The California Crusaders
1995 Final Record: 93-69, 3 games back, Johnson League Pacific Division; missed the JL Wild Card by just ONE game (ouch)
Offensive Quick Look: Offensively, the Crusaders struggled a bit this season. Their big power source was 1B Billy Wilson (40 HR, 115 RBI, but just a .243 BA, .316 OBP and 142 K's). LF Kelly Benson led CAL with a .335 batting average, but offers very little pop. C Hurley Reyes is a great source of power from the catcher position as well as a plus defender.
Pitching Quick Look: The Crusaders were third in the JL with a 3.47 team ERA and they earned the bulk of their 93 wins from the bump. 26 year old right hander Chip Foodie (21-7, 2.79, 31 BB, 243 K's in 270.2 innings pitched) is the undisputed ace and will get some top pitcher votes as well. Former big leaguer Billy Taylor has been with California and the MBBA for two seasons now and is fully established as one of the best closers in the business.
Financial Quick Look: The Crusaders drew nearly 3 million fans this year but badly needed that playoff revenue that they missed by one lousy game. They finished in the red, so a player like Wilson who makes $11M per season will need to be moved in order for the club to have a successful draft and or have any wiggle room to reinvent themselves offensively.
Outlook: To be honest, the Crusaders probably over-achieved in 1995, and given the financial situation a new GM is going to be making some tough decisions this winter. They need a strong leader, a patient GM with a plan and the willingness to stick it through.