I'm tired of Spring Training and ready for the season to begin.  It's
also time to once again analyze the teams using the last three years
averages.  So what if this is based on old news... thats what most of us
used to draft anyway.

So here is what the system said, in alpha order... (I reviewed every
category except ERA, an inadvertant omission)

Busters -  This team has speed - tops in SB's with a 212 average, alot
of pop with the 2nd most HR's at 307.  R and RBI's also good, but the
pitching is below average.  K's were next to last at 732, W's were 11th
and Saves were 8th.  Overall 6th.  A suprising disappointment. I will be
watching Ben between the Sheets closely.  Everyone is picking him for
Rookie of the Year, which typically is the kiss of death.

E. Pinstripes - Yikes.  Ikey, how did you do your analysis?  Your boys
ranked last in R (884), HR (210), SB (92) and next to last in Saves
(34). your best catagory is 5th in K's.  Overall, the EP's finished dead
last, which is better than just dead.

Expects - Not a bad job for a rookie, Terry.  With Gabes an Albert
trying to load up on power hitters, you managed the top 3 yr HR avg with
309.  also the top RBI at 1173.  But your pitching stinks.  Last in all
three catagories I reviewed - 594 K's, 52 W's and only 23 Saves.  ycch.
Overall - 9th.  Terry - one word of advice, Sobo is always willing to
trade, so you may be able to pick up a better pitcher.  Just know it
will cost you your top hitter.

Hogs - Willo, alot of talk, no results again. Next to last in RBI's and
HR's, bottom third in R, SB and S's means that you will again have a
long and expensive season.  Its not too late to pick up Everett.  just
let me know.  oh, yes, your overall finish was 12th.

Invincibles - Gabes tries to flower me with draft compliments in between
his bleeps.  The stats now back him up.  Tops in R (1181), 2nd in RBI
(1130) and no worse than 7th in any category.  Net result - Top spot.
This is on paper - hopefully the real thing works out as well.

Leatherboys - Better than I expected.  2nd in K's, 3rd in SB's.  A lousy
280 avg for next to last, yet a 5th overall finish.  Prep - who did more
of the work, you or your people?  Still a definite Twins flavor to your
team.

Amazins - Andy, you have the top avg at 301.Saves are 2nd at 78.  Sadly,
its downhill from there.  Try next to last in R's and SB's, and bottom
quarter in K's and RBIs and HRs.  What does the big picture show - how
does 11th sound?

Mucks - They must study pitching in the Northwest, cause John did the
best here.  Tops in Ks (1139) an W's by far (115).    Good avg - 3rd,
but no power - 11th in HRs.  Overall, a respectable 4th finish.  John -
its not too late to make some more bets.  could fund your trip to
Cooperstown.

Nomads - Mags, are you sure you want this name? Back to baseball....
tops in Saves (82) and 2nd in SBs (209)  the rest of your pitching sucks
and your power is nonexistent - 9th in HRs and last in RBIs.  Overall -
a suprising 7th.

Panzas - I've decided it doesnt matter where Al drafts, he always will
do well.  cut to the chase - 3rd overall.  How does he do it - 2nd in
Ws, 3rd in Saves and 4th in Ks and HRs.  A leadfoot team with the 11th
ranking in SBs, Al somehow pieces together a team, that on paper, will
contend.  Can you say injury free?

Puss - Mr Red.  First the good news - 3rd in RBIs, 4th in Ws and Rs.
Last in Avg and nearly last in Ks.  Jack, your Save average of 36 places
you 11th.  I would have thought drafting that fantasy hero Danny Graves
as early as you did, would yield more results.  We'll see.....
overall, 8th, which is better than last, right Jack?

Foxes - a suprising poor draft for our commissioner.  And these results
use Nomars results for the past three years, which will be a hell of a
lot better than he will produce this year.  Having said that, the other
stats arent any better - bottom third in Rs, HRs, Ws and RBIs.  middle
of the pack in the rest.  Only a 2nd place Avg provides respectability.
Fox, you must have spent too much time writing that Java book and not
enough time with the fantasy rags.  Somehow, I do expect your team to
compete.  Overall.... 10th.

and last but not least,
the Hot Tamales - Once again, Sobo has assembled a contender. 2nd in Rs,
3rd in HRs, Ks and Ws.  Only a 10th in Saves and 11th in Avg hurt your
overall ranking, which is 2nd.  A very level, competitive team across
all catagories, I would, though, be suprised if this team stays in tack
the entire season, knowing the savvy of GM Gary.

Enough historical bullshit.  Time for the first pitch.  Lets Play Ball!

Hans