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Overview:
The Las Vegas Dealers were able to retake the division title in season 5 after lossing it for the first time in history to their top division rival, the Honolulu Monkseals in the season prior. After finishing the season strong to earn the #2 playoff seed in the final week, the Dealers were chased from the playoffs in 5 games by the Toledo War Kittens. Despite the playoff loss, the season was considered successful, accumulating a franchise high 106 wins.
Changes from Last Season - A veteran team, the Dealers had most of their players tied up to long term contracts. Only two key members were lost, RF Vern Cole and reliever F.P. Flanagan. To bolster the pen and fill the void left by Flannigan, the Dealers signed free agent Willie Miranda to a three year deal, their only free agent signing. Coming off a successful season, the Dealers feel this is all that is needed to continue their success.
Key Players:
Offensively, reigning AL MVP [URL=http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/PlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1311311]Manny Lewis[/URL] will continue to lead the offense, hoping to build on his 58 HRs and 153 RBIs from season 5. Other key players include slugging third baseman Chris Wayne, who hopes to rebound from a down year and SS Chad Forbes who lead a defense near the top of the league in defense.
Pitching is still a strength of the Dealers with their entire rotation returning. Season 1 Cy Young winner Harry Hendrickson leads the staff, picking up at least 16 wins and 200 Ks in each of his 5 seasons. Ace closer Darryl Fassero comes off a career high 45 saves and looks to equal or better his career 1.06 WHIP and 2.35 ERA.
Season Outlook:
Season 6 looks to be another successful one in Las Vegas as they return most of the players who led the team to 106 wins in Season 5. The division should be more challanging with division rivals Honolulu and Colorado Springs both making significant offseason improvements. Despite this, Las Vegas hopes to again take the division title and enter the playoffs as no less than a three seed.
Prediction: 100 - 64 -- 1st place AL West -- Advance to AL Championship Game
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