The most unheralded GOAT candidate of them all, Hammerin’ Hank was more than a slugger. He was the ultimate model of excellence over a 20-plus year history. If any of the teams here are going to live up his legacy, then by definition they won’t be in this division for long. 

Ancaster Royals

Prospects often talk about getting that “call up” to the big leagues in the middle of the nigt, hop a plan, take a cab through traffic and end up pinch hitting on a sleepless night in a packed stadium. Well veteran manager Greg Day was ready for that kind of call up. On the clock, middle of the 9th round, “Welcome to the big leagues, kid.. Grab a bat.” And whack, the Ancaster Royals were off and running, on its way to one of the leading contender in the National League. It helps when you inherit Aaron Judge. Mullins and Verdugo make for a strong OF defensively, which in the Royals home park where hits fall everywhere, that’s a pretty important piece of the puzzle. Veterans Sal Perez and JP Crawford will anchor the lineup around many other moveable players. 

Ace Luis Castillo help settles the rotation, followed by veterans Lorenzen and Eflin, followed by unproven Wells and Gonsolin. The bullpen’s three-headed closer of Pressley,Ginkel and Alozay gives Day plenty of options late along with premiere lefty setup man Ty Holton. The Royals will be in it, despite a difficult start.  

Norfolk Tides

For the next couple of years it’s pretty likely Norfolk will rides the high and low of Tides, up and down as its rotation settles in and likely has some less than stellar days figuring it out. The best arms are young arms: Schmidt, Brown and Beck with veteran innings-eaters  Heaney and Gomber. There will be good days and their will be bad. Either way a veteran bullpan can help with Iglesias, Nerris and Sewald all capable of closing, and Ottavino and Winckowski ready when the starter falters.

The offense has to carry the load to get the bullpen leads. The names are certainly capable, starting with DH extraordinaire Yordan Alvarez. Vlad Jr, Arenado, and Gurriel will bulk up the middle. Defense up the middle is strong in Albies, Arcia and Harris II, all of whom are among the better hitters at their positions. This is a long lineup that will keep the pressure on opposing pitchers. Tides games should be entertaining. 

Space City Cowboys

An article came out recently that talked about the person with the highest WAR and strongest careers who had never earned a single vote for a major award, never been to a single all-star game, had simply never once had even a nod of being even slightly elite. That player has already signed contracts worth more than $200M. Who is he? (dramatic pause…) the CF of the Space City Cowboys and part of perhaps the best outfield in the National League: Brandon Nimmo, surrounded by more heralded stars Kyle Tucker and Aroldis Garcia. Add Moreno, C, Rizzo, 1b, Rogers, 2b, Adams, SS, Lamahieu, 3b, Mountcastle, DH and a deep bench, Space City had a solid offense, especially if the old guys on the corners can produce.

Young gun Grayson Rodriguez leads a youthful starting rotation of Suarez, Assad, Biano with Elder as depth. The back end of the bullpen with Abreu and Duran can fling it. The Cowboys should well be in the mix for both a play-in tourney berth and promotion. 

Oolitic Palookas

Oolitic’s community is so pleased to have a franchise named after its favored son that ownership can be forgiven for investing early in youth and delaying the priority for advancement. The core of the Palookas could be set for a while with top franchise pick Adley Rutschman, SS CJ Abrams, 2b Matt McLain and 3b Josh Jung. DH/OF Carpenter is a middle of the order foundation and a hopes for health and improvement from Tight End err.. RF Tyler O’Neill and DH Yoshida with Toescar Hernadez the veteran power source to strengthen the linup while each of the youngsters grow into their roles.

The rotation of Ashcraft, Tallion, Sears, France with inning-eater Gibson at the back will provide decent starts each game. The bullpen, on the other hand, should make games interesting and improve beer sales. 

Mudville Nine 

Mudville had a clear goal and achieved it early on: the #1 farm system in the Champions League. 

Though a tad bit of luster lost with the recent news about Orelvis dabbling on the dark side. The dark side is always a concern when Fernando Tatis Jr is your veteran leader. You can expect youthful zaniness in addition to potential suspensions, but the athletic talent is everywhere (wins this year, won’t be). Strand-Encarnacion, Gelof, Veintos, Rocchio, Franisco Alvarez, …and more.

Pitching will hold the Nine together with veterans Nola, Snell, Grienke and Gray backed by future ace Brayan Bello. Fireballing Kopech is joined in the bullpen by lefties Burke and Mayza. Contenders seeking mid-season help will know who to call and could be prepared to pay a stiff price.  

SC Shoeless Joes

The next incarnation of the team’s namesake was chosen as the overall #1 pick of the draft Gunner Henderson. He has all the tools, with power to spare to make a similar dent in baseball lore (and hopefully stay away from any scandals!). Henderson is joined by an elite cast of younger talents: Spencer Steer, Pena, Westburg, Ruiz, Varsho with Cowser and Pages to come. DH Brent Rooker, the “old man” approaching 30 also is a lineup anchor bashing 30 HRs and more. 

The rotation has sneaky good potential: Nasty Nestor, Sandoval, Peterson, MeGill and Detmers. When it all comes together is the key, because like a combo on a lock, the tumblers haven’t quite clicked into line yet. When they do, South Carolina will have a lot to cheer about.