NL East History and Preview

The Scranton Quakers and owner Saffron entire the 7th ear of NO Quitters!! on a role. They have gradually moved up the division standing and have won the divison in yrs 5 and 6. In year 6 the Quakers succumbed in the League Championship series. They have been able to maintain a low player budget with strong budgets in scouting and training. The offseason brought a single trade for a setup reliever and a late free agent signing of another Relief pitcher but otherwise the divison champions stood pat. The Quakers are young, talented, and reliant on pitching. Keeping this club together as salary demands increase will be a challenge.

The Baltimore Blue Crabs roared into No Quitters with 4 straight division titles but have slipped to second in the NL east (and oout of the playoffs) as the team aged and mistakes were made in resigning players. Year 6 was a improvement on year 5 and the Crabs hope for continued improvement in yr 7. The crabs have a mixture of youth and experienced players who play excellant defense, score runs, and usually pitch well. However, they don't play consistent ball and are prone to injuries. Ultimately they will only go as far as their pitching. Two trades brought platoon SS and a long reliever - back up SP to the Crabs and a new CLoser was signed off free agency. Otherwise the team is persuing the title with essentially the same players as year 6, a balance of pitching and hitting that may or may not mesh in year 7. Management has a well stocked minors that could be a source off promotions to the majors or "trade bait" for players that will fit into the "Crabby Way".

The Washington Senators are on their 3rd owner and are coming off and headed for rebuilding years. They hope to score in the draft as they look to the future. No major players were brought in via trades though several veterans departed, as the Senators slashed their player budget. They also passed on most of the free agent market. The Washington fans will need strong stomachs when the Senators are up at bat but the pitching should keep many games close.

Pittsburg reached bottom in year 5 as their owner worked through the nature of HBD. The pitching is young and has potential but the offense needs punch, esp playing half their games in the cavernous Pittsburg park that sucks the bats right out of the hitters hands. Good for your pitchers - bad for your hitters. The owner has settled into a more patient program of development and a couple of quality additions to the day to day line up in the next year of 2 will make the team very competitive.

PredictionsScranton and Baltimore battle to the end of the year - the losser gets a WC birth. Pittsburg stays in 3rd but breaks out of the 100 loss season pattern of the last 3 years. Washington contends for the st pick in the draft.