And here are your incredibly premature preseason power rankings. looks like a bloodbath again:
1. bucsblue lob city - it's tough to say too much about them, because most of their team is currently for sale. no doubt, they'll reload and at least be competitive. coming off a finals appearance, anything short of promotion would figure to be a disappointment.
2. west side tigers - the unfortunate matchup with marshland last season might be the only reason they're still a d3 team. they have an obscene payroll and are poised for promotion. ever led by the formidable tandem gybels and bois, aided by trainees marrero and wilbanks, starring recent acquisition and title holder of 2nd priciest player in III.7 julien leveque, it's hard to see anyone overtaking this squad on the red side if they stay together.
3. baker street irregulars - the irregulars are always threatening bucsblue, and this season shouldn't be different. known for being a rounded team, you may see them shift to a look inside team featuring a duo of kuptsov and sala. don't be surprised if it turns out that he was training guards heavily last season, and they're as rounded and deep as ever. title contention is probable for the irregulars.
4. philadelphia phantasm - the classically outside-oriented phantasm return mvp candidate guards zarzecki and fischer, who are so difficult to stop. having added depth last season and nicely rounding out their team, they could become dark horse title contenders quickly. truthfully, if bucsblue comes back not as good as he was before, and west side is unable to keep their current payroll, philly could well become the favorite.
5. space von jam - they've come prepared for d3, and should immediately make an impact if they can afford that payroll. they're very thin, so if they don't want to lose half of their games, snagging a bench is imperative, but that starting 5 is as good as any. well... starting 4. it's hard to call them title contenders until they plug some of their holes.
6. walnut streets - they had a great draft, and they've been improving every season over the last 3 seasons. now they're built to win, and win they shall. tremol is a man-bear, and we've experienced last year that, if you try to stop him, zangiacomi and al anwar will make you pay. borderline lock for the playoffs, but can they do some damage once they get there? we'll have to see. i'm not yet sold.
7. frosty bc - probably the most disappointing team in the league a season ago, fbc is looking to make a comeback. their bench is their strength as always, and it's even stronger this year. no changes in their roster, same cast of characters.
8. mitsubishi eclipse - they've built a competitive roster, and should be in the chase for a playoff spot. with a veteran manager, the 2nd year III.7 team should avoid digging the same hole they were forced to last season before the important transfers that led to a relegation series win. it'll be fun to see them at full strength for a full season.
9. pearl city - they're a fairly young team, but also very thin. they'll need to add some depth if they want to compete for a playoff spot. either that or lose really quickly in the cup. regardless, they have a nice core of players, and a lot to build upon. it's entirely possible that their young guys are a lot better than last season, so i guess we'll see.
10. diamantes - diamantes didn't lose a single game last season. they have a competitive roster immediately. despite going undefeated, they are stuck with an ancient roster and are desperately in need of a youth injection. we'll see if they can survive and become factors, but if the recent history of the tri-lambs has taught us anything, they probably won't. i would love to be proven wrong and see that blue side get more competitive, though.