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Preseason predictions have also been published and not surprisingly the reigning WPK Champion Columbus Whalers are expected to once again claim the SJL title. The perennially strong Jacksonville Wolf Pack and Washington Night Train are thought to be the teams in the best position to challenge the Whalers in the SJL.
In the MGL, the Phoenix Speed Devils are expected to finish with the best record in the WPK and take the league title over your Denver Brewers, who are expected to improve to 95 wins but fall short of taking the pennant this year. It should probably be noted that the very same finish was predicted for the Speed Devils in 1968 and they fell 10 wins short of their predicted total and tied with the Brewers for 2nd place. So we shall see if they under-achieve again this year and if the Brewers can once again over-achieve a bit and take first place.
The predictions indicate that the thought is that Phoenix and Denver are the class of the league and only 2 other teams are even expected to finish over .500, and those 2 (Baltimore and L.A.) are expected to finish well behind the top 2 clubs.
In terms of individual performances, it is expected by most that Ryan Rodgers will continue to be one of the premier hitters in the league while the thought is that Antonio Puente will regain his power stroke in 1969. It is also thought that the Brewers might have 2 dominant starting pitchers who achieve at least 20 wins in Daniel Torres and Diego Ramirez. In Ramirez case though much will depend upon his remaining healthy, which was not the case much of 1968.
Ultimately, of course, it is what happens between the lines that counts. But the Brewers are at least starting the season with a feeling of optimism and are confident they are headed in the right direction as a club and as a franchise.
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