THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Thursday, October 17, 2047

IPA GOLDEN GLOVES GIVEN OUT
The guys with the magic touch on defense for the 2047 IPA season were honored with Golden Gloves today. The Ruthlandian and Tycobbian Union announced the best glovemen at each position, headed up by Eldon Auldridge, who received his fifth Golden Glove. Four-time winners were Jojo DeLucca and Walter Glenn. All of them played in Ruthlandia circles.

Ruthlandian Union Golden Glove Team:
Pitcher: Noah Mannon - Ranwood (16-18/3.86 (.986 FA) first-time winner
Catcher: Cannon Johnson - Elnora (.276/32/90/80) (.995 FA/3 PB/35% RTO) 2-time winner
First Base: Jojo DeLucca - Claxton (.320/35/113/98) (.997 FA) 4-time winner
Second Base: Mike Mathews - Beechwood (.256/19/62/79) (.986 FA) 2-time winner
Third Base: Joey Gompers - Ranford (.255/32/84/83) (.959 FA) 2-time winner
Shortstop: Ken Jensen - Valmara (.309/10/74/86) (.973 FA) 2-time winner
Left Fielder: Eldon Auldridge - Arcona (.303/34/106/93) (.997 FA) 5-time winner
Center Fielder: Calvin Marbury - Marston (.240/15/69/74) (.994 FA) 2-time winner
Right Fielder: Warren Glenn - Ancona (.324/2/32/75) (1.000 FA) 4-time winner

Tycobbian Union Golden Glove team:
Pitcher: Gil Younger - Hartsdale (16-18/3.59) (.986 FA) 1-time winner
Catcher: Weldon Waller - La Claire (.235/8/46/46) (.995 FA/7 PB/42.3% RTO)
First Baseman: Joel Poche - Luxora (.288/25/104/79) (.993 FA) 2-time winner
Second Baseman : Kyle Estes - Ginza (.249/11/61/80) (.984 FA) 1-time winner
Third Baseman: Tiago Chaves - Luxora (.271/30/101/71) (.975 FA) 1-time winner
Shortstop: Edison Randall - Bay St. Clair (.272/17/70/70) (.975 FA) 2-time winner
Left Fielder: T. J. Dunn - Ozarka (.229/3/40/52) (.997 FA) 2-time winner
Center Fielder: Darrell Nesbitt - Hartsdale (.287/13/49/115) (.994 FA) 2-time winner
Right Fielder: Denny Halverton - Chicopee (.310/11/56/76) (.997 FA)

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Friday, October 18, 2047

ROOKIE SKIPPER WOODWARD TOPS IN RU
Rookie manager Russ Woodward in Marston inherited a team that was headed nowhere, but he made a few changes and the Nine made a huge turnaround and won Woodward the Ruthlandian Manager of the Year Award. In just a single season Marston went from seventh place to the RU East division champion. Woodward just barely beat three other skippers, who forged fine years for their clubs. In the runner-up spot in the poll was Bobby Meusel of the Belair Beach Sunbirds, number three was Don Nichols of the Far Mountain Redhawks and coming in fourth was Middlefield's Ricky Tinker.

Woodward starred for Marston from 2013 to 2033. This year in his first year he guided the Nine to a splendid 96-58 mark to cop the division title. Marston was only a lackluster 71-83 the year before, winding up in 7th place and trailing by 22 games.

The Belair Beach Sunbirds under Bobby Meusel also did an about-face similar to Marston. In his fourth year at the helm Meusel led them to the postseason for the first time since 2016 with an 84-70 mark. The Sunbirds were only 65-89 in 7th place the year before.

Far Mountain also made a vast improvement this season. Don Nichols piloted the Redhawks up from 83-71 and the fifth place spot in the RU North in 2046 to the pennant with a resounding 101-53 record, the best in the IPA. Nichols was a Hall of Fame player for Far Mountain from 2008 to 2024. He also starred for Marston in his early years in the IPA, playing for the Nine from 2001 to 2007.

Ricky Tinker also had a fine year in Middlefield, leading the Roosters to the RU West pennant with a 95-58 record. The season prior they came in a close second to Rocky Rapids with an 89-65 mark.

EVANS HONORED AS BEST TU MANAGER IN 1ST YEAR
Rookie managers don't often pick up the Manager of the Year Award, but this season it happened in both leagues. Hall of Famer Lorne Evans tooked over for the great Charley Oscar, who retired in 2046, and was acclaimed the best manager in the Tycobbian Union in his first year as skipper for the Southport Sun Sox. Evans sparkled in a great 10-year career with the Sox.

Under Evans they moved up a notch in the standings from second place in 2046 to the top spot in 2047 in the TU South, probably the best divsion overall in the IPA. Like Woodward, the RU winner, Evans had some tough competition for the award. Evans nipped Red Bluff's Jim Schubert, Tuckanarra's Carlton "Lefty" Stevens and High Mesa's Jack Elliott in a very tight four-man race.

Schubert won his fourth consecutive Tycobbian East Division title with a 95-59 record and came in second to Evans. Third place in the balloting went to Stevens of the Tucks, who rose up this year from 82-72 (second place) to 92-72 (second place). High Mesa's Elliott was in the fourth spot in the poll after leading his Cowboys up from fifth place (82-72) to third place (86-68).

2047 is history.

I'm working on adding new rookies to the rosters for 2048.

Should be finished sometime tomorrow (Thursday).

Thanks for following the IPA.

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, April 5, 2048

RANFORD TO REIGN IN RU NORTH
Last year the sports media across the Islands chose the Ranford Bulls to haul in the Ruthlandian North Division pennant, but they flopped badly and wound a poor sixth, 31 games behind the champion Far Mountain Redhawks, who led the IPA with a resounding 101 triumphs. Well, with basically the same ball club the Bulls are again the choice of the sportswriters and broadcasters. In fact, the preseason predictions go so far as forecasting an easy race for Ranford. LaGrange was number two in the poll with Far Mountain slotted for third place this year and Valmara for the fourth spot.

In the second division the prognoticators have placed the Glasco Athletics in spot number five, Kilkenny sixth, and perpetual also-rans Taranto and Ancona will battle it out for the last two places in the standings.

Ranford does have a new left fielder Joey Hawkins and new reliever Rickey Graham. Hawkins is a powerful bat that hit five homers in spring training and batted .302. Graham, a fireballer, showed some good potential in the spring, too. But the Bulls will need vast improvement on the hill and at the plate to rival the Redhawks.

In actuality, Far Mountain has improved a bit this year roster-wise with a power-hitting rookie shortstop Jesse Stetson, who is also a solid defender. The Valmara Vipers are the most-improved club on paper. They have added two solid pitchers Mark Polaski and Niki Delance to the staff and two potent rookie infielders Justin Rascoe and Arnie Pliska to the lineup. Far Mountain ran away with the title last year, whipping second place LaGrange by 15 games. It seems highly unlikely that the other clubs can make up so much ground when they haven't improved their lots much. LaGrange has six rookies on its squad, but no standouts. Glasco had added three new players, but no season changers.

Last year Far Mountain dominated the division. The Sports were 15 games behind in the runner-up spot, the A's third and 18 games off the pace and the Vipers came in fourth, trailing by 19.

Other newcomers to watch are RF Seth Cooks of the Kilkenny Cats, pitchers Paul South and Armani Pizziconi of the Taranto Tars and shortstop Steven Truman of the Ancona Red Elephants.

RUTHLANDIAN NORTH DIVISION PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, April 5, 2048

WESTERNERS GET THE CALL IN RU SOUTH
Waleska lost out by three games last season to the Belair Beach Sunbirds in the Ruthlandian South, but are forecast to be the top dog in the race this year. The oddsmakers are solidly in the Westerners' corner. Claxton and Belair Beach are rated a distant second and third to Waleska with Grand City expected to finish in fourth place.

Rounding out the division will be a revitalized St. John Crusaders tied with Crystal Lake for the fifth spot. St. John was a dismal last in 2047, 26 games out of first. The Crusader management dismantled the team and signed 11 new players. The Valka Blackhawks were ranked seventh in the preseason poll and San Dimas came in dead last.

Waleska is the heavy favorite because of its strong starting rotation and standout bullpen. The Westerners hope rookie first baseman James Ray Kee will give them more punch in the lineup.

The runner-up Claxton Diamonds may have a gem in the batting order with rookie hard-hitting LF Whit Miley and rookie hurler Jared Lipton could be a help in the bullpen and as occasional starter. Miley is a can't miss, so say the soothsayers.

Belair Beach surprisingly sneaked off with the pennant last year in a super tight race. Reliever Denny Perkins could help in the bullpen and rookie SS Alvaro Abreu sports a golden glove and hits with great authority and consistency, but with little power. They will make the Sunbirds stronger this year.

The fourth place Grand City Cybercats have a quality starting four and have added newcomer Gonzie Watson as the fifth starter. Superstrar 1B Benny Hull may get a little help from freshman RF Rob Yando at the plate. Yando has potential according to the scouts, but did not fare well in spring training, batting only .178 with no homers. Manager Thomas Hall said Yando will be in the lineup everyday against righthanders. It's his job to lose.

The St. John Crusaders hope the wholesale roster changes will get them up in the standings. Good things are expected from these first-year performers: RF Cris Henley has the makings of a heavy hitter that hits for a high average, too... 2B Tom Latigo, SS Claude Alton and 1B Al Pace could develop into solid batters... Henley and Pace could go deep often.

The Crystal Lake Crushers were tied for second last season with Waleska and Claxton, so they have a fairly good ballclub. They may be better than sixth place in the standings. The pitching is possibly better with the addition of southpaw Kenny Joyce to the starting rotation. Rookie SS R. C. Bratton will shore up the defense. but he is not much with the bat.

The Valka Blackhawks have a good starting foursome, but need help in the bullpen. That could come from rookie left-handed closer Ricky Cockburn, who the scouts adore. But the Blackhawks have trouble scoring and didn't address this shortcoming in the off-season. So once again, Valka will be near the bottom of the RU South.

The San Dimas Rancheros did the same thing St. John did - they mutilated the roster, cutting people right and left after coming in seventh last year. 10 new rookies are on the squad. - four new pitchers and six position players will debut this season. According to the scouts, reliever Kenny Robinson could be a super fixture in the closer role for years... SS Ricardo Cepeda gives the Rancheros good defense and a solid contact batter... should be a .300 hitter... and CF Enrique Orantez should give them a solid center fielder with good range and a fairly good bat with a little power.

RUTHLANDIAN SOUTH DIVISION PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, April 5, 2048

RATTLERS RATED TOPS IN RU EAST
Like the RU North and South, there won't be much of a pennant race in the Ruthlandian East either according to the Islands' baseball know-it-alls. They are predicting Sugar Valley as the top team in the division in a breeze over second place Belle Plaine, third place Marston and fourth place Cold Creek. Last year's titlist in a surprise was the Marston Nine with the Rattlers seven games back. Sugar Valley was the top choice last year.

The preseason poll has the rest of the division as follows: Wynnamac in the fifth spot, Eastshore sixth, Elnora seventh and in last place the Beechwood Bobcats.

Sugar Valley pretty much is playing a pat hand this year with only two new rookies on the roster. Neither of them is expected to make much of an impact. The Rattlers sitll possess strong starting pitching and good power at the plate. They are the class of the division.

The Belle Plaine Musketeers have contended only twice in the last two decades and they haven't been to the postseason since 2005. They have average pitching, but solid offense that just might be better this year with the rookie LF Terry Lee Dobbs, who is well thought of. Dobbs could hit for a high average with fair power. He has good speed and can handle the field well.

Defending division champ Marston goes into the season more optimistic than last year. They still have a strong mound corps and have added a talented newcomer in hurler Whiz Fairburn. Offensively the Nine could be improved as well with new 2B Damien D'Amboise, a talented lead-off hitter. Marston certainly doesn't think they are a third place team. Manager Russ Woodward is looking to repeat as champ.

In Cold Creek, it was a case of massive change in the off-season. Desperate for better hitting, they go into the new year with 11 rookies. Four of them will be strong contenders for a regular spot in the line-up. The sports analysts are looking favorably on RF Dontrelle Leopold, 2B Milt Swallow and 1B Kinnojo Matsuzaki, all are solid hitters. Leopold and Swallow can go deep, but Matsuzaki is a contact man with only fair power. LF Al Radcliffe can do the job at the plate with power, but is suspect in the field. The Catamounts were fourth last year and look to be improved this year. They still have a better-than-average staff. Freshman right-hander Spooky Robison will start the season in the pen, but could challenge for the number four and five slots in the rotation.

The Wynnamac Sundowners were a distant third last season and are pretty much the same team this year. No rookies of any importance made the squad. Fifth place is probably the best the W'Macs can do.

The Eastshore Elegants were sixth in the RU East last year and that's where the experts placed them this season. The Elegants have a capable starting four and the best closer in the Islands in Jody Friday, last year's Ruthlandian MVP and Golden Arm winner. However, they need some offense to move up in the standings. None of the rookie bats are likely to start. Rookie Trent Niven could help some in the relief corps and as a spot starter.

The Elnora All-Stars have an aging pitching staff and have not added any new blood to the roster. The All-Stars still have some gifted bats in their line-up. Moving up in the division depends on an improved mound corps.

In an attempt to escape the cellar for the second year in a row, the Beechwood Bobcats made sweeping changes with eight rookie additions. 1B Bronco Elkins, RF Rod McClellan and pitcher Larry Pearson could contribute this season. Elkins has monster credentials. The Bobcats might get out of the basement, but really don't have the talent to climb much in the standings.

RUTHLANDIAN EAST DIVISION PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, April 5, 2048

'JACKS FAVORITE IN RU WEST
A two or three-team pennant race is the prediction in the Ruthlandian West this season in the preseason poll. The Forest City Lumberjacks without a pennant in the last 35 years got the nod in a close vote over defending champion Middlefield and Rocky Rapids, who tied for second with Volusia last season. The Stoner Stars are forecast for the fourth spot in the division this year.

Rounding out the rest of the RU West are the Colfax Blasters in fifth place, the Sligo Rovers in sixth, with Volusia strangely falling to seventh this season after tying for second a year ago. And winding up in last place will be the Fort Benton Defenders for the fourth straight season.

Forest City may have the the best starting rotation in the IPA, but the Lumberjacks don't put much on the scoreboard and could use some help in the bullpen. Rookie 3B Aron Robins is the best newcomer... Robins is a good contact/doubles hitter, but is not one to go deep much... great with the glove.

The Middlefield Roosters are coming off an impressive season... they lost in the Pro Cup Finals in seven games to Southport... the club is still strong on the hill and has rock solid bats and longball power... why they are not favored to repeat as flag winner is a mystery kinown only to the voting media... Middlefield cruised to the division title last year by 11 games and still has the same nucleus of players... the Roosters have five rookies on the roster, but none are expected to break into the starting line-up.

The Rocky Rapids Snappers have won the RU West twice in the last four seasons... they have top-notch starters, but could use a boost in offense. rookie right-hander Kip Golden could be a good addition to the staff, mostly as a reliever and spot starter initially... the Snappers are excited about freshman RF Dutch Leopold, who is labeled a big-time hitter with decent power... rookie SS Cal Cagle can play defense with the best of them but is only fair at the plate with no power... Rocky Rapids will be better this year... they should be a serious pennant contender.

The Stoner Stars were picked fourth in the preseason poll, but the are only a fair ballclub... they will not be serious contenders... the Stars were seventh last year and haven't added any rookies to the team.

Colfax is a second division team with two fine starters and little else... picked fifth this season, same as last year... rookie Dante Breeland will be in the starting rotation in the four slot... scouts say he could have a good and long career... Breeland has great stuff... the Blasters are also excited about freshman 2B Lon Downer, who can really put the bat on the ball with some power... Downer is a competent fielder and should get some a lot of playing time.

The number six choice, the Sligo Rovers, have good starters and fair bullpen, but the offense is lacking... best rookies are SS Chris Valentine and RF Sid Elmore... they should add some needed pop to the line-up.

On paper the Volusia Vigilantes don't appear to be a next-to-last place team, but that's where the baseball gurus put them in the preseaon prognostications... the V's are an aging ballclub with four solid starters and some rock solid bats... no genuine rookies made the team this season, but Mateus Branco is back after a year's absence and will be the number five starter... the scouts are saying he is a "can't miss" this time around.

The Fort Benton Defenders are just plain bad... very little pitching and very little hitting... they have finished last in the division the last three years and it looks like number four is on the horizon... but the club has a couple of bright spots in rookie 1B Todd Higginbotham and rookie hurler Steve Dagger... Higginbotham is a good contact hitter with very good power and is a solid fielder... Dagger has the makings of a very good reliever.

RUTHLANDIAN WEST DIVIISON PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, April 5, 2048

ZORROS RIDE HIGH IN POLLS, TU NORTH PICK
The Luxora Zorros came out of nowhere and are riding high in the preseason polls and forecast to runaway with the division this year. The Z's have been ordained by the high priests of the IPA and blessed with the number one pick in the Tycobbian North Division. Coming in second in the survey were the Hartsdale Hellcats, who won it the last two years. Up-and-coming White River was chosen third and Blue Lake fourth. The Hellcats, Rascals and Blue Sox were one, two, three last year, while the Zorros wound up deep in the second division in seventh place.

Why the Zorros?... they have a fine stafff overall with a solid set of starters and a good offense with pretty fair firepower... player-manager Joel Poche thinks the club is ready to contend... the newcomers are led by rookie 2B Keith Tarleton, a potentially gifted hitter, but with little power... and CF Cesar Torrez, a great glove and modest hitter... RHP Matty Gomes will have to prove himself in the bullpen, but could be a future starter.

Hartsdale is not going to relinguish its crown very easily... the Hellcats are not as strong as the 2046 Pro Cup championship squad, but they are still a very capable club and strong pennant threat... they still have three strong starters, but need help in the bullpen... the offense is only fair, but does still hits with good power... the only rookie expected to play a role this season is reliever Ron Norton.

The White River Rascals ran a heck of race last year, fighting Hartsdale tooth-and-nail before succumbing by only three games... well, the Rascals are better this year on paper with some talented additions to go with two very strong starters... rookie righty Todd Cole has moved into the #3 starting role... and five more rookies will vie for regular spots in the line-up... the baseball world is very impressed with LF Ryne Nyland, 1B Ruben Reeves, two CFs Pudge Tate and Thomas Young and 3B Kenny Yarborough.

Blue Lake rounds out the first division of the Tycobbian North in fourth place... the Blue Sox possess three very good starters and an excellent closer, but they come up somewhat short in scoring runs... they hope rookie RF Burl Baugh will improve that situation... only a fair fielder, he is rated a superior batsman by most of the scouts... two rookie starters Dookie Denton and Antoine Greeleaf will be given slots in the rotation this season.

The fifth-place Oxford Red Caps are just a .500 club at best with pretty fair starters and average bats... the best newcomers are two freshmen pitchers: Mo Eglin will be the #5 starter and Duke Sorrell will be in the bullpen... no rookies will challenge for a regular spot in the batting order.

Mahaska is going the wholesale route by adding 8 rookies to the roster... the Haymakers only have so-so pitching and so-so offense... three rooks are given a chance of contributing this year: look for good things from reliever Marty Mobley, who will start the season in the pen, but should have a good career as a starter... 2B Kody Dafford is good field, but no hit... and 3B Goose Fulton is a solid bat and fielder.

From 2034 to 2045 the North Hills Hawis were terrors in the IPA with 11 pennants and four Pro Cup trophies... now they are an old and mediocre team... only 35-year-old superstar Tony Mack is left of the great mound staff of the glory years... 37-year-old super slugger RF Adam Thurgood is still very much a threat at the plate, but has slowed down considerably on the bases and in the field... to couner the old age the Hawks have signed 9 rookies and expect RF Chuck Coltharpe to eventually blossom into an iconic slugger... 1B Matt McGann to give them a strong bat with power... Carver Dillon to help out in the bullpen... Vinnie Sartucci to be a future starter... and 2B Danny Gaither to provide a good bat with average power and a good glove... when these players blossom, the future could be bright in North Hills again in a few seasons.

The Fairfax Frogs only have decent starters and a decent bullpen... offensively they hit for average, but not much punch... 2B John Velasco carries the club with some help... Velasco is a marvel at age 41... still a .320 batter and 20-homer guy... the Frogs have four neophytes, but they are not expected to contribute much this year... it could be a basement-dwelling season for Fairfax... they haven't been to the playoffs since 2033.

TYCOBBIAN NORTH DIVISION PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, April 5, 2048

SUN SOX BEST CLUB IN TU SOUTH
For the sixth time in the last seven seasons the vaunted Southport Sun Sox are predicted to take the Tycobbian South flag in spite of a number of solid contenders. Turon and San Alejo are the prime challengers with Summerland rated the fourth-best in the division. The Ginza Ninjas are not too far behind in the fifth spot in the division standings. As per usual, the race in the TU South will be a close one.

None of the other clubs in the division are given much support in the preseason surveys. Arroyo Grande was selected to finish sixth, Cape Coral seventh with Colchester pulling up in last place.

Southport is the defending Pro Cup trophy holders and has won it twice since 2044... they will be gunning for number three this season... the Sun Sox sport very good pitching and adequate scoring... three rookies could make them better... RF Tony Pastrano has super potential and power at the plate... 1B Leon Woodson could help the offense a bit... and Troy Hill is a budding talent for the bullpen.

In the second half of the season last year the Turon Typhoons were the best team in the IPA... if that carries over to this year, Southport had better be wary... the Typhoons can hit with the best of them, but they are only average on the mound... rookie CF Sheldon Tate is the only newcomer on the squad, but may have a tough time breaking into the starting line-up... he is a solid fielder and good contact hitter with some punch.

San Alejo has often been a bridesmail in recent years, often pressuring Southport in the runner-up spot... the Montaneros feature good starting pitching, a so-so bullpen and solid hitting... three rookies should make an uplifting contribution this season... RF Erik Landau could be a gifted batter... SS Benito Clemente has a good glove, makes good contact, but has no power... and RP Raul Argona has impressive credentials and could help in the bullpen.

The Summerland Sunsets won the division in 2046 with great pitching and weak hitting... they still have a very good starting rotation, but are still hampered by poor offense and poor bullpen... not much help from newcomers... only one rookie is expected to make a dent in the line-up... 2B Zane Howe has a strong glove, but is weak at the plate... Summerland is destined for fourth place... the Sunsets just can't come close to the top three contenders in scoring runs.

The Ginza Ninjas have good bats, but are only average on the hill... they could sneak past Summerland for fourth place... two new rookies could contribute... SP Juzo Mori may help in the bullpen and as a spot starter... and SS Banzuki Minoru has a pretty good glove and is a standout at the plate with good power.

The Arroyo Grande Suns have finished in last place six times in the last decade and haven't put a good team on the field since 2032... and haven't made the postseason since 2024... 2048 will not likely be any better... sixth place seems to be too high for them... the Suns have no hitting or pitching... and no rookies likely to help... it's another long season for the long-suffering Arroyo Grande fans and supporters.

The Cape Coral Hurricanes can score with the best of them, but they only have fair pitching... they have a fine new rookie in 1B Derrian Bunyan, but no room in the line-up for him... he will just have to wait in the wings for a while... it may be tough to keep his powerful bat out of the batting order... the Hurricanes could rise up as high as fourth or fifth with its potent attack.

The Colchester Elites have very little pitching and don't hit very well either... the Elites usually fight it out with Arroyo Grande for the cellar rights... the rookie prospects are few... however, Denzel Durant will be in the starting rotation and Haden Fraser may help the relief corps... CF Ken Peters can play defense well, but is mediocre with the bat... another gloomy year in Colchester.

TYCOBBIAN SOUTH DIVISION PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, April 5, 2048

RED SOX IN DRIVER'S SEAT AGAIN IN TU EAST
For the past four seasons the Red Bluff Red Sox have ruled the Tycobbian East Division and it's quite likely they will rein in their fifth pennant in a row. The Hillsboro Blazers are predicted to be the main opposition and are ranked second in the preseason poll. Third place this year should go to the Midway Wolves and the South Fork Stallions get the nod to come in fourth in the standings.

The High Mesa Cowboys are slotted for fifth this year in the balloting with East Point sixth. Last year Tuckanarra ran a strong second to Red Bluff, but the baseball experts have ranked the Blue Jays seventh this year, just ahead of the last place Ozarka Naturals.

Red Bluff is a powerful team with a strong starting four and super home-run power... the Red Sox only come up short in the relief corps... the Red Sox hope two promising rookies Val Booth and Dan Wickman, will fill the bill in the bullpen... they were the only newcomers to make the club this year.

Hillsboro has never made the postseason... the Blazers have come close only three times... missing out by 2 games in 2020, 4 games in 2033 and 2 games in 2043... it's hard to see them topping Red Bluff this year with average pitching and woeful bats... the Blazers resemble a second-division team, not a front-runner... last year they came in fifth... two rookie infielders will contend for the shortstop spot... Shane Welsh is a wonderful fielder and reliable bat... Terry Murak is a solid glove and decent contact hitter... neither of them have much pop.

The Midway Wolves are usually a mediocre also-ran in the second division... their last playoff appearance was way back in 2027... the Wolves have never won a Pro Cup... with average starters, lackluster offense and a good bullpen, it may be difficult to be a first division club, but that what the baseball prognosticators have forecast for this year... Midway has five rookies, but so far none of them have cracked the starting line-up... however, the scouts give good reports for LF Gator Cantrell, RF Fred Coleman, SS Joey Keswick, CF Matty Matsoukis and 3B Bubby Shivers... they are all decent threats with the bats and have some pop.

The South Fork Stallions won three straight TU East pennants from 2041 to 2043 and captured its second Pro Cup trophy in 2042, but for the last three seasons they have been just a .500 ballclub... the Stallions' main strength is in its three reliable starters... their weaknesses are at the plate and in the bullpen... 9 rookies have made the team, but may not get much playing time... 2048 looks like another run-of-the-mill season for South Fork.

High Mesa hasn't been to the postseason in ages... the Cowboys made the playoffs in the club's first two IPA seasons in 2002 and 2003, winning the Pro Cup in 2002... absolutely nothing since... the Cowpokes have strong pitching, but very little hitting except for its longball capability... they were third last year, but discarded about half of the roster in the offseason to try and get better hitting... High Mesa has signed 11 rookies, three of them hurlers and eight of them position players... apparently the press wasn't impressed as they rated the Cowboys number five in the standings this year... rookie pitcher Dickie Sternfeld is the #5 starter and long reliever and rookie Sal Dellinger will be middle relief... rookie C Dan Parks will start along with SS Adam Chandler and CF Jordy Paulson... all of them are good contact hitters... only Chandler can go deep and he is also an excellent defender... if the newcomers perform well, the Cowboys could be in pennant contention this year.

The East Point Panthers have been seventh or eighth for the last seven seasons... the last playoff appearance was in 2039... they have never won a Pro Cup... the Panthers have little to boast about with little pitching or hitting... two rookie sluggers just might improve the team... 2B Brendan Byrne is a very good hitter, but just fair with the glove... Roland Ritt is a tough out at the plate and a quality defender... both can go deep.

The Tuckanarra Blue Jays finished in the runner-up spot the last two seasons to Red Bluff, especially giving them a tough time last year, winding up only three games behind... the Tucks hit well and pitched well and still have the same personnel... plus rookie 3B Bud Bostic, a big stick with a good glove... yet they were downgraded to seventh place in the standings... an aging mound staff could be the reason why... if the Blue Jays play like last year, Red Bluff will be in for another tough fight.

For the last five years the Ozarka Naturals have finished under the .500 mark... their last playoff appearance was in 2040... the Nats have never won a Pro Cup, though they were in the Finals on five occasions between 2011 and 2020... starting pitching is not very good... but the relievers are very good... while the bats are lousy... rookie Carl Hemus will move into the starting rotation and is highly-touted... seven other freshmen made the team... RF Julien Belizaire is the only regular... he adds a good contact hitter with some punch and a pretty fair glove.

TYCOBBIAN EAST PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, April 5, 2048

RH REDS PICKED FIRST IN TU WEST
The oddsmakers are predicting a new champion in the Tycobbian West. The division is not one of the stronger ones in the IPA. It has recently been dominated by the Kenwood Wildcats, who reaped six flags in the last seven seasons, but never progressed very far in the postseason. This year's strong favorite is the Rolling Hills Reds, forecast to win by a double-digit margin. In actuality as many as six clubs are potential winners. Denton City was rated second in the preseason poll, followed closely by third place Chicopee, fourth place Bayview, fifth place Kenwood and sixth place Arlon. Only two teams are seemingly out of the hunt, Bay St. Clair and La Claire.

Rolling Hills has seriously contended for the division title in two of the last three years... last year they were beaten out by only one game... the baseball critics think this may be the Reds' year... they haven't won a pennant since 2032... the golden age of Rolling Hills' baseball was 2019 to 2032, when they chalked up 8 pennants and 2 Pro Cups... it's been quite a drought since then... the Reds have three fine starters with ERAs under 3.00... the bullpen is well-stocked, too... rookie relief pitcher Whizzer Whatley should make the team a little better... it may take him a while to get into the starting rotation... rookie RF Yancy Yokum is a pretty fair contact hitter with just a little pop, but he hasn't been able to dent the starting lineup yet. The Reds are better at scoring runs than their numbers show.

Ranked the number-two team in the TU West, the Denton City Redbirds have been down under the .500 mark the last two years, winding up in eighth place and fifth place... they have made the Pro Cup playoffs only once in the last three decades... that was in 2040... never have won a Pro Cup trophy and it won't happen this year, either... to energize the offense, the Redbirds have added five rookies to the roster... LF Bo Reece is given the best chance to break into the line-up... Reece hits for average and with good punch... Denton City's mound staff has four dependable starters, but not a lot in the bullpen... offensively they are just average... other rookies 1B Val Anniston, RF Trace Marcum and 3B Vinnie Schaefer could boost the attack given the opportunity.

The Chicopee Braves have been selected the third-best club this season... they have been reasonably close in the pennant race in two of the last three years, finishing fourth both times... the Braves have a long, long history of failure in the IPA with only three postseason appearances in back-to-back seasons 2034-2036... still no Pro Cups... pitching has carried them in recent years... last year three of the starting rotation put up ERAs under 3.00... Chicopee has a good bullpen, too... scoring runs is the Braves' biggest hurdle to be a serious challenger for the pennant... in a bid to kick up the attack, five rookies have been added... but none of them have moved into the line-up as of yet.

The sportswriters have chosen the Bayview Vikings to come in fourth this year... as for most teams, good pitching is essential to success in the IPA... the Viks have the bats, they just need improved mound work... Bayview has made the playoffs only 6 times in its IPA existence... the only success in the team's history was in its early years 2002 to 2007 when they made the postseason five times... the last pennant came in 2014 and Bayview has never won the overall IPA title... they only have one strong starter and one quality reliever... rookie hurler Jay Polanco will be number five in the starting rotation... but he's not enough to make the Vikings a serious title contender... however, they have th bats to contend, led by IPA icon 3B Jerry Culpepper, who hit 60 homers last year and drove in 154 runs... only three freshmen made the squad, but don't appear to have the talent to win regular spot... new blood is vital to the Viks... they have some aging vets that are not going to last more than a few years, if that long.

The defending division champ Kenwood Wildcats have commanded the weak Tycobbian West with six division crowns in seven seasons (Arlon won it in 2043)... this year the pollsters have placed them in the fifth spot... however, when you look at their roster, there's enough talent to continue their run... the pitching is still solid as a rock, both starters and bullpen... and the bats can still put runs on the scoreboard... don't write off the Wildcats just yet... rookie Tony Myerson should improve the pitching... Kenwood has five freshmen waiting in the wings... SS Errol Phelps and 3B Lynwood Lyles will challenge for regular spots in the batting order... CF Lou Cameron, too... they all hit the ball well... Lyles hits with power... they all handle the gloves well.

The Arlon Champions, picked to finish sixth this year, have been in the first division five times in the last six years... they have one pennant during that time in 2043... but the Champs have no Pro Cups in their trophy cases and have never come close to one... Arlon is showing some signs of age on the hill and at the plate... an infusion of young talent is needed... of the four rookies, only two hurlers are expected to make an impact... Danny May will be the number five starter and prime long reliever this season... Ed Nichols will also get a shot in the bullpen.

For the past 12 seasons the Bay St. Clair Buccaneers have been plagued with second-division finishes... the Bucs have made the playoffs 9 times in the team's history, but not since 2023... BSC has never won the Pro Cup... they have mediocre pitching and hitting... don't expect much improvement on the hill... only one rookie Ronald Lewis made the squad and he is destined for limited duty in the bullpen... to enhance the offense 8 rookies have been signed... only RF Mitch Dann looks like a contributor this year... Dann projects to be a bonafide star... LF Jonah Chisum is a fair talent with good power.

The La Claire Lynx had come in last in three of the past four years... and they are headed for the cellar again it seems... the Lynx have made the IPA postseason only four times in the club's history with the last pennant coming in 2038... La Claire has never won the Pro Cup... the Lynx have poor pitching and lousy hitting with little power... just a bad ballclub... they have 7 new rookies on the roster... CF J. D. Landy is a fine addition with a good bat, good glove and power... C Aron Kline is expected to be platooned regular... he is a good fielder, but not much of a hitter... rookie pitcher T. J. Nettles will be assigned to the bullpen, but is not rated very highly by the scouts.

TYCOBBIAN WEST PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, June 21, 2048

IPA ALL-STARS PLAY WED IN SOUTHPORT
The IPA elite players will tangle in the 48th annual All-Star encounter this Wednesday afternoon at the home of the defending Pro Cup champion Southport Sun Sox. Tycobbia has taken 31 of the 47 games from Ruthlandia thus far. The TU Stars have won the last three games in the series. The Valmara Vipers and White River Rascals have the most All-Stars with four apiece, while the Rocky Rapids Snappers, Marston Nine and Rolling Hills Reds will have three players each in the game.

The game will be played at Pleasure Beach Park and feature the top performers from around the Islands. Eight rookies were named to the two squads, five for the Ruthlandian Stars and three for the Tycobbian Stars. The oldest participant is 41-year-old infielder John Velasco of the TU All-Stars; the youngest are 19-year-old rookies Damien D'Amboise and Whit Miley, who are playing for the RU All-Stars.

Legendary slugger Jerry Culpepper will be appearing for the 15th time in his career for the Tycobbian All-Stars. Corky DiNozzo has been named 11 times to the squad. C. C. Kingsford and John Velasco have been honored on 8 occasions.

The RU Stars are headed up by Jason Butler, who has made the team 7 times in his career. Benny Hull will be participating for the 5th time.and Stan Mila and Carl Ramsey are appearing for the 4th time.

RUTHLANDIAN UNION ALL-STARS
SP RALPH HAWK (RANFORD) (13-4/2.25) (2X ALL-STAR)
SP MATVEY KAZAK (VALKA) (12-4/2.41) (1X ALL-STAR)
SP JOHN MCKEE (FOREST CITY) (12-5/2.31) (1X ALL-STAR)
SP TEDDY TWARDZIK (VALMARA) (12-4/2.08) (2X ALL-STAR)
SP BUSTER NOLAND (ROCKY RAPIDS) (11-7/1.90) (1X ALL-STAR)
SP RUSTY HOWARD (FOREST CITY) (11-4/1.49) (2X ALL-STAR)
SP MICKEY WALSH (SLIGO) (11-7/1.78) (1X ALL-STAR)
SP PRIMO SIRAK (VALMARA) (11-5/2.43) (1X ALL-STAR)
RP KENNY ROBINSON (SAN DIMAS) (2-4/1.88/10 SAVES) (1X ALL-STAR)
RP JOSH CROSBY (CRYSTAL LAKE) (8-0/2.31/5 SAVES) (2X ALL-STAR)
C RYAN NELMS (TARANTO) (.309/19/58/40) (.984 FA/6 PB/34.0% RTO) (2X ALL-STAR)
C CARNEY KIRKPATRICK (ROCKY RAPIDS) (.315/11/43/33) (.985 FA/2 PB/43.5% RTO) (2X ALL-STAR)
C RON MACGUINNESS (VALMARA) (.288/10/47/26) (.995 FA/3 PB/33.3% RTO) (1X ALL-STAR)
1B BENNY HULL (GRAND CITY) (.346/28/76/48) (.984 FA) (5X ALL-STAR)
1B CHUCK GREGORY (BELLE PLAINE) (.351/18/54/53) (.982 FA) (1X ALL-STAR)
1B MASAHARU KAWASAKI (ROCKY RAPIDS) (.276/12/53/41) (.990 FA) (1X ALL-STAR)
2B DAMIEN D'AMBOISE (MARSTON) (.326/6/43/44) (.982 FA) (ROOKIE ALL-STAR)
2B MILT SWALLOW (COLD CREEK) (.299/12/40/31) (.979 FA) (ROOKIE ALL-STAR)
3B JASON BUTLER (BELAIR BEACH) (.319/18/65/45) (.930 FA) (7X ALL-STAR)
3B GARY ARMITAGE (MARSTON) (.273/17/42/51) (.931 FA) (2X ALL-STAR)
SS ALVARO ABREU (BELAIR BEACH) (.301/1/29/38) (.986 FA) (ROOKIE ALL-STAR)
SS CHRIS KROG (TARANTO) (.289/18/42/50) (.969 FA) (1X ALL-STAR)
SS STAN MILA (MARSTON) (.313/7/41/42) (.949 FA) (4X ALL-STAR)
LF ELDON AULDRIDGE (ARCONA) (.310/22/63/44) (.994 FA) (1X ALL-STAR)
LF TOMEK ABRAMCZYK (VALMARA) (.384/2/48/45) (.991 FA) (1X ALL-STAR)
LF JED MURPHEE (CRYSTAL LAKE) (.354/7/41/49) (1.000 FA) 1X ALL-STAR)
CF CARL RAMSEY (SUGAR VALLEY) (.262/24/55/55) (.996 FA) (4X ALL-STAR)
CF ENRIQUE ORANTEZ (SAN DIMAS) (.310/14/53/53) (.953 FA) (R0OKIE ALL-STAR)
RF LENNY BUISSON (BELLE PLAINE) (.378/27/64/62) (1.000 FA) (1X ALL-STAR)
RF SIDNEY CONNER (MIDDLEFIELD) (.275/19/44/34) (.981 FA) (2X ALL-STAR)
RF WHIT MILEY (CLAXTON) (.320/3/31/42) (.982 FA) (ROOKIE ALL-STAR)
RF CRIS HERSHEY (ST. JOHN) (.339/8/34/36) (.957 FA) (ROOKIE ALL-STAR) *** Injured, will not play in game

TYCOBBIAN UNION ALL-STARS
SP MATTHEW CHRISTIANSON (ROLLING HILLS) (13-4/1.84) (3X ALL-STAR)
SP WILL MCKINNEY (SAN ALEJO) (11-4/2.43) (5X ALL-STAR)
SP BRANDON DELMORE (SOUTHPORT) (12-2/2.90) (1X ALL-STAR)
SP CHARLEY WASKINS (GINZA) (12-4/2.68) (1X ALL-STAR)
SP JAMES WEBB (DENTON CITY) (12-5/3.48) (1X ALL-STAR)
SP NICKY PALMER (WHITE RIVER) (10-6/2.69) (1X ALL-STAR)
SP BUTCH SLATTERY (WHITE RIVER) (10-2/2.20) (ROOKIE ALL-STAR)
RP TERRY BAIRD (LA CLAIRE) (7-2/1.20/9 SAVES) (5X ALL-STAR)
RP ALFONSO CERVERA (HARTSDALE) (3-3/1.63/9 SAVES) (2X ALL-STAR)
RP BIG MURPH MCALISTER (SOUTH FORK) (3-3/2.06) (1X ALL-STAR)
C CORKY DINOZZO (KENWOOD) (.324/25/54/49) (11X ALL-STAR)
C SCOTT COURTNEY (FAIRFAX) (.317/13/55/37) (4X ALL-STAR)3
C JUAN LUIS BARCELONA (BLUE LAKE) (.322/8/32/43) (3X ALL-STAR)
1B EDDY DOUGLAS (SOUTHPORT) (.353/12/50/38) (1X ALL-STAR)
1B RODGER PARSONS (TUCKANARRA) (.346/15/38/48) (2X ALL-STAR)
1B RUBEN REAVES (WHITE RIVER) (.318/14/44/53) (ROOKIE ALL-STAR)
2B C. C. KINGSFORD (TURON) (.312/15/46/39) (8X ALL-STAR)
2B JOHN VELASCO (FAIRFAX) (.323/9/36/55) (8X ALL-STAR)
3B JERRY CULPEPPER (BAYVIEW) (.336/26/59/48) (15X ALL-STAR)
3B GOOSE FULTON (MAHASKA) (.332/13/39/53) (ROOKIE ALL-STAR)
SS SCOTTY JACKSON (CAPE CORAL) (.303/19/51/43) (1X ALL-STAR)
SS PETE ARNOLD (SOUTH FORK) (.313/11/30/64) (2X ALL-STAR)
SS DUSTIN THIBODEAU (ROLLING HILLS) (.330/12/32/56) (1X ALL-STAR)
LF BILLY JOE HICKMAN (WHITE RIVER) (.279/16/50/33) (5X ALL-STAR)
LF JUSTIN MORRISON (MIDWAY) (.376/13/46/37) (2X ALL-STAR)
LF ORIN PHILLIPS (ROLLING HILLS) (.328/13/49/50) (1X ALL-STAR)
CF PAOLO TEIXEIRA (SAN ALEJO) (.343/18/53/66) (5X ALL-STAR)
CF XAVIER DE NOVA (LUXORA) (.319/16/53/49) (1X ALL-STAR)
CF RYAN WEBBE (NORTH HILLS) (.306/16/51/42) (1X ALL-STAR)
RF RICK MAYS (SUMMERLAND) (.287/18/42/49) (1X ALL-STAR)
RF BRAD JOHNSTON (FAIRFAX) (.317/4/40/38) (3X ALL-STAR)

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Wednesday, June 24, 2048

RU STARS RALLY IN 9TH, NIP TU STARS 3-2
"It ain't over, 'til it's over" - just ask the Ruthlandian All-Stars. Down 2-1 going into their last at-bat, they rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Tycobbian All-Stars, thus snapping a three-game losing streak in the All-Star Classic. Reliever Josh Crosby (Crystal Lake), not only got credit for the win, he also drove in the winning run, scoring Chuck Gregory (Belle Plaine) from third base with a deep fly ball. Crosby worked a perfect top of the ninth and struck out two of the three batters he faced. Crosby was voted the game's Most Valuable Player by the news media. The Tycobbian All-Stars still have a huge lead in the All-Star Game with 31 wins and 17 losses.

Alfonso Cervera (Hartsdale) blew the save and took the loss. He was slapped around for two runs, three hits and a walk in the fatal ninth. 3B Gary Armitage (Marston) started off the rally with a lead-off double. 1B Chuck Gregory (Belle Plaine) walked. CF Enrique Orantez (San Dimas) singled in Armitage with the tying run. A single by C Ron MacGuinness (Valmara) loaded the bases, making way for Crosby's game-winning sacrifice fly.

Both Ruthlandia and Tycobbia collected 10 hits each. LF Jed Murphee (Crystal Lake), CF Enrique Orantez (San Dimas) and 3B Gary Armitage (Marston) paced the RU Stars with two singles apiece. 3B Jerry Culpepper (Bayview) had a perfect 3-3 day to top the TU All-Stars.

Tycobbia took the lead in the third frame on singles by RF Rick Mayes (Summerland), Dustin Thibodeau (Rolling Hills) and C Corky DiNozzo (Kenwood). They added another run in the fifth on a triple by SS Pete Arnold (South Fork) and a single by C Scott Courtney (Fairfax). Ruthlandia narrowed it to 2-1 in the last of the sixth when RF Eldon Auldridge (Ancona) doubled in LF Jed Murphee (Crystal Lake).

Pitching was solid in the game. RU hurlers struck out eight batters and walked only two, while the TU twirlers fanned three and walked just one. Ruthlandia used eight pitchers and Tycobbia nine.

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, June 30, 2048

VIPERS, REDHAWKS TIED FOR FIRST IN RU NORTH
At the halfway point in the Ruthlandian North it's a four-team race with Valmara (45-32) and Far Mountain (45-32) tied for the top spot... close behind are preseason favorite Ranford (41-36), just four games out and Kilkenny (40-37) only five games off the pace. Far Mountain is the defending champ... La Grange (35-42) was one of the top picks, but so far the Sports are running 10 games behind in the race in sixth place.
RU NORTH FORECAST: Valmara may be just a little bit better on the hill and with the bat than Far Mountain... the Vipers will win a close one... other clubs don't have the pitching to stay in the race.

CLAXTON CLICKING ON ALL CYLINDERS IN RU SOUTH
Waleska was the strong pick in the preseason poll to take the Ruthlandian South Division, but it hasn't panned out that way... number two Claxton (47-30) has jumped to the forefront and taken a solid six-game lead at the mid-season mark... the Westerners (34-43) are wallowing in sixth place, trailing by 13 games... hot-hitting Crystal Lake (41-36) with a .294 team BA is tied for second with last year's pennant winner Belair Beach (41-36)... the Valka Blackhawks (40-37) round out the first division, seven games back in the race.
RU SOUTH FORECAST: Only the Belair Beach Sunbirds seem to have the pitching and hitting to compete with the Claxton Diamonds... Crystal Lake can't continue to hit for such a high average and has terrible starting pitching... the Diamonds have quality starters, a good bullpen and excellent defense (.979 FA)... and just enough offense to get them by... the Sunbirds have been playing better lately and could make it tougher in the second half for Claxton... the Blackhawks hit with power and have good pitching, but will be third at best.

SV RATTLERS FIRST-HALF LEADER IN RU EAST
The powerful Sugar Valley Rattlers (48-29) were heavy favorites to capture the Ruthlandian East division crown this year by a wide margin... so far the number two choice in the preseason poll, the high-scoring Belle Plaine Musketeers (45-32) are hanging close by and trail by only three games at mid-year... the Wynnamac Sundowners (42-35) are in the third spot in the standings, six games out... in fourth place and 10 games back are the Eastshore Elegants (39-38)... last year's pennant winner Marston (35-42) has struggled this year and is 13 games behind Sugar Valley in sixth place.
RU EAST FORECAST: Sugar Valley is far superior on the hill to runner-up Belle Plaine... and the Rattlers can put runs on the scoreboard, not like the Muskies, but good enough to hold their own... still the Musketeers are averaging over 6 runs a game, far and away the best in the IPA... the Rattlers will prevail in the two-team tussle, but they may not run away with the pennant as the preseason polls professed... Wynnamac has impressive pitching, especially its starters, but their bats can't compete with the Rattlers and the Musketeers... Eastshore is just a break-even ball club with good pitching, but no offense.

FAVORED LUMBERJACKS ON TOP OF RU WEST
The preseason pollsters picked the Forest City Lumberjacks to be the best the Ruthlandian West this season and thus far their choice is holding... at the All-Star break Forest City (46-31) has a slight three-game edge over the runner-up Rocky Rapids Snappers (43-34) and are four games better than the third-place Sligo Rovers (42-35)... fourth place Colfax (39-38) is seven games out of first place... last season's division winner Middlefield (37-40) has struggled out of the gate and is nine behind the Lumberjacks... the experts were forecasting a tight two-game race between Forest City and Middlefield, but that has not transpired so far.
RUTHLANDIAN WEST FORECAST: The clubs in the RU West depend on pitching for the most part... the Lumberjacks have been absolutely stupendous with a 2.50 team ERA... the Snappers have been impressive, too, with a 2.94 ERA... third-place Sligo is very good with a 3.09 ERA... none of the teams in the division hit very well... Forest City should win out in what will be a two-team battle with Rocky Rapids... Colfax and Middlefield just don't have enough pitching to move up much in the standings... nor the hitting.

RASCALS RAISING THE DEVIL IN TU NORTH
The Luxora Zorros (39-38) were supposed to be the class of the Tycobbian North this year and win handily, but they have been losing too many close games and find themselves in fifth place lagging nine games behind the red-hot White River Rascals (48-29)... the Rascals have taken charge at the mid-point of the season and are five games up on the second-place Mahaska Haymakers (43-34), six ahead of defending champ Hartsdale (42-35) and Fairfax (42-35), who are tied for third place... Mahaska and Fairfax have played better than expected... both were forecast for the lower levels of the division... the Frogs are hitting a sizzling .290 as a team, but don't have much power.
TYCOBBIAN NORTH FORECAST: White River has three capable starters, better-than-average offense and strong defense, but has a pretty bad bullpen... Hartsdale and Luxora have what it takes to make a run at the Rascals, but Mahaska and Fairfax just don't possess the pitching... the Hellcats need improved pitching in the second half to be a serious contender, while the Zorros must just stop losing games they should win... White River should win, but the Zs could make it close.

SUN SOX STILL SHINING IN TU SOUTH
It's a tough task to pick the winner of the Tycobbian South... it's just about the best division in the IPA with five, sometimes six good ball clubs, but the class of the division is the powerful defending Pro Cup titlist, the Southport Sun Sox... halfway through the year the preseason-favored Sun Sox (50-27) have a nice five-game margin over the Ginza Ninjas (45-32) and six over the Turon Typhoons (44-33) and San Alejo Montaneros (44-33).
TYCOBBIAN SOUTH FORECAST: The Sun Sox are doing it a little different this season... they are depending on their bats instead of their mound staff... Southport is hitting a solid .274 as a team and leads the Tycobbian Union in scoring with 405 runs... defensively they are superb with a .980 FA... it may be asking too much of Ginza, San Alejo and Turon to match those stats... all of them are a little better than Southport on the hill, but not at the plate... Southport will take its sixth TU South flag in the last seven seasons and go on and try to repeat as the Pro Cup champion.

HIGH MESA TOWERS OVER TU EAST
The preseason thinking around the Islands was that the Red Bluff Red Sox would rack up their fifth Tycobbian East Division crown in a row this year... however midway through the schedule it hasn't worked out that way... the High Mesa Cowboys have played steady and consistently good baseball and have built up a comfortable five-game lead over the second place Tuckanarra Blue Jays and are seven games in front of the Red Sox... the Midway Wolves are fourth, trailing by nine games... the Hillsboro Blazers were forecasted to put up the best opposition to Red Bluff, but they have floundered badly, 13 games off the pace in sixth place.
TYCOBBIAN EAST FORECAST: Nobody is dominant in the division this year... High Mesa seems to have the right blend of everything to get the job done... Red Bluff doesn't have the pitching or hitting it has had in recent years... the Tucks don't quite measure up to the Cowboys, either... the Blue Jays will end up second to High Mesa with Red Bluff winding up third... the Cowpokes should be able to hold them both off in the second half of the season and ride off into the sunset with its first pennant in 35 years.

ROLLING HILLS REALLY ROLLS IN THE TU WEST
The baseball gurus really got it right in the Tycobbian West predictions for the season... They said the Rolling Hills Reds would romp and run away with the pennant... and the experts have been right on the money... at mid-year the Reds have run up a monstrous 11-game bulge over runner-up Denton City, 12 games better than last year's division winner Kenwood in third place and 15 games in front of fourth place Bayview... Kenwood has captured the division championship six times in the previous seven seasons.
TYCOBBIAN WEST FORECAST: Rolling Hills is outbatting and outpitching just about everybody in the Tycobbian Union with a .275 team BA (5th) and 2.85 team ERA (1st)... nobody is going to catch the Reds this year... the Wildcats appear to be the best bet to wind up second... it's pitching is superior to Denton City's... Bayview will end up fourth... the Vikings can go deep, but have no pitching whatsoever.

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Tuesday, September 1, 2048

FEW PENNANT RACES IN IPA
There won't be much of a stretch drive this September in the Islandian Pro Alliance. Most of the division titles have already been wrapped up. The only undecided race is in the Ruthlandian East where preseason favorite Sugar Valley has a two-game lead over Wynnamac and a six-game margin over the Belle Plaine Musketeers. A couple of other divisions are still a little up-in-the-air, but the leaders have pretty good leads. Claxton is six games in front of the Belair Beach Sunbirds in the Ruthlandian South and Forest City has the same edge over runner-up Sligo in the Ruthlandian West. The Valmara Vipers are 10 games up in the Ruthlandian North and seem to be a cinch to win the flag.

There are absolutely no doubts in the Tycobbian Union where White River, Southport, High Mesa and Rolling Hills have runaway leads in their divisions.

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Sunday, September 20, 2048

IPA PENNANTS DECIDED, PRO CUP BEGINS SOON
The 2048 season is history. For the first time in some time there were no close pennant races. Six of the eight IPA divisions were decided by 10 games or more. Only Claxton and Sugar Valley had much pressure this year and they both won fairly comfortably. The Diamonds won the Ruthlandian South by 7 games and the Rattlers prevailed by 9 in the Ruthlandian East.

Both Valmara of the RU North and Southport of the TU South chalked up 100 or more victories. The Vipers led the IPA with 102 wins this year with the defending Pro Cup champion Sun Sox totaling 101 victories. No one lost that many games, but a couple of clubs came close. San Dimas of the RU South and Fort Benton of the RU West dropped 99 games each for the worst marks in the league this season.

2048 IPA FINALS STANDINGS

THE ISLANDIAN TIMES
Monday, September 21, 2048

VIPERS EASY VICTORS IN RU NORTH
In the second half of the Ruthlandian North season Valmara took a turn for the better and wiped out everybody in its path... the Vipers went 56-20 and won by 12 games over second place Ranford, 15 better than defending champ Far Mountain and topped fourth place Taranto and LaGrange by 23 games.

The Vipers won their fourth pennant in the last six seasons and rang up 102 victories, the best in the IPA... Valmara won the 2043 Pro Cup and will be seeking their third one this postseason... this is the Vipers' 16th playoff appearance... with four All-Stars on the club they made shambles of the race... top pitchers were All-Star Teddy Twardzik (28-7/2.53), All-Star Primo Sirak (21-11/2.55) and Mark Polaski (25-11/2.92)... Twardzik led the IPA with 28 wins... top batters were All-Star LF Tomek Abramczyk (.361/27/118/92), rookie 3B Justin Roscoe (.305/18/90/78), CF Don Ritchie (.277/14/80/107), 2B Jorge Aparicio (.313/11/63/103), All-Star C Ron MacGuinness (.295/17/86/64) and SS Ken Jensen (.314/9/68/104)... Abramczyk topped the IPA with a .361 BA... the Vipers will be a force to be reckon with in the playoffs... they are much better than the '43 Pro Cup champ with the addition of Polaski, Abramczyk, Rascoe and MacGuinness.

The Ranford Bulls were the preseason favorite, but they just couldn't keep up with Valmara, who had a great season... the Bulls have made the playoffs 7 times and possess one Pro Cup, captured in 2040... top pitchers were All-Star Ralph Hawk (26-6/1.84), Neil Martin (14-10/3.47) and reliever Rickey Graham (11-9/2.65/9 saves)... best batters were RF Dale Weston (.271/32/100/68), LF Joey Hawkins (.309/24/89/97) and 3B Harley Freeman (.305/20/77/51).

Last year's RU North winner Far Mountain came in a distant third this season... staff leaders were Stan Smith (19-9/3.84), Ryan Kolb (14-10/2.25), Jonas Grover (15-15/3.31)... and relievers Jack McKinney (14-12/2.96/18 saves) and Fernando Sanches (8-1/1.24/9 saves)... the only real threat in the lineup was CF Bert Richter (.299/31/92/81)... the pitching was still very good, but the scoring was way off this year... plus last year's ace Curt Steinhauer slipped from 22-6 and a 2.12 ERA to 13-16 and a 3.77 ERA.

The fourth place Taranto Tars had their best season in five years... the Tars have been in the playoffs on just 4 occasions in the team's history... the most recent appearance was in 2018... Taranto took their only Pro Cup in 2015... Mack Wellman (18-9/3/15), Bill Walker (18-15/3.66) and Pablo Rivas (17-16/3.67) gave them the best starting pitching they have had in years... All-Star C Ryan Nelms (.292/46/132/83) had a great season... Nelms was tops in the IPA with 132 RBIs and fourth in homers with 46... other contributors were All-Star SS Chris Krog (.289/30/70/98), LF Derrick Damon (.290/22/74/102), 3B Phil Wilson (.292/12/69/87) and CF Michael Herring (.292/4/40/73).

The LaGrange Sports had a decent year, finishing with a winning record and fifth place... they have made the playoffs 6 times in the club history, but have never taken a Pro Cup trophy home... last postseason was 2037... top mound performers were Arnie Ayers (18-14/2.83), Hot Dog Huxtable (18-14/2.67), Johnny Stoneham (15-9/3.39) and Billy Walton (16-14/3.95)... Ayers was injured in September and will likely miss all of next year with Tommy John surgery... top hitters were SS John Rodgers (.302/22/76/84), 1B Clayton Justice (.282/21/80/51), C Scott Wallace (.265/23/70/67) and LF Robbie McGregor (.257/17/68/78).

The Kilkenny Cats came in sixth, but broke even for the year... the Cats have only graced the IPA playoffs one time... that was in 2042 where they were swept by Colfax in the Ruthlandian LCS... the most effective starters were Dave Stratford (22-14/2.77) and Glen Caswell (15-20/3.10)... closer Andy Mayfield (11-2/3.32/19 saves) was third in saves in the IPA... Kilkenny's offense is terrible... rookie RF Seth Cooks (.280/10/71/56) and 1B Ryan Reagan (.247/24/66/80) were the best of the poor lot.

After eight straight years in the RU North basement the Ancona Red Elephants finally broke that streak, but just barely... they finished seventh... Ancona has never won a Pro Cup and has participated in the playoffs only 5 times... last appearing in 2022... Darlon McDugan (16-13/4.59) was the only hurler with a winning record... while All-Star LF Eldon Auldridge (.315/37/126/85) and CF Jotaro Suzuki (.287/28/92/72) stood out at the plate... Auldridge tied for third in RBIs in the IPA with 126.

The Glasco Athletics won the pennant in 2045, but slipped a little the next two years to second and third, but abruptly thudded to last place this year... the A's have never won a Pro Cup and have been in the postseason just 3 times... they have a few quality arms, but little else... Pat Meyers (16-20/3.11), Brent Bolivar (14-18/3.58) and Benny McDaniel (10-21/3.81) suffer from lack of runs... Ken McLin (8-6/1.70/11 saves) is a solid closer... the offense is pathetic at best... C Paul Harris (.298/5/43/74), 3B Billy Stroud (.288/5/44/56), LF George Russell (.269/14/72/56) and SS Ross McFalls (.266/76/74) are the only decent bats.

2048 Ruthlandian North Division Final Standings and Team Statistics