If the spring standings are anything to go by, the East looks like it might be the tougher division as
Columbia,
Monroe City and
St. Charles were the only teams not to lose double digits during the precursor to the season.
Springfield's Will O'Concannon will be a hurler to keep an eye on if only to see if he can keep up the strikeout rate for the Stogies.
The
Panthers' Michael Moore surprised everyone with his power output in the spring and everyone in Monroe City is hoping it's not just a mirage.
Notable Spring Injuries
Columbia's Kyle Frost will be out for at least 5 months after tearing his labrum in a March 31 4-0 loss against the Jeff City Jays.
Branson's concerns regarding
Scott Parkinson and his ability to stay healthy may prove to be prophetic as he's already hurting, out for a week with elbow inflammation. Hopefully he's being rested as a precaution, but if not, it could be a long season for the 38 year old southpaw.