1920 Record: 84-60 (2nd in the East Division)
1921 Prediction: 84-60 (2nd)
Notable Losses: CF Finn Komoroski (Free Agent)
Notable Gains: 1B Vladik Zavalin (Free Agent), LF Clayton Fleming (Trade)
Buoyed along by an absurd record in one-run and extra-innings games the Sugar Factory Elephants found themselves in the final and took the Spice District Roosters to 6 games before surrendering to destiny.
Well, they've gone and made themselves better. They had little room for Komoroski as is and the acquisition of Zavalin -- who hit 47 home runs for the Ducks last season -- provides badly needed offensive might at the First Baseman position. The trade for Left Fielder Clayton Fleming remains a mystery, they sent off a couple of prospects off to the Polar Bears for the 41 year old but don't seem particularly interested in actually putting him on the field. He put up a 171 OPS+ last season but watching him run is like watching sourdough ferment. He simply doesn't belong on the field, defensively. But the Elephants don't seem keen on him in a pinch hitter role either so they might just be cutting their losses there with a bad trade.
An exciting talent is lead-off CF Sean Newton. Newton provided some magic moments in the COBRA Cup final last year and looks to provide more as he hits his peak years. Also looking to make a big contribution is 3B Jaden Tenneh. Tenneh is 38 but aging like a fine wine. His defense might start becoming an issue but his hitting is sublime as ever.
One problem for the Elephants is going to be pitching. Max Collins is the best reliever in the business - by far -- but aside from Nolan McLeod, the rotation is pretty poor and Connor Kyle is still 5 months out from returning after being injured in May last year.
The experts are optimistic about more magic from the Elephants this season but this writer ain't so sure.