Ok, I took a crack at a preseason tier list! I wanted to do power rankings but so many of the teams are so so close in ratings/salary it was hard to make distinctions.
Tier 5 (sorry): Palatine Pounders
I don't see a way for Palatine to survive this season without spending a lot of money. The starting 5 is less than 100k salary, and the arena is much too small to support a high team salary. Palatine has a good chance this season to save up some money and build that arena, and train some young guns for a future return to D3.
Tier 4: Day traders
Bonham Bricklayers
Asingratitos BC
Both of these teams are very active on the transfer list and do enough to squeak into the playoffs or survive against weak relegation opponents each season I've been here. I'll be interested to see how they both navigate this season with how tight the field is between all of the teams.
Tier 3: Almost everyone else
Gunslingers
AMC Spirits
Germantown Gerbils
Social Security Kings
The Veggies
Dark Matter
Orlando Aphilliates
I could make a case for every team in the Great 8, besides Deportivo, to make the playoffs or end up in relegation. All of these teams will need to manage their game shape, improve their young players, and maybe make some additions if they want to make the playoffs, or just survive.
Tier 2: Playoff Contenders
ATL Truth
Wasted Potential
DC Wizards
Green Bay Gunners
Truth runs a tight rotation, but all of his players look like they are solid D3 level players, they should be looking at that 3rd or 4th spot in the Great 8. Mediocrity looks to be selling off his superstar, but if he holds on to him and makes a couple additions he could be a sneaky dark horse to win the division. His shot blockers look nice! Wizards should be another playoff pick but it'll be almost impossible for a finals run. Gunners had some weird results last season and ended up in a relegation battle. His roster is definitely strong enough to make the playoffs.
Tier 1: HEAVY favorites
Deportivo Saprissa
Globo Gym
Unless some serious cash is splashed by other teams, this looks to be a 2 team race for the title this season. I could see a perfect season from Deportivo here, as long as he avoids a first week trap, he has me at home as well, lucky duck. I don't think I'll get an autopromo, and there is definitely a chance I start 0-2 again. Asingratitos as the first game 2 seasons in a row is so unfair, but at least I'm at home again! I'd pencil myself as the favorite in a 3 game series against Deportivo, especially at the end of the season, but I would give Deportivo the higher chance to earn an autopromotion.
Good luck to all the teams this season!