THE ISLANDIAN TIMES 2086 TYCOBBIAN UNION PRESEASON PREVIEW
HELLCATS, RACERS, NINJAS, STALLIONS ONLY POWERS IN TU
Based on the preseason predictions only a few teams will be in the hunt for playoff spots in the Tycobbian Union this year. The powers-to-be in 2086 are the Hartsdale Hellcats, Rolling Hills Racers, Ginza Ninjas and South Fork Stallions. All of the clubs are forecast to win nearly 100 games apiece and not be challenged by more than one team in their division. Ginza is favored to easily win the Tycobbian South with little opposition. It appears that only 7 teams will seriously challenge for postseason playoff positions this season.
HELLCATS HANDILY HAUL IN 5TH STRAIGHT TU NORTH CROWN
For the fifth year in a row the Hartsdale Hellcats (100-54) will be riding high in the Tycobbian North. The hard-hitting Hellcats seem to have it all - - good hitting, scoring, power, pitching and defense. No shortcomings or weaknesses. No one will contend except the Fairfax Frogs (94-60). The Frogs have better pitching, but lack longball power. That's the key factor in the race.
HIKITE!
(READY -- Karate Term in Japanese)
NINJAS PRIMED AND READY TO WREAK HAVOC IN TU SOUTH
Beware, the Ginza Ninjas are on the prowl in the Tycobbian South this year. They are primed and ready to kicks some butts in the TU South. Ginza is hungry for its first pennant since 2060 and the first Pro Cup Trophy since the Golden Year of 2059. The Ninjas (98-59) have what it takes to dominate this season. No one but the Summerland Sunsets (86-68) will offer any opposition and that won't be much. Ginza looks to have the division all to itself this year. Defending champion San Alejo (73-81) is forecast to end up a dismal fifth this season over 20 games behind. Perennial contender and power Turon (70-84) has fallen on very hard times and will tumble near the bottom of the division.
SF STALLIONS CHOMPING AT THE BIT IN THE TU EAST
For the last five seasons the South Fork Stallions have run good, but futile races in the Tycobbian East. This year South Fork just might have the hosses to ride away with the pennant. The Stallions (94-60) seem to have the right stuff needed to prevail like they did in 2077, the Pro Cup title season. They also won the pennant in 2078. The only club standing in their way is the Tuckanarra Blue Jays (89-65). No other challengers are in sight. Last year's winner and Pro Cup Finalist, High Mesa, is picked to wind up a distant fourth this season (18 GB).
RH RACERS ON THE RAMPAGE IN TU WEST, FAVORED TO EDGE OUT CHICOPEE IN CLOSE RACE
2085 was a disappointing season for the perpetual powerhouse Rolling Hills Racers last year. The Racers came very, very close to winning their 30th TU West flag. They heartbreakingly came in fourth, but just one and a half games back of the pennant-winning Chicopee Braves. Six times in the last 11 years the Racers have rolled to the TU title, three times they rode off with the Pro Cup Trophies. This year only the Braves (95-59) are expected to put up much of a fight. Two contenders for the division flag last season, Bayview and La Claire, are looking at a down year. The Bayview Vikings lost by one single game last year in a sudden-death playoff with the Braves. The Lynx fell short by just one and one-half games. The baseball experts are predicting that the Racers will be the best in the TU West and stop the Braves from repeating as champion.
