Spotlight on: NL South

Since we've been to the NL East and North, on to the NL South. First, the current standings. The New Orleans Voodoo have put a hex on the division and lead at 3-1, the Houston Oilers and the Memphis Short Grass(?) are at 2-2 and the San Juan Dead Bunnies(!) are at 1-3. As usual, we will start with the offense.

-The best offense in the division could very well reside in last place right now. San Juan has two guys at the top to set the table in SS Mike Henderson and CF Jerome Grahe. After him they have RF Calvin Chang, who is a big-time star in the making, as well as Greg Cook at 3B, Jaret Teut at 1B, and 2B Jackie Wheeler at 2B all capable of driving in runs in bunches.
- The Oilers could very well be next, although it's close. I put them 2nd because of their 2-3-4 combination of 3B Leo Miller, SS Lawrence Flanagan, and LF Freddie Throneberry. Flanagan's defensive presence allows Miller to move from SS to 3B, which is probably a better fit for him. They should both flourish both at the plate and in the field. Even the defensive catcher, Bob Jenner, will be good for a few home runs from the 8 spot.
- Memphis has a few quality offensive players in Eli Jacquez, a CF who is a legitimate number 3 hitter, and RF Geronimo Fuentes and 3B Jim Powell at the back of the lineup.
- New Orleans and Memphis aren't too far away as far as offense goes. CF Don Jefferson is a good number 2 hitter and 1B Lyle Barber can hit for both average and power.

As for the pitching staffs, let's just say there could be a lot of runs scored in divisional games. There are a few pitchers with big-time potential but may end up struggling this year and no real bonafide aces, like a Broadhurst from Norfolk or Robinson in Cincinnati.

- The N.O. Voodoo's rotation is possibly the best of the division and isn't even the strength of the pitching staff. Carlos Matos is the ace but should really be a #2 on a strong staff. Regardless, he would have to be in the discussion as the best starter in this division along with Joey Adcock from San Juan and Claude Jacquez in Memphis. Tarik Olsen may be 36 but is a solid option at #3. Jose Merced is underrated at #5. What sets New Orleans apart is its bullpen, which is extremely deep. Glen Kelly is the closer and has great setup arms in front of him in Wilfredo Visquel, King Burns, and Buddy Titan.
-Memphis has Claude Jacquez anchoring the staff, with Malcolm Lawrence behind him, maybe a bit of a stretch as a number 2. Herrera and Fernandez should be ok at 3 and 4. Dude Huskey might struggle as the closer- I think he'd be fine as a setup guy.
- San Juan has a future borderline star in Joey Adcock, but he's a year away from being at his best. Buzz Lindend and Joaquin Cordero are decent arms. Chris Doster is the closer but has to be a bit of a question mark.
- The Oilers may want to see if Warren Moon can still throw. Jerome Oliver is the #2 starter and would fit into the category of being a year away. Guerrero and Hillenbrand are shaky as the rest of the top 3. Vince Perez should do fine as the closer.

Predictions (don't hold me to any of this):

1. Tough division to predict, as there seems to be no clear-cut favorite and each team has a major question mark. Can San Juan close games? Can New Orleans score enough? Will Houston get enough out of their starters? Can Memphis be solid enough across the board? If I had to choose I'd say New Orleans, but I could see San Juan winning this or even Houston if they get a few good breaks. Don't think Memphis has quite enough, although they could be in it for a while.
2. New Orleans will try to acquire offense near the deadline, while San Juan tries to add pitching. Not sure where it would come from.
3. If Memphis should indeed fall out of contention, multiple teams will inquire about the services of Eli Jacquez.