Western Conference Preview
Andy Warhol once said “They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” Could this be the theme of the Western Division of the Fountain City Baseball League in 2009? General Manager Brian Goodwin of the Seattle Mariners has historically ruled this division, winning the division 6 times including the 2008 season. However, Goodwin’s divisional opponents continue to improve year after year and 2009 looks to be one of Seattle’s most challenging yet if they want to repeat their division title.
When you speak of the Western Division, you have to start with the Seattle Mariners. General Manager Brian Goodwin has historically chosen to ignore the fruits of the free agent/rookie draft, instead choosing to build his team through the waiver wire and trades. It is hard to argue with this strategy when you see the two World Series rings on Goodwin’s fingers. Seattle’s starting five is arguably the best of the FCBL, but his team continues to get older and more trades will need to be made in order for Seattle to continue their divisional dominance. The prediction here is Goodwin will do what needs to be done for his team and once again take the division. Win total: 90 wins.
Newly appointed General Manager Josh Callahan enters the FCBL inheriting an incredibly talented Arizona Diamondbacks team. Josh arrived in town and promptly relocated the team to sunny Florida. Tampa Bay has a potentially dominating starting 5 anchored by C.C. Sabathia and followed by 2008 surprise Cliff Lee. The problem Tampa Bay will have is offense. Where are the runs going to come from after trading long time RF and future FCBL Hall of Famer Vlad Guerrero? The prediction here is Tampa will find a way to score, but not enough to win the division. Win total: 87
Oakland General Manager Nathan Sheets has come a long way in his first 410 games. Sheets has built his franchise from perennial laughing stock to dangerous playoff contender. The strength of this team is its potent lineup led by Josh Hamilton and Ryan Braun. Oakland’s lineup combined for a healthy 189 home runs last year. It looks like the Achilles heel of the Oakland franchise will be the starting 5 rotation. Will it be strong enough to beat the two teams listed above? Sheets will need to determine the answer to that question quickly if he is to have any hope in challenging for the division in 2009. The prediction here is barring any trades; Oakland narrowly misses the wild card berth and goes home early. Win total: 85
Like Rays GM Callahan, newly appointed GM Jason Blue arrived in town after being hired and relocated his franchise to Kansas City, MO. Along with moving his team, Blue brings a fresh and upbeat attitude to the former Detroit Tigers ballclub. Blue also brings plenty of patience along with that attitude. He will need that patience, after being saddled with poor personnel decisions (both trades and draft) by the former inept General Manager of the Tigers. Blue needs to be more worried about building his team for the future, and continuing to get younger rather than winning in 2009. The prediction here is the Royals play hard every night, but will struggle mightily. Win total: 57.
FCBL Preview Team
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3/17/2009 12:00:00 AM
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