AL SOUTH PREVIEW

... AUSTIN BATS ... (70-92 in S8)

PAYROLL: $55.0M
KEY ADDS: Louis Munson, McKay Pierre, Todd Miller, Ozzie Portugal, Jayson Hughes
KEY LOSSES: Kirk Wise, Harry Munro, Dennis Payton

The future is now, folks. This team can not be ignored. They may go through their share of growing pains, but Austin owner shobob has got this team headed in the right direction. This team is led by Pepe Cortes and Will Barkley, who will act as the leaders on this young squad. Marty Mercedes looks to have a good season, as well. I was very impressed by the shrewd moves Austin made. Signing Portugal cheap, trading for Pierre, Munson, and Miller without giving up too much, everything they did was something short of brilliant.

ONE KEY QUESTION: Just how devastating will this team be when their prize prospects are finally ML ready?

PREDICTION: AL SOUTH CHAMPS



... JACKSON REBELS ... (60-102 in S8)

PAYROLL: $81.7M
KEY ADDS: Diego Hernandez, Michael Zhou, Michael Kobayashi, Don Saipe, Marlon Malloy
KEY LOSSES: Damaso Maduro, Vince Harper, Brian Adams, Dan Brunson

The Diego Hernandez era has finally begun in Jackson. In one of the most heralded trades in Shoeless Joe history, Salem sent the talented 2B to the AL South club. This team needed a face to represent them, and they found it. They also went out and practically got a whole new rotation, with the additions of Zhou, Kobayashi, and Malloy. Jackson management gave Philip Hoover a brand new 2 year contract extension, so look for him to have a huge year. In a division that has normally been known as one of the weakest, look for Jackson to take advantage this season.

ONE KEY QUESTION: Are Diego Hernandez's shoulders strong enough to carry this team?

PREDICTION: 2nd AL SOUTH



... MONTERREY PING THE ROOKIES ... (80-82 in S8)

PAYROLL: $77.4M
KEY ADDS: Yeico Tavarez, Brandon Walker, Brendan Johnson
KEY LOSSES: Jim Bailes, Olmedo Guerrero, Nick Donovan, Dicky Rhodes

Monterrey owner jwelsh1023 officially threw the white flag earlier this season, as he vowed to trade all veterans with any value whatsoever. And that's just what they did, as they shipped off the likes of Bailes, Donovan, and Guerrero, among others. They got a ton of young talent back, so it wasn't a total loss. However this season, it's going to look rough. The new leader of the team is J.R. Adams, who signed a 5yr/27M deal this offseason. Youngsters such as Chick Lankford and Yeico Tavarez are expected to contribute early and often if this team hopes to stay within an arm's reach of the competition.

ONE KEY QUESTION: Is anybody going to recognize the new look Monterrey club?

PREDICTION: 3rd AL SOUTH



... MEMPHIS RUM RUNNERS ... (57-105 in S8)

PAYROLL: $85.3M
KEY ADDS: Merv Hunter, Zach Franco
KEY LOSSES: Zachrey Wainhouse

One of the good reasons to be in the AL South, is that anybody has a shot at the division title. Yes, even Memphis. Go take a look at the Memphis roster. There is some talent here. Gregg Nevin is the unquestioned leader of the team, and they have a perennial all-star closer in Grant Davis. When he gets his mechanics in order, Quentin McGee has the talent of an all-star SP. To a lesser degree, throw in Ronnie Malloy in that category as well. The Rum Runners will battle Monterrey for 3rd place, and we see Monterrey squeeking out the victory.

ONE KEY QUESTION: Does this team have a shot at breaking the franchise number of wins for one season? (69)

PREDICTION: 4th AL SOUTH