new showstopper "Nephews of the Rat Pack." I'll be back in February with a mid-draft report.

December 7, 2006
Merry Christmas Dear Groundouts, and welcome back to my blog! The whole Commissioner's page thing didn't work out (irreconcilable differences, you know), but I'm still warming myself next to the PGB hotstove during these long, cold northern nights. Speaking of the hot stove, let's just say that Russ Young's offseason moves have me hot and bothered. Yo Brooklyn, holla! Ratings are out next week, so enjoy--I've got to get back to the mall; I'm playing the Macy's Gold Room during the holidays, so come visit. PGB and MOA--two places for fun in your life!

August 8, 2006
What a weekend! The only shame was that all the Groundouts weren't in Kansas City with me, and that I wasn't able to enjoy some traditional barbecue--KC style! Besides surveying Kansas City, we engaged in long hours of baseball talk, lots of Denny's breakfasts, myriad jokes about other Groundouts, and witnessed 96 Twins baserunners. Planning has already started for the 2007 Convention, so if you have some ideas, Liberace awaits hearing them!

July 11, 2006
It's All-Star Tuesday, which is supposedly The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, except that there's really no important games to be played. I stopped truly caring about the All-Star game in 1979, when Pittsburgh's Dave Parker gunned down Brian Downing at home plate from deep rightfield in Seattle. I knew then that the American League would never, in my lifetime, win another All-Star game. I got into full-time prognostications shortly after that. Check out the sassy transactions today; I think you'll find something pretty meaningful there if you're a Grays fan.

June 16, 2006
In the last month, several of you Groundouts have asked of my involvement with the Polo Grounds and the noble pastime of Strat-O-Matic Baseball. Well, here's my story:

As many of the Groundouts with ties to the old Mayflower League might remember, a publication called The Mayflower Beat was produced starting in 1992. It's subtitle was "A little Elvis in every issue." Images and references to The King were included throughout each edition, but it wasn't until 1993 that I debuted, appearing in a photo with Elvis. Immediately, players, managers, and friends of the league began asking for more of my own input, and after a few small tidbits in subsequent issues, my predictions segment was launched in early 1994. I was unprepared for the fallout and controversy that ensued over the next several seasons. Some feedback was positive, but mostly, my forecast (through incredibly accurate) was lampooned by the occasional victim of one of my infrequent misfires. Like lovers scorned, these victims began emerging with such force and venom that by mid-2000, I found myself doing something I had previously considered to be inconceivable: I retreated from the spotlight.

Which brings us to my triumphant re-emergence in 2003; the founding of the Polo Grounds Athletic Club, which would later be known as Polo Grounds Baseball. The Commissioner, in all of his glory and wisdom, gave me the freedom and encouragement to be myself, while shielding me from the "tongues of shrapnel" that haunted me so during the dawning of the new millenium. A better friend could not be asked for. PGB has been a godsend for me. And you, The Groundouts, have become like a second family that I've longed for since I'd disappeared from public life just a few years ago.

May 2006 will be remembered for the addition of four new friends to my Polo Grounds family. I'm grateful for every one of you, my adoring readers. I will entertain. I will enlighten. And I will never disappoint.

May 11, 2006
Nothing stirs the soul quite like poetry does, so I'm honored to use my blog to recap the stunning prose offered this week by our four expansion candidates. I have a particular favorite, but I won't try to sway the voting masses. Send The Commissioner an email voting for your two favorite haikus. Those receiving the most votes will become the two newest Groundouts! Results will be announced on Monday, May 15. Expansion candidates will not vote. Good luck to all! Here they are, one more time:

Men want to be me,
I have a great baseball mind
Tongue planted in cheek
—Chad B.

My new team will hit,
more long balls than were allowed,
out by Blyleven.
—Brian J.

Managing each game;
Hit and run or play it safe.
Straight steal with a jump.
—Tim T.

Very young and fun
Know MLB in and out
Will test all who dare
—David B.

April 12, 2006
Well, well, it looks like we're off and running! I know it's still early, but how are my picks looking so far? Homestead, Thunder Bay, and Casper have almost clinched their divisions! We'll talk more about this as their leads expand. And speaking of expansion, I can't wait to see the new changes coming for 2007. From what I hear, there's a spirited competition to join this elite fraternity. Rumor has it that we're adding one team to the Central Division, and one team to the West Division. You'll know for sure in May. Can anyone beat Homestead? I knew thay'd win at least 140 games, but can they really win them all? I'm starting to wonder. I'm most disappointed in Manassas and Northfield, although by the time you read this, they could be battling for wildcard positioning. As I like to say, it's a marathon, not a sprint. I hope to write more often. Feel free to send in your questions!

March 15, 2006
Today is always one of the toughest days of the year. It's time for my annual "Ides of March Preseason Forecast" about the upcoming Polo Grounds season. I'm always afraid someone will feel hurt. I wish I could pick 14 champions--after all, every one of the Groundouts (that's what they're called, you know) is a winner to me! I think some of them might actually make sport of me behind my back because my predictions aren't always very accurate, but that's OK. Well, without further delay, here are my thoughts; they come from the heart:

EAST DIVISION
Homestead: What got into Benson this winter? He must have been dipping into the Genius Pills at the pharmacy!
Manassas: Improved, but not enough. Speaking of pharmaceuticals, Giambi looks fab again. A definite contender.
Brooklyn: No repeat this year! There's a youth movement underway and new restrictions on boyfriend trades.
Charleston: Some might remember I picked them last on '05. They've re-stocked quickly, but no glory til '07.
Havana: Who's in charge? Peterson? Walsh? Who's to blame for this roster of old vets and ne'er-do-wells?

CENTRAL DIVISION
Thunder Bay: Will outlast others to become the only team in three playoffs. Still, Rats are filthy, smelly things!
Northfield: So much pitching! They've battled, and I think they'll fight to the wire. A wild-card possibility.
Branson: Let's see... even-numbered year--that means they'll stink. Bad pitching and injuries will do them in.
Gnawbone: A nice pitching recovery, landing Lohse, Washburn, Sosa, and of course, King Felix. Maybe 3rd.
St. Paul: So old and slow even Dusty Baker would be embarrassed. Good thing defense ratings only go to 5.

WEST DIVISION
Casper: So much charisma! The big draft of 2005 is starting to pay off, but injuries might bump them down.
Yakima: A fairly conspicuous hole in the batting order this year that Dan Johnson can't fill. No repeat.
San Diego: Might surprise--they have depth, but need another bat. Still, that Derek Jeter is positively dreamy!
Portland: Re-built infield, but the hill is too steep. No catching and so-so rotation spells trouble.

2006 Playoff Teams: Homestead, Thunder Bay, Casper, Northfield
2006 PGB World Series Champion: Homestead Grays