Istanbul Bosphorus: Three Peat?

[HerbD]

It's no coincidence that the Istanbul Bosphorus back to back United Cup wins came at the same time John Garcia arrived. Garcia has been a great offensive player for the past two seasons after being lured away from the BBA in the spring of 2041. He's averaged 51 homers and 133 RBI over those two championship seasons and enters his age 29 season with no signs of slowing down. Istanbul brought in two veterans last season to help win their second championship and both return in 2043. 3B Bucky Dornster posted a 3.5 WAR in 2042 and he was the team's second best hitter for most of the year but he's now 36 years old and it's unclear if he can repeat that. IF Harlon W Moore was brought in to secure the SS/2B positions on defense but it was his penchant for getting hurt that defined his season overall. He hit .349 but only managed 92 plate appearances due to several injuries. Not satisfied with finishing second in runs scored in the Burt League the Bosphorus signed former BBA players Sloan Daniel(.289 career in BBA and 2036 Newcomer of the Year) and Sadaharu Oh III(111 career BBA HR).

Pitching wise Istanbul finished second in runs allowed and boasted four double digit win starters led by Brandon Carr and his 13 wins. All four of those pitchers return for the 2043 run. Add in some very good relievers in Hector Barajas(8-5-15, 2.97 ERA, 69.2 IP w/Jer) and Rodrigo Lugo(11-4-9, 2.97 ERA, 112 IP last two seasons).

In all Istanbul will have a tough time winning their third straight United Cup but they will definitely be in the mix and should battle Baghdad for the two Burt League playoff spots.