Power Rankings S48- Start of Season (5-1)

As the prophetic band Europe once espoused this is the "Final Countdown". We have reached the top 5 the cream of the crop and you will notice a heavy lean towards one league.

Sample: 

Team Name (Last Season Record)

Hitting (Subjective Ranking Current Season)- (Last Season Rank by Run)

Pitching (Subjective Ranking Current Season)- (Last Season Rank by ER)

Fielding (Last Season Rank Fielding Percentage)-(Net Fielding plays (+ plays less - plays)

5. Atlanta Cheese Grits (96-66)
Hitting (B+)- (7)
Pitching (A-)- (7)
Fielding (15) (+43)

When you look at the overall grades you may wonder why Atlanta cracks the top 5...….. well as Rick Flair once said to be the man you have to beat the man...… Woooooooooooooooooo!!!. The Cheese Grits are the defending champs and a solid overall team. It will be interesting to see if they suffer from the championship hangover of delivery the first title in 47 seasons to Atlanta. The Cheese Grits for the most part are looking to run it back but key pieces on the roster are a year older and Kevin Fujikawa has now reached the point in his career where he is good.... but the sands of time have zapped most of his greatness. Father time remains undefeated. Expect Atlanta to be back in the playoffs and challenging for the Thunderdome title  (AL South)


4. Montreal Rippers (107-55)
Hitting (A+)- (4)
Pitching (B+)- (4)
Fielding (11) (+63)

In season 47, Montreal ownership announced their presence on the title contention scene winning their 3rd division title but with a 18 win jump. Before losing to the eventual champions in the ALCS. Gatesfanelli has been one of the most active owners on the trade market since joining the league and has amassed an amazing collection of talent especially hitters. His core of Terrance Wood, Jonathan Griffin, Wendall Cooke is likely the best trio combination in Hunter, the three have combined for 5 MVPs, 17 All- Star games & 17 silver sluggers. I think the Rippers will continue to outhit the competition the jury is still out on whether they have the pitching to go all the way.

3. Jacksonville (97-65)
Hitting (A-) (9)
Pitching (A+) (6) 
Fielding (6) (+20)

They say that pitching and defense wins championships which is what drives Jacksonville to the position as the top NL team. Jacksonville's pitching staff in my estimation is the best in Hunter with Jim Morandi, Bret Gyorko, Ivan Posada and David Pineda all at ace level. That level of pitching depth should have delivered a title but the Juicers seem snake bitten in the playoffs. On top of elite pitching the Juicers do boast a fearsome lineup headlined by S45 NL MVP Erubiel Belliard and S42 MVP Albert Ibanez. Jacksonville's depth of pitching and hitting makes them the favourite to represent the NL this year

2. San Francisco Night Demons (106-56)
Hitting (A) (8)
Pitching (A-) (1)
Fielding (4) (+50)

The Night Demons are one of the most successful franchises in Hunter history with 8 World Series Titles and 46 trips to the playoffs in 47 seasons, they have made the playoffs every season since season 12 and expect that streak to continue. The Night Demons were upset last year by the Louisville Sluggers in the first round (SF now 7-6 in playoff matchups versus Lou), they return in S48 with a great roster top to bottom, pitching, fielding, hitting, minor league talent stream and management infrastructure.  San Fran is lead Yadina Molina, an ace in a long line of Night Demon aces, who has racked up 7 Cy Youngs with the skill to add more. Expect the road to the World Series to go through San Francisco.

1. Washington Generals (107-55)
Hitting (A) (5)
Pitching (A-)(3)
Fielding (3) (+41)

I was very happy when Mdukes returned to Hunter after a 21 season hiatus in S39, as world get better when you add strong owners...…I was also very wary about Washington's return to dominance. Mdukes sent 4 seasons rebuilding a broken franchise and has now made the playoffs 4 consecutive years with back to back 107+ win seasons. Similar to San Francisco there are no holes in Washington they are great in all facets of the game (Pitching, Hitting and Fielding).  As of today Mdukes is 4th in Hunter Championships with four (NB-11, SF-8, Lou-5), despite the aforementioned hiatus. I believe this is the season that the title returns to Washington for the first time since season 16.