AL North Divisional Preview by tk21775

Season 8 saw the division as mediocre, with the Fargo Bison claiming the division title with a sub .500 record at 80-82. Portland fell 4 games short at 76-86, Minnesota stayed in the race at 7 games back with a record of 73-89 and Cincinnati brought up the rear with a record of 58-104. Fargo had the biggest improvement as they climbed out of the cellar where they were at for the last 3 seasons all the way to 1st place and the title.

Individuals
Best Starting Pitcher: Gene Wise (Portland Ducks)

Best Hitter: Candy Thomas (Minnesota Golden Gophers)

Rookie to make an impact: Cy Saturria (Fargo Bison)

Team
Starting Rotation: Portland Ducks

Bullpen: Fargo Bison

Batting: Minnesota Golden Gophers

Cincinnati
Acquired:
Trades: Kirk Randa (LF), Del Seanez (C),
Free Agency: None

Lost:
Trades: Jimmie Alicea (2B), Valerio James (LR)
Free Agency: Benito Pujols (Setup), Roberto Puente (C), Billy Barker (CF),
Gus Martin (Cl), Pedro Cruz (LF), Pascual Estrada (SP)

Fargo
Acquired:
Trades: None
Free Agency: None

Lost:
Trades: None
Free Agency: Randy Frye (SS), Mac Douglas (Cl),

Minnesota
Acquired:
Trades: None
Free Agency: None

Lost:
Trades None
Free Agency: Bernie Tresh (SP), Rico Olmeda (1B), Hake Mathews (C)

Portland
Acquired:
Trades: None
Free Agency: Ernie Helton (CF), Mark Tanaka (P)

Lost:
Trades: Jeff Nicholson (1B)
Free Agency: Mark Stewart (RF), Richard Fielder (SP), Ted Simpkins (P)

Predictions
Last season saw 1-2-3 separated by only 7 games although no team finished above .500. This season I’m calling for the Fargo Bison to finish above .500 and win the division behind a balanced team of pitching and batting. Portland’s starting pitching keeps them in the race all season but they fall short and take 2nd. Minnesota will also compete for the division throughout the entire season but fall 1 game behind Portland to take 3rd place and Cincinnati will finish 4th.