It quick look into the pacific Division will prove that they could, once again, be the JL representative in the Landis in 2013.
Any preview of the Pacific Division should start with its most decorated franchise, the Vancouver Mounties. Currently the 3rd winningest franchise in MBBA with 1627 wins and a 2 time Landis Memorial Champion. Coming off a 97-65 season, the Mounties are stocked for yet another run.
The Mounties starting rotation boasts a top 3, (John Ballance, Peter Bedford and Robbie Sargent) that would rival any in the league, that includes arguably one of the finest in MBBA history named Robbie Sargent. In his 15 years in the bigs, Sargent has 304 career Wins (that’s an average of 20 a season folks).
The Mounties will once again rely on Jason “Deacon” Egan to slam the door on the opposition in the 9th, something that he has done with astounding regularity.
Not to be outdone, the Vancouver offense can hold up its end of the bargain thanks to its big three of Douglas Newhouse, Jeremy Finch and Jacob Bryant. These three definitely power the Mounties engine and should continue their destructive ways.
Prediction: 95-67, 1st Place
The resurgent California Crusaders came in second in the division last season with a 14 game swing from 2011 and ended the year with a 90-72 record. Some aggressive personnel moves have put this franchise right back into the thick of it after a few lean years.
The Crusaders starting rotation may be young, but it has a few stars of its own. Steve Hoffman appears ready to take on the role of staff Ace with last year’s stud Gabriel Campos and 18 game winner Danny Lamb filing in right after.
The Crusaders have some question marks in the pen this year and will be using this spring to audition for the Closer. Maurice Goodgame and veteran Dale Noble have the ability, but the Crusaders are hoping that youngster Cesar Rodriguez can grab hold of the position in spring training.
Power hitter Armando Rosales should continue to rack up home runs from the middle of the order with former EBA draftee Jean-Marc Fraysse, Jude Longton and Arlen O’Rourke providing support.
Prediction: 86-76 2rd Place
The Valencia Stars have languished for some time now, posting a winning record in only 2 of the last 12 seasons, but a renewed commitment from management has the fans in Valencia excited for the future.
The Stars have some decent arms in the rotation, but the arm of Brian Middleton is truly special. A double digit winner the last three season puts Middleton squarely in the staff ace category. Guys like Allan Howse, and Mario Mendez will keep the Stars in most games in 2013.
The Stars bullpen could be a strength of this team. A number of quality relievers call Valencia home and are sure to get plenty of work this season. Mario Diaz, Donald Long, John Edwards (not the former Senator of North Carolina), Jayden Walker and Felipe Cruz will prove to be a blessing in the close games.
The Stars have a number of impressive hitters on the roster. Stud in training Jason Dunn, Vicente Medrano, Roger Rouse, Travis Cantrell, Jared Stuart, Jared Delger and Yi-lin She. The Stars plan to outscore everyone else in the league and will be as creative as possible to get the hot hitters in the lineup every night.
Prediction: 79-83 3rd Place
The Hawaii Tropics are coming off their first non-playoff year since 2006 and are not too happy about it. The Landis Memorial Champion in 2010 is heading into a transition year, and if things get out of the gate slowly, could go head long into a rebuild pretty quick.
The Tropics starting rotation, on the surface, leaves a lot to be desired. With no true ace on staff, and 41 year old Jake Kestle the apparent one by default, things could get very hairy for the Tropics defense.
Luckily, the Tropics have 2 of the best Closers in the game in Brendan Meyer and Josh O’Kennelly. Should the Tropics unexpectedly find themselves with a lead late in the game the chances of them bringing home the victory a quite high with these two on board.
The Tropics do have some firepower to fight back with. Fraser Dodson is one of the more prolific hitters in MBBA, and he is far from alone. Bryan Vogel,Jeff Stanley and Larry Crawford should produce enough fireworks to keep the fans in their seats until the end of every game.
Prediction: 75-87 4th Place
The proud franchises of the JL Pacific will always have an impact on the MBBA, either directly or indirectly, which is why this division is constantly honored .
