Power Ranks Start of Season (1-5)

1. Kansas City

The Comets would like to erase last year's ALCS from their memory, they were 1 out away from a trip to the World Series when the Sluggers pulled off an unprobable Game 6 (5 runs) and Game 7 (2 run) 9th inning comebacks. The loss in the ALCS aside Kansas City deserves the rise to number 1. They return the majority of the team that knocked off SF in the 2nd round of the playoffs and added D. Manto a potential 40HR guy cheap at 2M year.

I think this might finally be the year where KC knocks SF off for the division.

2. San Fransico

The Night Demon missed the ALCS for the first time since S20. The perinnennial World Series Contenders face one of the toughest roads to the World Series for years to come. With the Comets rises to the top of the tower ranks and Boise's steady improvement the AL West may be the toughest division in Hunter.

All of the above said the San Fransico Night Demons keep getting better. In the off-season SF added the best FA pitcher Bo Gragg at a rock bottom price of 6M a year. As several joked in the World Chat it was nice to finally see Bjb catch a break :). Unfortunately for the rest of Hunter the SF farm is just as good as the parent club.

3. Louisville

Normally I like to provide a professional courtesty to the defending champ by ranking them #1 in the following season's luckily I don't have to worry about stepping on my own toes. Going into the playoffs last season I viewed my team as the 3rd best team in Hunter with a pitching staff capable of winning any series it turned out that assestment wsa correct.

A familiar group is back for the title defense Bo Gragg is the only player who didn't return that pitched more than 50 innings or had more than 150 at-bats. If I was asked to assess my team I would use the same assesment as last year.....3rd best team in the league with a pitching staff that could beat anyone

4. Salt Lake City

The Mormons as are storied francise in Hunter with 10 playoff appearances, 4 World Series Appearances & 1 World Series title before they fell on hard times S20-S22. However, if last year was any indication SLC is back.  The Mormons were relatively quiet in FA, deciding to build from within. If S23 was Step 1........ 22 win improvement and a trip to the WS, the entire AL should be scared about Step 2.

5. Phildelphia

Sorry, Hineiii I am putting the stink of the power ranks on your team early this season. The Phillies boast the highest payrooll in Hunter. Over the last 2 years it's apparent that Philly has spent well as they have posted 100W & 99W seasons over the last 2 years.

With Little Rock falling back to the pack it's time for a new "Big Dog" to step up in the NL.