2008 Predictions

MIDDLE EARTH - With Opening Day upon us, it's time for the MESN predictions. Last season, we picked Bree to win it all, thinking that they might finally break their playoff curse. As it turned out, Mirkwood became the first three-peat champions, taking the wild card route to the crown. However, the only picks we really missed were Rivendell taking the Elf Division, leaving the wild card for the Marauders, and Misty Mountain's strong fight with Grey Havens to take the wild card spot in Mordor.

Shire Conference
While Mirkwood has the strength to challenge for the championship title once more, things don't look quite so easy for the Marauders. Their pitching staff is no longer the most dominant in the Shire Conference, or even in their own division! With the Fairies' acquisition of Fabur Beardcutter, as well as last season's trade for Deneadur, Bucklebury has the most impressive staff in the Shire. Not to be outdone, Old Forest signed a ton of closers and converted some of them into starting pitchers. If this mad experiment pays off, the Merry Fellows could be tough to face for batters.

In the hitting department, it's all Bree again this season. No one even comes close to their talent and depth. If you leave out the Cheese, it looks like Mirkwood, Rivendell and Carrock will have the powerful bats this year.

Rivendell should hang on to take the wild card spot this season, but look for a very strong challenge from Bucklebury.

Elf Division: Mirkwood
Hobbit Division: Lake Town
Dwarf Division: Bree
Wild Card: Rivendell

Conference Champs: Bree

Mordor Conference
The races should be close in all the divisions of Mordor this season. Grey Havens' powerful bats will be pit against the incredible pitching staff of the Misty Mountain Hops. Numenor's fantastic pitching will be challenged by Rohan's awesome hitting. And the entire Troll Division has improved, hoping to wipe away the scars of a sub-.500 season last year.

Orc Division: Grey Havens
Goblin Division: Numenor
Troll Division: Isengard
Wild Card: Misty Mountain

Conference Champ: Grey Havens

League Champ: Bree

Posted at February 20, 2005 09:53 PM | more from League News