AL East Preview

The Kansas City Monarchs finished last season with a record of 66-96 and will look to continue to improve under the direction of mburgy. They made some FA additions with RPs Brendan Downs and Luis Marquez and SP Vic Guzman was claimed off waivers. Mburgy will look for them to help bolster the pitching staff that also will feature young SP Tommy Schultz and RP Trever Stratton. The offense is going to be led by RF Luis Francisco, RF/1B Albert Perkins, and youngster Troy Price.

Prediction: 4th 68-94

The Washington D.C. Abnormals VII finished last season 80-82 in 2nd place. They are looking to rebound from what was a down year from expectations and get back into playoff contention. They made a few additions bring back 1B Al Castillo along with 2B Freddy Franco and 2B Richie Nixon as well as RPAl Servet to help bolster the relief pitching. The offense will be led by DH Joey Cannon, C Bill Motte, and 2B Joe Redman. The strength of this team should be the pitching staff led by starters Tom Lieber and Timothy O'Connor along with a very strong bullpen with Servet, Heath Donovan, and  Zolton Weiland leading the way there.

Prediction: 3rd 91-71

The Chicago Black Sox finished last season 103-59 and will look to repeat as the champs of the AL East after winning it the past 2 seasons.  They have a very solid nucleus with 2B Alex Wilfredo and LF Che Abe leading a very potent offense and SPs Wilfredo Encarnarcion and Ken Patrick leading a very good pitching staff. New additions include C Jason Williams acquired by trade.

Prediction: 1st 104-58

The New York Torrones also had a disappointing season last season going 78-84 and will try to bounce back. They definitely played better than what their record indicated. They had a slow offseason with only one FA signing, CF Quinn Smith.  They are led by a very good, solid pitching staff with ace Shane Coffman along with fellow starters Tony Espinoza and Peter Barker are all backed up by a bevy of excellent RPs B.C. Garland, Deivi Cela, and Virgil Brown. The offense is led by 2B Gerardo Oliva and C Neifi Espinosa.

Prediction: 2nd 92-70

Top Pitcher will be Shane Coffman
Top Hitter will be Che Abe