Lefty ace Barry Zito and centerfield prospect Robert Biron dominated the final week of a long and active MBLS preseason. The 30-year-old Zito was selected by the South Bronx Legends as the first pick in the 2009 MBLS Dispersal Draft following the contraction of eight MBLS teams this past offseason. Zito has a career record of 112-61 with a 3.34 ERA in seven Met League seasons with the Tampa Bay and Houston Broncos and is a three-time Hodges League All-Star.

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Biron made history by being selected by the Los Angeles Bombers as the first pick of the 2009 MBLS Amateur Draft. Scouts regard Biron as a five-tool player who can play all outfield positions. He began the season playing center field for the Bombers Single-A affiliate in Houston.

The MBLS will begin the season with a new configuration of 16 teams, as eight teams will participate in each league. The Seattle Whales will be moving from the Hodges League West to the Johnson League West to accommodate the new league structure.