SEASON 6 NL NORTH PREDICTIONS

Season 6 is underway and the predictions are now in.

NL NORTH - Projected Order(1) Chicago Orphans, (2) Minnesota (3) Vancouver (4) Cincinnati

The NL North division, once the punching bag of the league, has improved significantly over the years. Opponents better come prepared this year when they match up with any of the 4 teams; none of them will be an easy win like they all have been in the past. In the first 4 seasons, the combined average winning percentage per year was .425, with NO TEAM putting together a winning season. Season 5 was much different. Two teams ended with a winning record, and the average winning percentage increased to .479. The Chicago Orphans took the division but not without some pressure from jdrake27's Vancouver Spidermonkeys. This year's NL North could be a very competitive division with all teams having improved. Don't be surprised if all 4 teams are in the hunt until the end and all finishing near .500.

Hardball Dynasty's

B.J. Lawton

First Place - Chicago Orphans

The NL North is still the weakest division in Hobb's WorldLook for Chicago to take the division again, led by Shooter and Strong, the one-two punch pitching duo of Shooter Ruffin and Willie Strong. Also, don't forget about the Season 5 NL Rookie of the Year B.J Lawton who hit .316 with 46 HR and 127 RBI in his first season in the Majors and is only going to get better.

Second Place - Minnesota North Stars

Minnesota North Stars (NL) patrickkm View Hardball Dynasty Profile

At first thought, I had the North Stars finishing last in this division, however after looking at the changes they have made, and the group of players on this club, Minnesota will be the team that will give Chicago a run. Last season, Minnesota finished with a team batting average of .270 which was good for 7th overall in the National League. The pitching staff was decent, finishing just below the league average at 4.58 however 3 of its starters had 4.0 era or below, but not very many wins resulted from it. The main reason - run production. With the exception of Ricardo Diaz, this team struggles with men on base. The team had a total of 696 runs and 673 RBI's finishing 4th from the bottom in both categories. The three teams below them in RBI's had a combined team batting average of .247. The division leader, Chicago, was only better in Team Batting Avg. by .001 at .271,but drove in 120 more runs. This problem should be fixed with the promotions of Rigo Rodrigo, Bartolo James, Orlando Guerrero, Edwin Perez, and Josh Gibson who are all ready for their first full season in the Big Leagues. And with the trade acquisition of power hitting Catcher Vic Simmons, Minnesota may just be the most improved team in the league.

Third Place - Vancouver Spidermonkeys

Vancouver Spidermonkeys (NL) jdrake27 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Vancouver will challenge Chicago and Minnesota, but in the end its weak pitching will prevent them from winning in the end when it counts. In season 5, Vancouver was among the worst in team ERA allowing a total of 903 runs. Only 2 teams allowed more runs. However, Vancouver also put together a winning season, finishing with a record of 84-78. This team is made of offense and more offense. The Spidermonkeys finished among the top of the NL in every major offensive category including First in Avg. and OBP., carried by All Star Craig Wood. The offense is full of youngsters with only Backup Catcher Lou Standridge over 30 years old, meaning that these guys could put up even bigger numbers this year.

Fourth Place - Detroit Renaissance

Detroit Renaissance (NL) kramr10 View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The former Cincinnati Queens will improve simply due to their move to the Motor City. The fans seem to be very excited to have a team back in Detroit. The ancient European Renaissance transitioned from the medieval times of knights and armor for a movement of intellectual thought, emotional artistry, and a change in culture forever. The former Queens transition from the Royal family toward a new beginning, an increase in wins, and a change in team culture forever. The new age began with Manager Kramr10 signing its best offensive player Kevin Uchida to a 5 year extension worth 31.5 Million. Next he brought in a couple veteran hitters D.T. Hatcher and Graham Browne who are both career .300 hitters. This team won't win the division, but watch out if somehow Detroit sneaks into the playoffs.