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Season 12: 1st Place (102-60)
Season 13 Prediction: 1st Place
The Skinny:
Since we started with the Season 12 World Series winner's division, we'll move to the runner-up, Florida Lockdown's N.L. South division. It was a pretty quiet offseason for the Lockdown and that's understandable for a team that won 102 games last season. You don't need/want to do too much tinkering to a team that won 7 more games than any other team in the N.L. The ageless wonder, Ned McInerney, is back to lead the pitching staff and he's looking to become the 1st or 2nd pitcher in Mantle World history to reach the 200-win mark. McInerney is 4 wins behind Clay Runyan (they both won their openers this season) and they're both in excellent health and could pitch another season or two.
Breakout Performer: RP Clarence Shipley
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Season 12: 4th Place (85-77)
Season 13 Prediction: 2nd Place
The Skinny:
The NL South was the best division in baseball in season 12 if you go by division wins (365) and the Texas Long Horns finished in 4th place with 85 wins last season. So, this offseason they did a smart thing. The Longhorns went shopping for pitching and brought in some solid veterans led by Gerald Krause and Joel Baldwin. Neither one has the stamina they used to have, but they will keep this team in ballgames.
The offense is absolutely loaded and it starts with Gary Blake who's 3rd all-time in career batting average at .338.
Breakout Performer: 2B Victor Ugueto
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Season 12: T-2nd Place (89-73)
Season 13 Prediction: 3rd Place
The Skinny:
For Louisville to contend in this division, they're really going to need 24-year old Roland Fitzgerald to stay healthy. "Fitz" had a solid season 12 (.331, 39 HRs, 1.036 OPS) and he'll have to repeat those numbers to keep the Beaners in the playoff conversation. One thing is certain, if Louisville can get to the 9th inning with a lead, the opposition can start the bus. Joseph Yoshii, the most dominant closer in Mantle history, is just 7 saves away from surpasing Andy Scott as the all-time saves leader.
Breakout Performer: SP Matt Post
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Season 12: T-2nd Place (89-73)
Season 13 Prediction: 4th Place
The Skinny:
Two things need to happen for Oklahoma City to contend: Mateo Estrada and Chico Pulido have to pitch like they did in season 11 (33 wins combined) and not like they did last season (15 wins combined); and Kip Sosa needs some offensive help (cue breakout performer Willis Bonilla). And let me give a shout out to 17-game winner Sammy Piedra. We'll be watching to see if Piedra can have that type of success again this season.
Breakout Performer: RF/1B Willis Bonilla
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