There are some mighty interesting rosters in the A to Z League. Here's a look at a few of them that the experts think will be pretty good ballclubs. In alphabetical order:
Cashmere C's
The C's have a core rotation of Steve Carlton, Roger Clemens, and David Cone, and a lineup laden with Hall of Fame players including Ty Cobb, Rod Carew, Roberto Clemente, Joe Cronin, and Mickey Cochrane.
Goldendale G's
The G's feature quite a pitching staff, with a rotation of Bob Gibson, Lefty Grove, Lefty Gomez, Tom Glavine, and Dwight Gooden, followed by the Goose coming out of the pen. The offense is solid, too, led by Lou Gehrig, Josh Gibson, Ken Griffey, Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero.
Hoquiam H's
Carl Hubbell, Roy Halladay, Catfish Hunter, and Felix Hernandez anchor the rotation for the H's and are backed up by Trevor Hoffman and Tom Henke out of the bullpen. Rickey Henderson and Rogers Hornsby will be at the top of the lineup for Hoquiam.
Jefferson County Jays
As a vaccination against run scoring, the Jays pitching staff is led by Johnson and Johnson, and Walter and Randy are backed up by Fergie Jenkins and Tommy John (pre-surgery). The offense features Derek Jeter, Chipper and Andrew Jones, and Reggie will be there to stir the drink.
Kelso K's
K's indeed, with Sandy Koufax, Clayton Kershaw, and Jerry Koosman on the hill for Kelso. Add some raw power with Harmon Killebrew, Ralph Kiner, Ted Kluszewski, Charlie "King Kong" Keller, and Al Kaline and the K's should be a fun bunch to watch.
Moses Lake M's
Start off with an outfield of Stan Musial, Willie Mays, and Mickey Mantle and you've already got something going. Manager Connie Mack plans to use the Commerce Comet in right field because it will be easier on his knees. The infield includes Johnny Mize, Eddie Murray, Joe Morgan, and Eddie Mathews. The pitching is pretty OK too, with Christy Matthewson, Pedro Martinez, Greg Maddux, and Juan Marichal.
Renton R's
It all starts with the Bambino, and manager Wilbert Robinson intends to work Babe Ruth into the pitching rotation along with Robin Roberts, Red Ruffing, and Nolan Ryan. The R's have the Robinsons, Frank, Jackie, and Brooks, to back up the Babe in the lineup.
Snoqualmie S's
There will be no praying for rain on a club with a rotation of Warren Spahn, Tom Seaver, Bret Saberhagen, and John Smoltz. If they get in trouble Bruce Sutter and Lee Smith will be ready in the pen. Mike Schmidt will provide some pop in a lineup that also includes Tris Speaker, George Sisler, Ryne Sandberg, and Ted Simmons.
The season will be under way soon!