Frontier League East Divsion preview

Chillicothe Paints

Last year: 47-49, 2nd in East
Manager: Mark Mason (2nd year)
Key returnees: 3B Adrian Cantu (.303, 13 HR, 61 RBI); RHP Ryan Flanigan (9-2, league-best 1.28 ERA, 4 saves); SS Travis Garcia (.307, 19 HR, 70 RBI, 12 SB, league MVP); RHP Brian McCullough (4-2, 2.01); 1B Jon Poterson (.231, 27 doubles, 65 RBI).
Newcomers: LHP Joe Brown (46 strikeouts in 38.1 IP for Lincoln of American Association); LHP Brian Gartley (10-3, 2.31 for Bradenton of South Coast League); 2B Drew Saylor (first team All-American at Kent State in 2006).
Noteworthy: Chillicothe is the only franchise from the league's first season (1993) that is still in its city of origin.
Outlook: Much of the blame for the Paints' struggles last year was directed at the starting pitchers, who combined for a 5.14 ERA. The hitters, however, contributed to a slow start too and finished 10th in the league in average. Expect a better year from Poterson and Saylor will be an impact newcomer. The addition of former Wild Thing reliever Stephen Spragg makes an already good bullpen even better. To beat the Paints, you have to get a lead before the seventh inning, which means it all comes down the starting pitching for Chillicothe. Doesn't it always come down to pitching?

Florence Freedom

Last year: 42-54, 3rd in East
Manager: Jamie Keefe (4th year)
Key returnees: OF Ryan Basham (.298, 17 HR, 74 RBI); LHP Josh Bruns (5-2, 3.65); 3B Tim Grogan (9 HR, 45 RBI).
Newcomers: LHP Chris Ingoglia; SS Jeff Landry (.291, 18 doubles for River City); OF Garth McKinney (6 years as pro, hit 23 home runs in Class A Florida State League in 2005); OF Angel Molina (8 years as pro, 78 games at Class AA, 301 career RBI).
Noteworthy: Basham was the league's Rookie of the Year last season.
Outlook: The Freedom had a chance to make the playoffs for the first time in team history but stumbled down the stretch, going 9-24 over the last 33 games. Keefe has stocked up on experienced power hitters to take advantage of Champion Window Field's small dimensions. Florence also signed five left-handed pitchers, perhaps with the lefty-oriented lineup of Washington in mind. The Freedom is always tough to figure out but one thing is certain this year: There will be plenty of homers flying out of Florence. If enough of them are hit by the home team, then Florence could slug its way into the postseason.

Kalamazoo Kings
Last year: 51-45, 3rd in Central
Manager: Fran Riordan (5th year)
Key returnees: OF Jeff Grose (.314, 13 SB); RHP Jeff Long (11-5, 3.85); RHP Sam Mann (6-2, 3.65); C Mike Russell (.255, 17 HR, 61 RB); 3B Joe Ramos (.302, 34 doubles, 32 SB).
Newcomers: OF Casey Bowling (.267, 9 HR for Slippery Rock); RHP Brandon Parillo (10-9, 3.38 in 3 years in Brewers' system); 1B Chad Rothford (.273, 9 HR in Class A).
Noteworthy: Riordan played in more games (411) than any player in Frontier League history.
Outlook: The Kings went 3-12 down the stretch and faded from the playoff race. That they stuck around that long with a rather pedestrian pitching staff was a credit to the offense and Riordan, who consistently produces competitive teams. He's won three league championships, but don't count on No. 4 for Riordan this year. Then again, never count out a Riordan-managed team, especially this one because it will hit.


Midwest Sliders

Last year: 29-66, 4th in East as Slippery Rock Sliders
Manager: Eric Coleman (1st year)
Key returnees: OF Anthony Albano (.282, 15 doubles); C Bryan Vickers (.254, 9 HR)
Newcomers: RHP Albert Ayala (5-5 for River City); LHP Drew Bigda (1st pick in league draft, 3 years in Devil Rays' system); 3B Angel Colon (.245, 7 HR for River City); OF Rob Vernon (.258, 15 SB for Washington).
Noteworthy: The Sliders will relocat to Holland, Mich., next season and be renamed the Oakland County Cruisers
Outlook: Coleman has the toughest job in the league as the Sliders will play all 96 games on the road. The team is the youngest in the league, though there is some proven players, such as Albano and Vernon. The Ohio Valley Redcoats were a travel team in 2005 and managed to stay in the playoff race until August. Don't expect the Sliders to be near the top of the standings that long.


Traverse City Beach Bums

Last year: 46-50, 4th in Central
Manager: Jon Cahill (2nd year)
Key returnees: LHP Ryan Gehring (7-8, 4.50); RHP David Nathanson (5-2, 2.95); RHP Bryan Rembisz (7-0, 1.87).
Newcomers: OF Mike Epping (25 games at Class AAA last year); OF Mike Goetz (.318, 11 SB in rookie league); OF Jake Whitesides (8 years as a pro, led Frontier League in triples in 2003);
Noteworthy: The Beach Bums, who will host the all-star game July 16, have installed an artificial turf playing surface at Wuerfel Park. They are one of three teams in the league to play on fake grass.
Outlook: The busiest team in the offseason, the Beach Bums have upgraded their offense with the addition of Epping, Goetz and Whitesides. The latter has been an oustanding hitter throughout his career. Having speedy and slick-fielding 2B Steven Young healthy is a must. He was injured last year. Traverse City closed the 2007 season by going 21-13 and will carry momentum into this year. Don't overlook this team.

Washington Wild Things

Last year: 55-40, 1st in East, lost to Windy City in finals
Manager: Greg Jelks (1st year)
Key returnees: 3B Robbie Knapp (.306, 13 HR, 66 RBI); RHP Ian Heisel (1-1, 6 saves, 2.14); RHP J.J. Hollenbeck (6-4, 3.41); RHP Aaron Ledbetter (14-2, 2.71, Pitcher of Year); OF Chris Sidick (.244, 13 HR, 22 SB, league-leading 75 walks); OF Matt Sutton (.295, 12 HR, 26 SB).
Newcomers: OF Mike Butia (27 HR in 4 season in Indians' system); DH Jacob Dempsey (.262, 7 HR for Class A Batavia in 2006); RHP Matt Maradeo (0-3, 2 saves, 2.96 for Class A Peoria).
Noteworthy: The Wild Things' .630 all-time winning percentage is the best in league history.
Outlook: Can the Wild Things make it to the playoffs for a record seven years in a row? The talent is comparable to past editions, but the league is expected to be more competitive this season. Ledbetter is the winningest pitcher in league history and Hollenbeck has developed into a quality starter, but the remainder of the rotation is unproven. A key could be the health of closer Ian Heisel.