2004 PREDICTIONS
As baseball fans and league enthusiasts gear up for another thrilling year of action, Jarl Jackson’s highly anticipated 2004 predictions offer a captivating glimpse into the season ahead. Complete with detailed divisional breakdowns, projected playoff matchups, and a look at the championship contenders, these insights set the stage for dramatic pennant races across the board. Whether looking at storied franchises aiming to extend their dominance or up-and-coming clubs seeking a breakthrough campaign, the upcoming year promises plenty of unforgettable moments on the diamond.
AL East
DeWitt Tigers
Corktown Bootleggers
Houghton Penguins
Iowa Giants
Should be a 3-team divisional race between DeWitt, Corktown, and Houghton. The Tigers get the edge with their offense. DeWitt is looking for their first playoff appearance. Corktown is looking for a 7th straight season of at least 90 wins. Houghton is looking to rebound from a 118-loss 2003 season. Iowa is looking for their first winning season, but unfortunately has the best chance of finishing last in the division.
Best starting pitching: Corktown
Best relief pitching: Corktown
Best offense: DeWitt
AL Central
Chicago Demolition
Yucaipa Badgers
Monroeville Maulers
Southlake Stealers
Chicago should win the AL Central but will face a challenge from Yucaipa. Chicago has their eyes on getting back to the World Series and their 5th title after losing in 7 games in the 2003 fall classic. Yucaipa, in just their 2nd MWWL season, is hoping to crack the 90-win barrier and win a postseason game. Monroeville is looking to right the ship and get back to winning baseball in 2004. After an impressive 2003 season, Southlake will struggle to avoid 100 losses in 2004.
Best starting pitching: Chicago
Best relief pitching: Chicago
Best offense: Chicago, Yucaipa, Monroeville
AL West
Ft. Worth Panthers
Castle Rock Hounds
California Quakes
Dondero Oaks
Best starting pitching: Ft. Worth and Dondero
Best relief pitching: Ft. Worth and Castle Rock
Best offense: Ft. Worth and Castle Rock
Should be a tight battle for first between Ft. Worth and Castle Rock. Also, a tight battle for 3rd place between California and Dondero. After a disappointing Division Series loss in 2003, Ft. Worth is looking to get to the ALCS in 2004. Castle Rock is looking for its 8th straight winning season and also wants to get past the Division Series. With a few trades, California could contend for the Division title, but more likely are looking to avoid another 100-loss season. Dondero has good starting pitching and hitting but doesn’t have the bullpen to keep pace with Ft. Worth and Castle Rock.
Top 4 AL teams
Chicago
Ft. Worth
Castle Rock
DeWitt
ALCS Chicago vs. Fort Worth
NL East
Flora-Bama Mullets
Hampton Huskies
Manhattan Gas Hornets
Baltimore Blue Crabs
Best starting pitching: Flora-Bama
Best relief pitching: Flora-Bama
Best offense: Flora-Bama
Much like the Cleveland Browns of the NFL from 1950-1955, who went to 6 straight NFL championship games, Flora-Bama is looking for a 4th straight World Series appearance and a 4th straight World Championship in MWWL. Hampton has a very good team, but unfortunately is in the same division as MWWL’s best team. Hampton should crack 90 wins for the first time in team history. With two very good teams ahead of them, Manhattan will probably see their first losing season since 1996. Baltimore will bring up the rear and will struggle to avoid 100 losses.
NL Central
Michigan Marauders
Valdosta Bombers
Danbury Mad Hatters
Gladstone Gladiators
Best starting pitching: Michigan
Best relief pitching: Valdosta
Best offense: Michigan
Michigan should improve on their 82-win 2003 season and capture the NL Central title. Valdosta will probably just miss the playoffs but should have a winning season. Danbury will hope to avoid 100 losses in 2004. Gladstone will not be able to avoid 100 losses.
NL West
Blarney Drive Bandits
Hollywood Vampires
Brooklyn Cyclones
Long Beach Titans
Best starting pitching: Blarney Drive and Brooklyn
Best relief pitching: Blarney Drive
Best offense: Hollywood
Blarney Drive should see their first winning season and first divisional title in 2004. Hollywood will be nipping at the Bandits’ heels, but will fall short of claiming the NL West title. Hollywood is also looking for a 4th straight 100-win season. Brooklyn should fall securely into 3rd place in their inaugural MWWL season. It will be a long season for Long Beach, who will probably lose more games in 2004 than they won in 2003.
Top 4 NL teams
Flora-Bama Mullets
Hampton Huskies
Blarney Drive Bandits
Michigan Mauraders
NLCS Flora-Bama Mullets vs. Hampton Huskies or Blarney Drive Bandits
World Series: Chicago vs. Flora-Bama
Flora-Bama looks like the best team in MWWL for 2004, but I don’t want to see them win a 4th straight title, so I will root for a playoff upset by Hampton or Blarney Drive, or for Chicago or Ft. Worth to beat them in the World Series.