Thursday, April 1, 2088
4 CLUBS PICKED TO REPEAT IN IPA
Half of the defending division champions in the Islandian Pro Alliance are expected to repeat in 2088 and win back-to-back pennants. Two clubs in each league, Grand City
and Belle Plaine in the Ruthlandian Union and La Claire and Fairfax in the Tycobbian Union, might triumph again. Only Ozarka in the TU East figures to have an easy time. None
of the other 7 preseason favorites are assured of winning.
TARS AND GATORS WILL FIGHT IT OUT IN RU NORTH
The Taranto Tars are the top pick in the Ruthlandian North. They are slightly favored over the runner-up LaGrange Gators (2 GB). Last year's winner, the Ranford Bulls (25 GB),
are going from the penthouse to the outhouse, picked to wind up a dismal 7th place.
GC CYBERCATS TO REPEAT IN RU SOUTH
It could be two in a row for the Grand City Cybercats in the Ruthlandian South race. The pitching-rich Cybercats are the favorite, but not by much over perennial power Belair
Beach (5 GB), who has their eyes set on its third Pro Cup in the last 5 seasons. 3 teams will be lurking in the distant shadows. Waleska (7 GB), Valka (8 GB) and Claxton (9 GB)
could be mild threats to the 2 frontrunners.
BP MUSKETEERS WILL OUTDUEL EASTSHORE IN THE RU EAST RACE
The preseason purveyors and pundits gave the hot-hitting Belle Plaine Musketeers their blessings this year. They are predicting the Muskies will win back-to-back division titles
in the Ruthlandian South, defeating the Eastshore Cotton Kings (5 GB). Last year most vibrant challengers, Marston (19 GB) and Wynnamac (27 GB) have been relegated to the
bottom rung of the RU South this season.
FC FIREBIRDS WILL USE HIGH-OCTANE ATTACK TO COP THE RU WEST
It could be a red-hot year for the Forest City Firebirds in the Ruthlandian West. They have come close two of the last three years. The Firebirds are the pick of the preseason juries
so far this season, but they will have their hands full with second place Colfax (3 GB) and last year's champion, Rocky Rapids (7 GB). The Black Sox took the RU West in '85, while
the Snappers snatched it two straight seasons, the last two years in '86 and '87.
2088 Ruthlandian Union Division Preseason Predictions
