NL North Preview

The NL North sent two teams to the postseason last year, and with three new owners hungry for success, it promises to be every bit as exciting again this year. Teams in Chicago, Fargo, and Iowa City have taken different approaches to the same goal: knocking off some other well-stocked NL teams for the pennant.

Milwaukee and Minnesota (now Fargo) dueled down the stretch last season, only to meet once again in the playoffs. However, neither was able to advance past the Divisional Championship Series, and they will face a stiffer test with new owners evilleteache and neonpeon41 looking to make a rapid turnaround. Will the class of this division last season be able to hold off the young guns? We examine the Division, with the teams in order of how they finished last season.

Milwaukee Brewers

Key Departures: Richard Woods (FA), Donnie Richardson (FA), Peter West (Trade), James Carter (Trade).

Key Acquisitions: Terry Williams (Trade), Richie Duckworth (FA), Miguel Trevino (FA).

Breakdown: The Brewers saw a weakness in the middle infield, where they failed to get the production they expected from youngsters Carter and West. They made the playoffs despite only 835 runs and 176 HR last season, and hope that Duckworth's pop can add to those totals. Vic Cervantes and his 1.190 OPS is expected to contribute to the offensive turnaround as well.

Outlook: A 1.36 WHIP and 4.17 ERA, both in the top ten in the league, are cause for optimism this season, especially with Abdullah Ward just hitting his prime at age 26. If the expected increase in offensive production comes through, the Brewers could issue a harsh welcome to the new owners in the division.

Fargo Argonauts

Key Departures: Frank Coles (FA), Wiki Lira (FA).

Key Acquisitions: Denny Masato (FA), Harold Stone (FA), Mitch McKnight (FA).

Breakdown:The Minnesota Turfmeisters went 91-71 and took their show to the playoffs, where they were eliminated by division rival Milwaukee. Lira took 29 HR and a .938 OPS with him when he left, but DaRond Norton brings his 30 HR back to power the offense.

Outlook: Posiedon Barker has a career WHIP of 1.38 and ERA of 3.98. As he enters his prime, he has the opportunity to anchor a staff that allowed only 732 runs last season, good for 8th in all of MLB. If Masato can maintain his historically great production, it will replace the loss of Lira and propel the Argonauts back to October.

Iowa City Hawks

Key Departures: Bobby Ray Harris (FA), Tanyon Dunn (FA).

Key Acquisitions: Richard Woods (FA), Pasqual Martinez (Waivers).

Breakdown: The Madison Mosquitos were a respectable 72-90, and moved south to Iowa to try and improve on that number. There is still work to be done, however. Big time pitching prospect Luis Vargas proved himself not ready for the Show with a 1.79 WHIP, and the team 5.99 ERA was fourth from the bottom of the majors.

Outlook: Despite an .812 OPS behind the plate, Harris is not part of the plan this season as the club looks to rebuild from within. How far they go will depend largely on Nick Tucker putting up numbers more in line with what is expected from a major league corner outfielder. Look for this team to be a work in progress this season.

Chicago Prime Movers

Key Departures: Howie Hughes (Trade), Macbeth Robertson (FA).

Key Acquisitions: Bill Smith (Trade), Harry DeWitt (Rule 5 Draft), Octavio Bennett (Trade).

Breakdown: The Montreal Royals finished 32 games out last season, providing the new ownership with a serious rebuilding project. The club parted ways with Hughes, who was a disappointing 11-16 last season, as well as Robinson and his abysmal .596 OPS. They hope this will improve upon their 1.65 team WHIP (third from last in MLB) and .402 team SLG (fourth worst).

Outlook: Wilfredo Lima needs to be a cornerstone and improve upon his lowly 10 HR last season. Dan Balboa's ERA and WHIP have improved each of the last three seasons. If that keeps up and Smith can become the ace they expected when they dealt for him, look for the Prime Movers to make a move in the right direction this season.