Seattle - Good evening all, and welcome to Season 8 of the esteemed NABCL of HBD! First a congratulations to the Terrible Two's of Sacramento on their recent World Title! Optimism is abound however as Season 8 provides plenty of optimism for all. The Salty Dogs are hoping to take a giant leap forward after a step backwards last year. Unfairly or not a lot of the optimsim is being pinned on 22 year old phenom Bum Stocker.

Bum Stocker Seattle Salty Dogs Age: 22 B/T: L/R Born: San Jacinto, CA Position(s): RF/IF/OF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

, who was the 2nd overall pick in the Season 4 draft is the first real impact bat that Seattle has ever really had in their lineup. A few seasons back they thought they had landed that impact bat in Vitas Hogan but Vitas never really produced at the level intended, as Safeco really sapped his power that he enjoyed in Fargo. Hogan did net them current starting 1B Nigel Jamison as well as bullpen help in Brad Spivey a few years later in a trade. Dante Baek is being rumored to be heading to SS after a Gold Glove year in CF as the market is thin for SS. While they have explored trade possibilities, nothing is imminent and will let the young Baek play there unless a better option comes up. Those 3 youngsters (Stocker, Jamison, and Baek) along with veteran starters Alan Cameron (batting leadoff and playing LF), Alex Randolph (playing 2B), Joe Edmonds(who moves to 3B after letting go of franchise HR leader Luther Garcia) and Catcher Jesse Murphy are being counted on to have near or better then career seasons.

More to follow on both the pitching staff, prospects and more....