Southern accent

Somehow, I skipped right over the Midwest group. I meant to do these alphabetically. Well, I promised the South next so we’ll do that now, then go back.

Along with the Central, the South figures to be the most competitive of our groups. Good rivalries too with the SEC states well represented.

Size really doesn’t matter down here. Florida or Georgia might be the biggest but I think there is less difference top to bottom here than anywhere else. A pretty good team is going to stay home, and it might be tough to get a wild-card spot as well because there isn’t a weak team to beat up on.

1. Alabama. It’s a great time to be a Crimson Tide fan again, and the Yellowhammers should keep the good feeling going down there. I just can’t bet against Mays, Aaron and Paige.

2. Georgia. Extremely dangerous offense, with Cobb, Robinson, Gibson and whomever plays first. But I don’t know, even with Dick Redding, if the pitching is enough.

3. Florida. Really good outfield with Raines-Dawson-Sheffield, and Pop Lloyd is as good as it gets at shortstop. Pitching might be shaky behind Carlton.

4. Kentucky. Tough call between the neighbors but I think the Commonwealth is a little better at key spots (especially shortstop). On the bubble for the tournament.

5. Tennessee. I could see the Vols moving higher if the pitching holds up, because they will score some runs with Helton, Stearnes and Co.

6. Mississippi. Cool Papa Bell sets the table for Dave Parker, George Scott and others, but Roy Oswalt is about the only reliable arm around, unless Brett Favre retires again and joins this team.

Next: We’re down to the Midwest and the Southwest groups, plus we’ll look at our first exhibition results.

Explosive chemistry

The Georgia Peaches might not be the best team in the group–though they’re pretty good–but they very likely are the most interesting one.

Can you imagine a real baseball clubhouse with the following personalities: Ty Cobb. Jackie Robinson. Josh Gibson. Frank Thomas. J.D. Drew. Dixie Walker. Kevin Brown. Kenny Rogers. Tony Phillips. Hugh Casey.

Well, that’s Georgia, and that’s just for starters. That’s going to have to be one extra reinforced clubhouse. (And imagine if John Rocker and Michael Barrett had made the team, or even renowned minor-league catcher Crash Davis.)

In all seriousness, this team will play bigger than its size, which is barely top 20 among the states in players sent to MLB. Cobb, Robinson and Gibson are of course among the best at their positions. Thomas is an all-time great at first base, but there are two Hall of Famers already there, Big John Mize and Memphis Bill Terry (who was born in Atlanta). No DH will be used, so it’s going to have to get creative.

Gibson isn’t the only Negro leaguer who helps the Peaches’ cause. They also get shortstop Dobie Moore and Cannonball Redding, who is one of the top pitchers along with Brown, Tim Hudson and Whit Wyatt. Cecil Travis holds down third, and Moises Alou challenges Drew and Walker for playing time in the outfield.

The pitching might not be enough against some of the big boys, but this lineup is going to give any team a scare. Managing this wild bunch is George Stallings, who guided the “Miracle Braves” of Boston to a world’s championship in 1914. No miracles needed here, except maybe to keep this group from each other’s throats.

GEORGIA PEACHES

OF Moises Alou
RH Kevin Brown
RH Hugh Casey
RH Spud Chandler
OF Ty Cobb
OF Kal Daniels
CA Jody Davis
OF J.D. Drew
UT Chone Figgins
CA Josh Gibson
OF Marquis Grissom
RH Tim Hudson
RH Connie Johnson
RH Todd Jones
CA Brian McCann
1B Johnny Mize
SS Dobie Moore
UT Tony Phillips
RH Dick Redding
2B Jackie Robinson
LH Kenny Rogers
LH Nap Rucker
RH Tully Sparks
1B Bill Terry
1B Frank Thomas
3B Cecil Travis
OF Dixie Walker
RH Whit Wyatt

Next: Connecticut.