Bandit Post, Vol 1.0, 2002

[aaronweiner]

Multiple media sources predicted that the Birmingham Bandits might be a little troubled this season. Had these media sources known that the Bandits would simultaneously stumble out of the gate and deal off #1 starter Ron Burgundy, they might have been even more harsh on the Bandits.

The use of the word "stumble" is also probably an understatement. After one month, Birmingham is last in team ERA AND last in runs scored per game, which is a very, very bad double. Their record matches their Pythagorean record: eight wins in 27 games, a 48-win pace.

Birmingham's disastrous first month will almost certainly seal their fate this season, and while the team did strengthen their farm and cut their costs for the short and long term this month, that's not going to do much for the fans or the team on the field. Birmingham was already quietly rebuilding, having built a solid farm, but now it appears that they're quite openly rebuilding. The Burgundy deal (more later) is likely just the first of many deals that the Bandits appear to be pursuing, and it could be a very long year in the Heart of Dixie.

"We didn't think we were nearly this bad," said GM Aaron Weiner. "This is a complete team collapse, and we're going to do our best to shake things up and start getting some of our younger, promising talent onto the field very soon."

[recte44]

Honestly, as I was writing your preview I felt I was almost being a little too generous with my projected record for you. It's time for a teardown the likes of which you haven't done since Las Vegas in the GBC.