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1.) Sound (North)- The clear-cut choice for the pre-season number one. After coming within 2 wins of the title last season, the Sound return in '08 with what might quite possibly be the most explosive offense in the history of the MSL. Led by 70's-haired Ryan McCarthy - the reigning homerun king - the Sound are loaded with power and playmakers and will score a ton of runs. But will that be enough to overcome suspect pitching? The Sound have never had a deep staff and the noticeable omission of all-star ace Scott Thorstenen from the roster has a lot of people wondering if they have enough to finally take the crown. No matter what happens, though, these guys will be a lot of fun to watch. 2.) Angels (South)- Being in a division with two AL teams that combined to win 10 games last year along with two up-from-single-A teams, the South division is the Angels' to lose. After rebounding from a slow start to make the playoffs last year, the Angles return with what may be the American League's deepest, if not most overpowering, pitching staff. And with a talented supporting cast led by all-star catcher Josh Pagan, the Halo's like their chances of being the one's to silence the Sound. 3.) Wildcats (North)- What was once considered a team of young talented players has now grown into a solid contender. A 13-9 finish, along with a playoff berth in their first year in AA in '07, proved that the 'Cats can play with the best of them. They're pitching may not be the stuff of legends, but they can definitely swing the bats. And with their "never say die" attitude, these guys could go deep into the post-season. 4.) Nationals (North)- The first three spots in the rankings were very easy. From this point on, not so much. I put the Nats here because they did make the playoffs last year (barely) and they do have talent. But, as team insiders have told me, the dugouts may have to be expanded in order to fit the collective ego's of the squad. Couple that with the arm issues of ace Jordan Castaldo and they could conceivably fall into the cellar. It probably won't happen but the Nats have got to show that they are a team and not a group of individuals. 5.) Stallions (North)- I have to admit that I may be off my rocker with this pick. But at their best, the Stallions can take anyone down. The only thing that prevented them from playing for the title in single A last season was their reliance on college kids who couldn't or wouldn't show when they were needed most. If they have everyone all year, they will be dangerous. They do tend to rely a little too much on their young stud, Kevin Leipe. But they do have very solid top to bottom lineup (provided they bat 10 ) and a fantastic defensive middle infield that doesn't miss much. 6.) Weasels (South)- The long-time staple of single A finally makes the jump up. There is no doubt the old guys can play. The question is whether they can make a smooth transition after years of facing lower-tier talent. I don't doubt this group of wily veterans. Staff Ace Brad Joniec, the MSL's answer to Mark Buehrle, and Weasels legend Mike Sopocy lead a team that, when clicking on all cylinders, can beat anyone's best. A playoff berth is not out of the question. 7.) Cubs (North)- AA has never been kind to the Cubbies but this could be the year where they finally put it together. C.J.'S crew managed to pick up a couple of good arms to go along with team Cy Young winner Dave "Stinky Fingers" Walden and longtime Cub Steve Bergdahl. Retired veterans Scott Garland and Pat Schmidt won't be easy to replace, but the re-instatement of former MSL all-star Jim Udesen is a good start. If the defense holds up, the Cubs could surprise the division. 8.) Brewers (South)- I have a feeling that I'm sand-bagging by putting the Brewers this low. But last year was pretty brutal as the Brew Crew finished 15th (out of 16 teams) in runs scored AND runs allowed. The addition of Bulldogs cast-off Andy Krueger will help. But it's the offense, the teams’ signature for many years, that will have to turn it around after a dreadful '07. If the hitting finds life, the Brewers could be a force. 9.) Knights (South)- I don't know much about this bunch but a 7-15 record doesn't exactly strike fear into opponents. Not the most talented team to begin with, my understanding is that they lost a few key players over the winter and all associations with "The Prez". This could be another long year. 10.) Blue Jays (South)– It’s a shocker that the Jays didn’t drop down to single-A after a dismal first year in AA that saw them win all of 3 games. The hitting was abysmal and the pitching not much better. Unless they picked up some major talent, the Blue Jays may be everyone’s whipping boys.
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