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2009 Power Rankings (Jimbo)
Below are the preseason 2009 AWL Power Rankings. I tried not to be biased, but this is my honest opinion.
1. San Diego Padres: (9-6)
The San Diego Padres are coming off a disappointing year after losing in the Championship 2 games to 1. With 3 Time MVP Davis and 2008 Cy Young Winner Cayden, the Padres look to go all the way. The Padres also have batting champion Ben hoping to raise his average even higher. If the Padres perform at the same level as last year, they should win their 2nd Championship. Even if they are worse, they still have a good shot at at least playing for a chance at the title. The Padres are definitely the team to beat this year as they have the most talent of any of the teams. The only reason why the Padres are the #1 seed is because they will win the season series vs. the Tigers.
1. Detroit Tigers: (9-6)
The Detroit Tigers are coming off their 2nd championship in as many years and look to make it a dynasty. However, the past few years they have relied on Keith Leatham too much and this could be catastrophic should Keith have a bad year. Tony assured us that Keith will perform the same as he did last year and lead them to a championship. In order for this to happen, the Tigers need help from the rest of their team AJ, Brendan and Sean. If Keith has a monster year, the Tigers should win their 3rd championship, but if he doesn't, the Tigers could be the cellar-dwellers of the AWL.
3. Oakland Athletics: (7-8)
The Oakland A's had a tough year last year only winning 5 games as they finished in last place. However, they took advantage of their first overall pick by selecting Jon Gasparoni in the draft. The A's look to rebound this year with last year's acquisition Eric Norman and Jon Gasparoni as rookies. The new look A's still have strength on both sides with Ace Jimbo, and power hitters Kyle and Tom. With a new rotation and possibly the most underrated hitting lineup, the A's have all the tools to win a championship. The A's have the chance to be a real contender this year, but could also repeat last year's performance as the 4th seed in the playoffs.
4. Washington Nationals: (5-10)
The Nationals are coming off their best season finishing in 2nd place in the regular season. With Conor and Greg leading the team in the hitting department, the Nationals are going to be a difficult team to get out. However, their pitching could be their downfall as Tyler is coming off his best year, but with a 6.00+ ERA. Also, with Greg being the only player in the AWL playing NCAA baseball, his pitching eligibility is up in the air. The pitching of the Nationals is going to be the reason why they will finish in last, but in the slight chance they perform well, the Nationals could be near the top of the standings come playoff time.
2009 Award Predictions (Overall)
MVP - Davis Pierce
Cy Young - Keith Leatham
Silver Slugger - Conor Rogan
Gold Gloves - Jimbo Sarkisian, Tyler Galicia
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