Lead Story - 10/26/2025

Season 15 Preview

We are at the edge of Season 15. The Expos finally got one! An interesting thing about the league and its franchise option is that it seems to have created a glut of overly old rosters. So who is young an upcoming? Who is old and about to age out? Find out in our Season 15 Preview below:

AL Central:

Cleveland Indians: 53-109, -235

Key Imports: First baseman Pat Tabler is one import who could give Cleveland a bit of offensive help in a few seasons. He is 25, has a strong baseline batting average at .291, and his on-base percentage of .374 could become elite.

Key Progressions: Fifth starter Rick Sutcliffe has potential to help out on the back end of the rotation. He struggled in limited action last season (an ERA over 6.00 in 32 innings), but progressed nicely.

Fading Fast: ShortstopToby Harrah14 has seen his average dip from .228, to .221, to .204. His defense did improve considerably with the franchising (up to +3 from -15). Starters Sam McDowell5 (4-18, 5.50), and Rich Hand (3-8, 5.04) turned 36 and 35, respectively and headline an exceptionally old pitching staff with no youth infusion in sight.

Prognosis: If you thought 53-109 was bad, get ready. This team may struggle to challenge the 40 win barrier.

Toronto Blue Jays: 70-92, -114

Key Imports: Outfielder Devon White provides immediate defensive help with a +2.17 DWAR. 2b Roberto Alomar gives the Jays a high percentage glove and second along with significant speed and on-base ability. Juan Guzman will immediately step into the starting rotation and at only 25 should develop into a star.

Key Progressions: 1b John Olerud 14 has already hit .297 with 52 doubles and 22 HR’s, but got better. DH Fred McGriff hasn’t yet produced, but has the raw numbers to hit 30 HR’s and knock in 100. Of Joe Charboneau is another guy who could surprise.

Fading Fast: Outfielder Lloyd Moseby4 turned 35 and figures to continue begin the true regression phase. Still capable of hitting .270 with 20 HR. Gaylord Perry11 was quite bad at 13-18 with an ERA of 5.42 and the Jays may be in trouble if he continues to be their number 2.

Prognosis: Alomar helps. The progressions of Olerud, McGriff, and Charboneau will too. Guzman isn’t going to make a difference yet, but will in 2 or 3 seasons. We will put the over under for wins at 75.

Chicago White Sox: 72-90, -62

Key Imports: Nothing really. The Sox will need to rely on old hands.

Key Progressions: Shortstop Harry Chappas has yet to make an error at SS in his career (586 games) and his OPS has climbed from .482, to .583, to .633. If he gets to .700 he’ll be a star. Second baseman Tony Bernazard struggled in his first season, but is only 26 and so figures to get better. Thad Bosley12 is another guy with no track record of production, but who may help the Sox offense. Starter Britt Burns and reliever Dewey Robinson both figure to improve which should help the Sox immensely on the mound.

Fading Fast: Poor Brad Havens. In 14 seasons he is 148-226 with an ERA of 4.62 and a WHIP of 1.33. Considering the defenses that have been behind him for most of that time, this isn’t bad. Still, as the Sox ascent continues Havens has entered the decline phase. 14 seasons and no playoff appearances. Might he get one on the way out?

Prognosis: The Sox have enough young blood coupled with not too many old guys that they should continue to improve. We’re going to go out on a limb and predict 82-80, the franchise’s first over .500 season.

Minnesota Twins: 87-75, +83

Key Imports: Outfielder Jerald Clark is unlikely to provide any help in the field, but he may give the Twins another solid on-base guy to plug the DH gap. Marty Cordova is a player who will struggle early, but may give the Twins .260, with 25 HR’s in 2-3 seasons.

Key Progressions: Catcher Milt May is unspectacular but steady behind the plate. Dickie Thon13 is the league’s most exciting SS (+78 defensive plays) and looks ready to provide a bit more pop in the center of the infield. Gary Pettis is a triples machine who can steal 70 bases and score 100+ runs.

Fading Fast: At 3b, Gary Gaetti will be lucky to hit 25 HR’s after years hitting over 40. Considering he is unlikely to hit above .200, this makes 3b a problem. Both Tom Brunansky and Kirby Puckett10 turned 35 which makes regression in the outfield more likely than not.

Prognosis:The Twins will continue to use the formula of solid defense and strong relief pitching to win games. We predict they eek out the division with an over-under of 84 wins.

AL West:

Texas Rangers: 80-82, -60

Key Imports: Texas benefits from a few solid imports. The most important if OF Ruben Sierra, who the Rangers franchised to his age 23 season and who should eventually grow into a monster. Expect .220 with 20 HR's this season. But that should grow to .300 with 50 HR's by his age 28 season. Shortstop Scott Fletcher will replace the aging Toby Harrah4 and offers both an improved fielding percentage and defensive range. Starter Ed Correa is only at a 27 ranking, but he's also only 20.

Key Progressions: Not much here for Texas, unfortunately. Catcher Don Slaught improved a bit into his age 28 season, but that's it for the Rangers.

Fading Fast: Garry Matthews 14 and Toby Harrah4 both turned 38 this off season. First Baseman Mike Hargrove turned 37, 3b Bill Madlock turned 35. On the mound Frank Tanana11 started his regression at 33, and Dan Stanhouse, Bert Blyleven5, and Gaylord Perry13 are all starters who also showed regression.

Prognosis: Some good imports bode well for the long term future, but major regression issues put the over/under for Texas wins at 75.

California Angels: 82-80, +31

Key Imports: None of note

Key Progressions: It's probably good California got its championship a couple of seasons back because only 3b Carney Lansford and SP Mike Witt showed any real progress over the winter. This is an old team with a lot of players heading in the wrong direction.

Fading Fast: Everywhere. Both corners with Dick Allen12 and Rod Carew10 turning 40. Reggie Jackson12 turned 39. Starters Don Sutton 10 turned 46 and Andy Messersmith14 turned 40. Nowhere is this team young.

Prognosis: Despite the fades, there is a lot of talent still. Last year's record was probably below the talent level. We predict 84 wins this season.

Oakland A's: 85-77, +55

Key Imports: Like the Angels, the A's did not bring in any noteworthy new blood this offseason.

Key Progressions: The Ai's benefit from the continued progression of OF Jose Canseco and 1b Mark McGwire. McGwire already has four 40+ homer seasons and figures to crack 50 this season. Canseco went from 23 to 38 and may very well get more than 45. On the mound Jose Rijo will look to build on his 14-9, 3.65, 1.10 season as he turns 26.

Fading Fast: Oakland actually isn't too bad off in this department. Closer Dennis Eckersley13 is 39, but still is rated at 94 and has a real WHIP of 0.77. With reliever Reggie Harris already rated at 78 at age 23, the fading of Eck should be a non issue. In the infield 48-year-old Joe Morgan is in his final season, but should still provide sollid middle infield D for another season. Rickey Henderson3, has certainly seen better days entering his age 37 season, but franchisee Willie McGee15 looks like a more than capable replacement for a few seasons to come.

Prognosis: The A's made it all the way to the Fall Classic and may do so again. We put the over/under at 90 wins.

Seattle Mariners: 97-65, +110

Key Imports: Another AL West team with no significant new blood.

Key Progressions: It wasn't really a progression, but the franchising of 25-year-old SS Omar Vizquel means that the M's will have great middle-infield defense for the next decade. At age 25, Ken Griffey13 hit 53 home runs and is looking to crack the 60 barrier. On the mound starter Erik Hanson looks ready to provide more help at age 26. Edwin Nunez progressed as well. Out of the pen Bill Wilkenson, Mike Jackson, and Calvin Jones all progressed and figure to provide solid relief for a solid rotation.

Fading Fast: Ace Bob Stoddard turns 34, but still appears to be capable of high end performance. He tends to follow up higher WHIP seasons with bounce back years. Last years 1.30 was the worst since his rookie season and so we could see a regression to the mean of 1.17 for his career. Catcher Kevin Palsey turns 38 and is no longer the player who has put up 2,334 hits in his career. Still, the mariners already gave Scott Bradley significant playing time last year and so the loss will matter little.

Prognosis: Best team in the American League, no question. Could win 100 games or more. They are young too. Not sure how well they will fare against the NL powers in the World Series, but we think we will see them there a lot in the next few seasons.

NL East:

Philadelphia Phillies: 74-88, -27

Key Imports: Outfielder Joe Lefebvre adds depth to an already strong outfield unit. He's nothing special but will be good pinch hitting off the bench. RP All Holland brings a little high octane firepower to the pen which should help Philly's starters feel a bit more relaxed.

Key Progressions: Outfielder Lonnie Smith was already pretty good, hitting .290, .355, with 28 doubles. This season he figures to be better and could score 100+ runs. On the mound 25-year-old Marty Bystrom is a budding Cy-Young candidate and reliever Mark Davis14 appears to be on the way to eventual stardom as well. Dickie Noles has also developed into a serviceable starter, and at only 27 continues to improve.

Fading Fast: Franchise second baseman Joe Morgan is 40, but he is a 99 rated player who promises to juice the Philly lineup for the next 2-3 seasons. Greg Luzinski just turned 33, but is still a 100 rated player so don't look for much of a fall yet. 3b Mike Schmidt5 is now 35 which is a bit more concerning, but as a high at-bat player, he should continue to hit 30+ HR's and knock in 100+ for a bit longer. On the mound Steve Carlton turned 39 and so may fade some (though he is still eligible for franchising). Other than that, the Philly staff is quite young.

Prognosis: This team would win the AL Central. In the NL East they will be lucky to finish third. Still, a wild-card birth is definitely not out of the question. Over/under of 84 wins.

Pittsburgh Pirates: 87-75, +1

Key Imports: Not a lot for the pirates, but reliever Mike Williams will add a bit of depth in the pen.

Key Progressions: Catcher Jason Kendall is only 24 and looks primed to be a solid backstop for many seasons. He doesn't have much pop, but will get on base in a position where offense is not common. OF Mark Smith also may be sneaky good off the bench. Not much on the mound in terms of progression other than a bit of growth from 28-year-old back end starter Steve Cooke.

Fading Fast: Pittsburgh is not set up as well as Philly when it comes to age. Turner Ward, Jose Lind, Jay Bell8, John Cangelosi, Barry Bonds6, and Lonnie Smith10 are all hitters who looked a bit older in spring training. On the mound Jose DeLeon14 and Brett Gideon also looked a bit weathered in spring games.

Prognosis: With Philly's rise comes Pittsburgh's fall. The division is simply too deep for this team. They could win 80 games, but we doubt they will get out of the cellar.

New York Mets: 94-68: +155

Key Imports: New York is fortunate to be young and well stocked as new strong imports arrived this offseason.

Key Progressions: First Baseman Mike Jorgenson13 hit .290 last season with 25 HR's. He just turned 28 and is hoping for .300 and 30. Catcher Pat Boarders14 is another player rumored to have had a great spring training. On the mound, reliever Victor Cruz is a budding superstar and starter Scott Bankhead12 is a solid mid-rotation starter.

Fading Fast: On the mound the Mets have zero players in regression. They have been very strategic here which sets them up well long term. At the plate WIllie Mays11 is now 45, but the Mets think that Franchisee Jim Hickman15 can replace his offense.

Prognosis: Were it not for a ridiculous Expos team, the Mets would be the division favorite. They would potentially win any other division in baseball. They are likely similar to the Colts and Mariners in terms of talent. Over/under is 95 wins.
Montreal Expos: 107-55, +242

Key Imports: As if the mighty Expos needed any more help. Bob James comes in at age 25 and will provide a good young arm in the pen. Montreal is well stocked and ready to continue with their long-time dominance.

Key Progressions: Outfielder Tim Raines is 24 and he's a beast. He already has posted a .327 on-base-percentage in a 600 at bat season, and if his owner gets aggressive with his 10 speed, he will steal 100+bases. Tony Bernazard12 isn't spectacular and 2nd, but he is good. His defense is very respectable and his bat could approach a .700 OPS. On the mound Starters David Palmer and Scott Sanderson both showed growth in the off-season as did RP Jeff Reardon. In the minors Bill GUllickson and Charlie Lea14 continue to develop as well.

Fading Fast: 1b Mike Jorgensen4 turns 37, but Franchisee Terry Francona15 may very well step in without a hitch. Tim Foli regressed a bit at shortstop, but is really only in the lineup for his defense which remains very strong. On the mound Steve Rogers and Dale Murray both regressed, but with Rogers coming off a Cy Young and Murray coming off a 10-0, 1.84, 0.83 campaign, they will still be very good. With all the young talent growing behind them, the Expos may very well have a winning record in World Series play six or seven series down the line.

Prognosis: Hard to think they would be better than 107 wins. Hard to think they would be any worse. Over/Under 107.

NL Central:

Chicago Cubs: 53-109, -285

Key Imports: At some point Mark Grace will probably provide some help at first base. At a minimum, he will be a solid pinch hitting option some day.

Key Progressions: First Baseman Carmelo Martinez will never have a high batting average, but he should hit some homeruns. Rafael Palmeiro is guy who the Cubs appear happy to develop in hopes of saving his franchising for the distant competitive future. Greg Maddux14 was abysmal last season, but will also be a part of that distant future.

Fading Fast: Second baseman Ron Dunn has had a great career (2,000+ hits, .501 career slugging percentage) but turned 38 and appears to be trending downwards. Former .300+ hitter and MVP candidate Bill Madlock hit only .217 with six HR's last season. Being a year older won't help. Closer Bruce Sutter3 has been a rock for this terrible organization for many seasons but appears close to the end. Interestingly, Chicago could instantly have a mega bullpen in two-seasons time if they franchised Dennis Eckersley and Willie Hernandez in back-to-back seasons.

Prognosis: Negative. (Seinfeld reference). Over under is set at 60. New franchisee Jerry Koosman15 could actually bring a few more wins.

San Diego Padres: 76-86, -45

Key Imports: Guess they used up all the good imports last season. Nothing of note this year.

Key Progressions: Third baseman Luis Salazar is already a .300 hitter and at only 28 figures to stay there. Tony Gwynn14 also hit .300+ and is 28, and so the Pads figure to have a lot of guys on base early in the lineup. Catcher Terry Kennedy13 also should be better at the plate this season. Out of the pen, 25-year-old Luis DeLeon is a budding all-star. Dave Dravecky lacks the stamina to go deep into games, but plays the role of opener quite well. Steve Mura and Eric Show are two bullpen guys who also appear to be better.

Fading Fast: Clay Kirby2 has seen better days. Now 37, he hopes to provide back-end help to the rotation. San Diego will also need to find some power to replace former pop of Dave Robinson (5 Hr's last season, 50 in Season 8), as well as Leron Lee3 (13 HR's last season, after hitting 30+ many times). Franchisee Sixto Lezcano15 was tabbed to do this just. With a name like Sixto how can he not hit 40 HR's.

Prognosis: A typical Padre 81-81.

Milwaukee Brewers: 77-85, -15

Key Imports: He'll never be a star, but Teddy Higuera could provide some innings in a 4th or 5th starter role at some point. He's a 10-12, 4.95 kind of pitcher.

Key Progressions: 3b Willie Lozado and SS Ernest Riles both got better. They are nothing special, but could provide a bit of depth for Yount9 and Molitor8. Zero pitching progressions; which is a big problem for this team.

Fading Fast: This is an old team. On the mound Don Sutton12 and Rollie Fingers14 turned 40 and 39 respectively. Only three pitchers on the staff didn't regress. At the plate was a bit better, but six major leaguers are in the regression phase with two more joining them next year.

Prognosis: The National League is too deep. Over/under of 70 wins. Just too much regression.

Houston Colt 45's: 102-60, +166

Key Imports: The rich get richer. Joe Sambito is 24 and may be allowed to develop in the minors over the next four seasons. Or, Houston could franchise him to his 1980 season at some point. 22-year-old starter Dan Larson and 23-year-old Bo McLaughlin mean that Houston will be set up well for the eventual regression of their many aces.

Key Progressions: Cesar Cedeno9 is only 27. Last season he hit .323, .397, .619, with 46 doubles, 12 triples, and 36 HR's. Could be a legit 50, 20, 40 player for 110 extra base hits.

Fading Fast: Houston is not set up as well as Montreal. Starters Bob Kipper and JR Richard12 both have entered the regression phase. Jerry Reuss14 will regress starting next season. There are some good young starters in the minors, but they are 3-4 seasons away. At the plate Houston's offense saw very little regression this off-season. Rusty Staub5 turned 33, Jimmy Wynn 34, and Menke11 turned 36. Aa Menke is a defensive expert, his aging is relatively unimportant.

Prognosis: They should win 100 games again. In the NL East they probably would be 2nd, but they will easily win the west.

League Chat Box

Big game for Calderon lifts Mariners 1977 to victory

Ivan Calderon drove in 4 runs, carrying Seattle to a 15-3 victory over the Angels 1971. Seattle's Harold Reynolds11 had 6 RBIs. | Box

Colt 45's 1962 find a way to survive Stieb3

Hits were hard to come by against Dave Stieb3 last night, but the Colt 45's 1962 pushed across enough to defeat the Blue Jays 1977, 5-1. Stieb3 allowed just 2 hits over 7 innings in the loss. | Box

Big game for Ramos lifts Cubs 1974 to victory

Domingo Ramos drove in 4 runs, carrying Chicago to a 11-6 victory over the Expos 1969. Alfredo Griffin recorded 4 hits. | Box

Tomlin whiffs 8 in 6-1 win

Randy Tomlin struckout 8 Minnesota batters in a 6-1 win for the Pirates 1984. | Box

Barfield13 shines, Blue Jays 1977 still lose to Houston

Jesse Barfield13 collected 4 hits last night, but it wasn't enough for the Blue Jays 1977. The Colt 45's 1962 won the contest, 6-5. | Box

10/15/2025

World Series History

Season 14: Expos over A's in 5
Season 13: Angels over Expos in 6
Season 12: Colt 45's over Twins in 6
Season 11: Twins over Expos in 6
Season 10: Blue Jays over Expos in 5
Season 9: Mariners over Expos in 7
Season 8: Blue Jays over Expos in 5
Season 7: Rangers over Expos in 7
Season 6: Phillies over Twins in 6
Season 5: Twins over Phillies
Season 4: Twins over Pirates
Season 3: Phillies over Rangers
Season 2: Angels over Pirates
Season 1: Pirates over Angels

7/25/2020

Pete Rose Era Rebuilds, Season 15 (between seasons)

Pete Rose Era Rebuilds is a low maintenance custom league where terrible franchises from the 60's, 70's, and 80's get to try and build to respectability. Unique League Features: 1.) Detailed Season Previews, 2.) Mid-Season All Star Update, 3.) Playoff Preview and Summary, 4.) Draft Analysis, 5.) Periodic News Updates.