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- May 31, 2004
This thread doesn't even need an introduction......
[table][tr][td]Atlanta Braves[/td] [/tr][/table]
Two consecutive Octobers now without the Braves and you get the sense that while the window of opportunity hasn't closed completely, it's closing fast.Opposing pitchers still have to deal with a middle of the lineup that includes Chipper Jones, Mark Teixeira, Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur. Those are foursolid reasons why Bobby Cox, even at 67, still has a chance to manage this team back into the postseason. At 40, starter John Smoltz's health will alwaysbe a concern. At 42, Tom Glavine is back where he's most comfortable -- though he's coming off of his second-worst ERA (4.45) since 1988. Biggestquestions, to me, are whether right-hander Jair Jurrjens grows into a formidable starter, whether Mark Kotsay can stay healthy to play center and whether YunelEscobar is ready to play shortstop every day over 162 games. The Braves traded Edgar Renteria to open a spot for him, remember.
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Never have so many pitchers shown up for the Braves' early throwing program saying they just hoped they couldmake the team -- and meant it.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The big news this spring is pitching depth, both for potential starting spots and in the bullpen.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]No one is worried about how the over-40 set -- John Smoltz and Tom Glavine -- will hold up. That's because theirteammates, manager Bobby Cox and general manager Frank Wren know those two know how to prepare and maintain themselves. Not to mention that their stubbornnesson the mound is legendary.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Tim Hudson, free from injury this offseason, was able to work out the way he used to. But unlike this time a yearago, no one is counting on Mike Hampton to save the day. No one knows what he will be able to do for the team coming off two seasons lost to injury. Anycontribution at all, then, will be welcome, no matter what month it occurs.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]A number of young pitchers and reclamation projects could fill spots in the rotation or in the bullpen. Cox is eagerto try many of them in different spots, either in camp or during the season.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The team's young cornerstones, Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann, have worked themselves hard in the offseason --Francoeur broadening and strengthening his upper body; McCann trimming and toning his. They are eager to go.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]But what everyone is most excited about is having Mark Teixeira hitting cleanup behind Chipper Jones for an entireseason. Yes, keeping Teixeira beyond this season will be the question hanging over the team until further notice, but the Braves expect to make hay whilehe's here.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The bench components will be fluid all spring -- and possibly beyond -- but at least this season it will be becausethere are multiple choices, not because there are none.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]WHERE, WHEN: Champion Stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. First exhibition gameagainst a major league opponent is Feb. 28 against the Dodgers in Vero Beach, Fla.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE
C Javy Lopez is back and he looks great, thanks to a dedicated offseason workout program with bench coach Chino Cadahia. Cadahia undertook that project as afavor to bullpen catcher Eddie Perez, Lopez's former teammate, and only because Lopez is determined to concentrate on defense.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT
It can't help but be LHP Mike Hampton, unless he wins 20 games. That is not reasonable to expect, coming off two years of injuries, surgeries and rehab. Astrained right hamstring aborted his winter ball campaign, and while he is said (through pitching coach Roger McDowell) to be recovered from that, that stillputs him behind.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]AUTHORITY FIGURES
Manager Bobby Cox (career record 2,176-1,681; Atlanta record 1,900-1,471) is entering his 27th season as a major league manager, his 19th consecutive seasonwith the Braves. Cox also managed the Braves from 1978-81 and the Toronto Blue Jays from 1983-85.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Since musing out loud last year about possibly retiring following this season, Cox has seemed to enjoy baseball evenmore, if that is possible. He has certainly been chipper leading up to spring training, with the exception of an autograph signing session in the rain andchill at a minor league ballpark.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]His entire staff returns this season: bench coach Chino Cadahila, pitching coach Roger McDowell, hitting coach TerryPendleton, first base coach Glenn Hubbard, third base coach Brian Snitker and bullpen coach Eddie Perez.[/font]
[table][tr][td]Florida Marlins[/td] [/tr][/table]The Marlins are right back in the place they've always found most comfortable: No expectations. As in, N-O expectations. None. Zero. Like lastspring's Nationals, the Marlins don't have one pitcher who's ever thrown 200 innings in the majors. Outfielder Luis Gonzalez (41) has seen more inhis career than every other Marlin combined. After Gonzalez and Dan Uggla (2
, the most experienced everyday player is shortstop Hanley Ramirez -- andhe's 24. That's why Gonzo should be a good fit here both on and off the field. Despite the way things went south with the Dodgers a year ago,Gonzalez's leadership will be valued here. Two key pieces from the mega-trade with Detroit, center fielder Cameron Maybin and pitcher Andrew Miller, willget plenty of attention this spring as they attempt to grow into their major-league cleats.[font=Arial, Helvetica]After trading away their two top stars, the Marlins begin another season of uncertainty around new and largelyunproven players.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Two veteran free agents, left-hander Mark Hendrickson and outfielder Luis Gonzalez, were brought in to restore someclubhouse order. But the Marlins still must rely on a young corps to avoid another fifth-place finish.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The first order of business will be a serious mission: to focus on defense and fundamentals -- and avoid a repeat of2007, when the team led the majors with 137 errors.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]A key test will be on how the departure of Miguel Cabrera affects the batting order, which proved to be powerful lastyear for a last-place team. Raw but talented prospect Cameron Maybin will be given a chance to win the center field job and bat leadoff, which would dropshortstop Hanley Ramirez to Cabrera's old third spot.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Ramirez will be expected to emerge as the main engine of the lineup. The team will tinker with either first basemanMike Jacobs or left fielder Josh Willingham in the cleanup spot. Lower in the order will be Cabrera's replacement at third base; Jose Castillo will getfirst shot at the job.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The starting rotation appears set, but all candidates will have to pitch well to secure those spots. Hendrickson willhelp temperamental lefty Scott Olsen channel his focus, but Olsen will also have to replace Dontrelle Willis as the staff's innings eater. Rookieleft-hander Andrew Miller will be given a chance to win a rotation spot.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]But the rotation that opens the season could change quickly if the starters struggle. The organization plans to keepa close eye on how well prospects such as right-handers Gaby Hernandez and Chris Volstad do in the minors. If they make rapid progress early, expect them tojoin the rotation by June or even May.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The bullpen, the team's lone bright spot from last year, is set, led by closer Kevin Gregg, who enjoyed abreakout 2007 by posting 32 saves in 36 chances.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The last time the Marlins underwent a major facelift, they played well in 2006 and contended into mid-September. Thisyear, the challenge will be greater. Avoiding 85 losses would be a triumph.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]WHERE, WHEN: Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla. First exhibition game is Feb. 26 against the University of Miami.First Grapefruit League game is Feb. 27 against Washington.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE
Of the six players the Marlins got from Detroit in the Miguel Cabrera/Dontrelle Willis trade, CF Cameron Maybin has the most buzz. Maybin got just 49big-league at-bats last year with Detroit, so the Marlins don't plan to rush the 20-year-old into the starting job if he's not ready. But Maybin shoulduse the experience he got last year and take full advantage of the opportunity he'll get to win the job.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT
Jose Castillo will get first shot at the third base job vacated by Miguel Cabrera. Even though he won the Venezuelan Winter League batting title, Castillo willhave to prove he can hit consistently and make the switch to third base. He played mostly at second with the Pirates but he has been inconsistent the last twoyears. If he struggles this spring, Dallas McPherson or Jorge Cantu could get the job.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]AUTHORITY FIGURES
Manager Fredi Gonzalez guided the Marlins to a 71-91 record in his rookie season. The Marlins might have played better if he showed a little more of theauthority and discipline that Joe Girardi did in 2006, but Gonzalez dodged criticism last year because of injuries to the rotation. With clubhouse leadersMiguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis gone, expect Gonzalez to manage with more intensity this year.[/font]
[table][tr][td]New York Mets[/td] [/tr][/table]Had the Mets featured an ace like Johan Santana in recent years, instead of entering camp with last year's train wreck (blowing a seven-game leadin the season's final 17 days) looming over them, we might be talking about consecutive World Series appearances in 2006 and 2007. That's how importantSantana can be for this team in '08. But that's not the whole story. Pedro Martinez only threw 28 innings last season, and unless he is fully back fromshoulder surgery, the pitching still will be lacking. Age issues remain a legitimate concern with Moises Alou, Luis Castillo and Carlos Delgado, and I'mnot sure Brian Schneider won't reveal that the Mets need an upgrade at catcher. This is a very good team, not a perfect one -- even with Santana.
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The acquisition of two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana was more about bolstering the Mets' pitchingstaff, but also about saving face.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]After blowing a seven-game lead with 17 games remaining last season, the Mets needed to show something to their fansother than an increase in prices on their season-ticket invoices.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]"Last year was disappointing," general manager Omar Minaya said. "Unless you win and get in, it'sdisappointing. You don't win championships on paper. Not getting to the playoffs was a major disappointment.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]"I hope we showed our fan base we care about winning (by signing Santana to a seven-year, $153.75 millioncontract). All of our goals are to win a championship. This helps do that.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]"Also to the players, it sends a message. I can tell you one thing, across the board, all of our players arevery excited. We put in our part. They have to have commitment on their part to go out and get it done."[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Santana is a true ace, but guarantees nothing. How many World Series did the Yankees win after getting RandyJohnson?[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]They won none because they were a flawed team, and like them, the Mets also have issues.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez are coming off injuries and have durability issues. Also, much of the Mets'expectations are in Oliver Perez and John Maine taking the next step.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The Mets also go to camp with their fifth starter to be determined and their bullpen to be defined beyond BillyWagner and Aaron Heilman.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Where will Jorge Sosa fit in? And, most important, will they get anything from Duaner Sanchez?[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Shortstop Jose Reyes took a lot of heat for the 2007 collapse, and there are heavy expectations on him.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The Mets are also expecting bounce-back seasons from first baseman Carlos Delgado and left fielder MoisesAlou.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The Mets believe they have improved defensively behind the plate and in right field with the acquisitions of BrianSchneider and Ryan Church, respectively, from Washington for Lastings Milledge.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]"As far as a prediction, we want to go out and win every game," Minaya said. "We'll try to win asmany as we can and hopefully get in the postseason -- then be healthy and be the team that wins it."[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]WHERE, WHEN: Tradition Field, Port St. Lucie, Fla. First exhibition game is Feb. 27 against Detroit at Lakeland, Fla.The first home exhibition is Feb. 29 against St. Louis.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE
LF Moises Alou hit .341 last season but was limited to 87 games, about 33 less than projected for him, because of a strained left quad. The Mets would bethrilled to have him play in 120 games this season and would consider it a bonus if he had anywhere close to last year's production.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT
It has to be All-Star SS Jose Reyes, who hit .280 last year but scored 119 runs and collected 191 hits. Reyes went into a second-half funk and became a focalpoint in the team's September collapse. Reyes was picked off base several times, didn't run out balls and failed to cover the bag, costing the Mets agame down the stretch. Mets manager Willie Randolph and GM Omar Minaya simply labeled it a slump. But, what if it wasn't?[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]AUTHORITY FIGURES
Willie Randolph is entering his fourth season as manager with a 268-217 record, including a first-place finish in the NL East in 2006. Randolph took a lot ofunfair heat last season for his low-key demeanor, which was no different from the previous season, when he was the toast of the town. Pitching coach RickPeterson has Johan Santana to work with this year, which should raise his genius level.[/font]
[table][tr][td]Philadelphia Phillies[/td] [/tr][/table]Maybe this sounds funny, but the loss of center fielder Aaron Rowand (signed with San Francisco) cannot be underestimated. The guy set the tone for therest of the Phillies, the glue that held everything together. Even giving the Phillies another mulligan and expecting the usual slow start (it's just theway they do it), we'll know soon whether the loss of Rowand is crippling. The Phillies have the past two NL MVPs in Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins, andChase Utley could win the award this year. But the key to the deal is whether Brad Lidge can close games. Brett Myers will be transformed back into therotation this spring after serving as emergency closer last summer. Big seasons from Myers and Lidge will mean a huge season for the Phillies.
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Last year, Jimmy Rollins predicted the Phillies would be the "team to beat" in the National LeagueEast.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]They were.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]This year, after winning the division championship and making the playoffs for the first time since 1993,expectations are higher than ever for the Phillies. Rollins, who backed up his talk by winning the 2007 NL MVP award, even has predicted a 100-winseason.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]"It's very reasonable," Rollins said. "We won 89 with a quarter of a team last year. That'show I like to look at it. We missed Chase (Utley) for five weeks, Ryan (Howard) for three weeks, (Tom) Gordon, (Brett) Myers, all these people going down toinjuries. If we just stay healthy and perform, we're going to be good. If that happens, those 11 more wins could be made up real easily."[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Offensively, the Phillies believe they've compensated for losing free agent center fielder Aaron Rowand bysigning third baseman Pedro Feliz and outfielder Geoff Jenkins. Feliz is a defensive upgrade over Wes Helms and Greg Dobbs, while speedy Shane Victorino maycover even more ground in center than Rowand.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]But the Phillies' biggest concern is pitching. As spring training neared, they stated a desire to add depth tothe pitching staff -- and they did just that by signing rehabbing right-hander Kris Benson.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]For now, though, the Phillies enter spring training with five starters (Cole Hamels, Myers, Kyle Kendrick, JamieMoyer and Adam Eaton) and a bullpen that has two available spots behind closer Brad Lidge, setup man Tom Gordon, lefty J.C. Romero and right-handers RyanMadson and Chad Durbin.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]"We know we can get back there," Rollins said of making the playoffs. "At first, the hunger was justtrying to get there. Now, it's working on how do we go further. We're not looking that far down the line. We've got a long way to go. But we'veanswered that question of are we a playoff team, and the answer is yes."[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]WHERE, WHEN: Bright House Networks Field, Clearwater, Fla. First exhibition game is Feb. 26 against Florida StateUniversity. The first Grapefruit League game is Feb. 27 against the Reds.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE
RHP Scott Mathieson was on course to be a member of the Phillies' pitching staff until his right elbow flared late in the 2006 season. Mathieson, 23,underwent elbow ligament replacement (Tommy John) surgery and missed most of last season. He suffered a setback in a minor league rehab start in August and hada second, less invasive, surgery on Sept. 24. But Mathieson is expected to be ready for spring training, and if he's healthy, the Phillies believe thehard-throwing Canadian can be a factor as a late-inning reliever.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT
RHP Kyle Kendrick wasn't invited to major league spring training last year, and even the most optimistic Phillies officials didn't envision him gettingto the majors until at least the end of the 2008 season. But a rash of injuries forced Kendrick's hasty promotion in June from Class AA Reading, and he ledNL rookies with 10 wins, the most by a Phillies rookie since Pat Combs in 1990. Kendrick, 23, is slated to be the Phillies' No. 3 starter, but he'llneed to make adjustments to avoid a sophomore slump.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]AUTHORITY FIGURES
Charlie Manuel led the Phillies to their first division title and playoff appearance since 1993 and was rewarded in October with a two-year contract extension.He's often criticized for his Southern twang and down-home personality, but his managerial success speaks for itself. Manuel is 262-224 in three seasonswith the Phillies, and he's the first Phillies manager to have three consecutive winning seasons since Danny Ozark posted four straight from 1975 through1978. Manuel's entire coaching staff, including former managers Jimy Williams and Davey Lopes, will return for another season, too.[/font]
[table][tr][td]Washington Nationals[/td] [/tr][/table]The Nationals will spend the spring preparing to move into their new stadium but, problem is, it won't be a simple move. There are so many pieces-- none of them significant -- to sort through between now and then this spring. The Nats used 13 different starting pitchers last season, and manager MannyActa mixed and matched them well enough to finish a not-horrible 73-89. But mixed-and-matched is the operative phrase: The Nats won't have a pitcher incamp who won more than seven games last summer (Matt Chico, take a bow). With Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes in the same clubhouse, the Nats may need apolice officer more than a third-base coach. Aside from Acta and his staff, it'll be up to veterans Paul Lo Duca, Aaron Boone and Austin Kearns to helppolice. Good luck with that.
[font=Arial, Helvetica]While workers hurry to get Nationals Park completed in time for Opening Day in Washington, the Nationals themselveswill have plenty to accomplish in Viera, Fla., this spring before they're ready to take the field at their brand-new home.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]A new-look Washington roster boasts several promising young players and a host of seasoned veterans who hope to cometogether and give the Nationals their first winning season since relocating from Montreal in 2005.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]There are no shortage of issues that must be resolved this spring, beginning with the rotation. Three right-handers(Shawn Hill, John Patterson and Jason Bergmann) hope to anchor the staff, but all three are coming off injury-plagued years and know they aren't assured ofanything. Joining them are at least a half-dozen other starters trying to win the remaining rotation jobs, including left-handers Matt Chico and John Lannanand right-handers Tim Redding, Collin Balester, Garrett Mock and Tyler Clippard.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Washington's other major battle this spring is at first base, where Dmitri Young and Nick Johnson could getinvolved in a heated battle for the starting job. Johnson hasn't played since breaking his right leg in a violent collision with teammate Austin Kearns inSeptember 2006, but he finally appears to be healthy and ready to recapture the job that once was his. Standing in his way, though, is Young, who enjoyed anAll-Star season in 2007 and was named National League Comeback Player of the Year.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The Nationals also must sort out a muddled middle infield, where three players are vying for two starting jobs.Shortstop Cristian Guzman hopes to return from a thumb injury that derailed what was turning into a fabulous season. Veteran Ronnie Belliard returns from astrong season of his own and is tentatively penciled in as the starting second baseman. But a revitalized Felipe Lopez could throw a wrench into those plans.Following a disastrous 2007, the former All-Star has vowed to come back strong and could wind up starting at either infield position.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]Washington also faces questions in the outfield. Austin Kearns is set in right field, but the other two spots areopen for discussion. Heading into spring training, Wily Mo Pena is in left field and newly acquired Lastings Milledge is in center field. But fellow newcomerElijah Dukes, the talented but troubled former Devil Ray, could unseat either if he performs well on the field this spring and shows he's resolved hisproblems off it.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]The catching situation is compelling in its own right, with free agent acquisition Paul Lo Duca hoping to get overminor knee surgery while also avoiding punishment from the commissioner's office for being named in the Mitchell Report on performance-enhancing drugs inbaseball. If Lo Duca is not available, recent signed Johnny Estrada would take over behind the plate.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]WHERE, WHEN: Space Coast Stadium, Viera, Fla. First exhibition game is Feb. 27 against Florida in Jupiter,Fla.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE
2B/SS Felipe Lopez is coming off a miserable season in which he batted .245, reached base at a .308 clip and drove in only two runs after Aug. 12. A one-timeAll-Star with the Reds, Lopez has vowed to come back strong in 2008, though he'll need to beat out either SS Cristian Guzman or 2B Ronnie Belliard for astarting job.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT
RHP John Patterson has been trying to realize his potential his entire career. Aside from his breakthrough 2005 in Washington, he's never come close.Patterson dealt with several arm injuries in 2006 and 2007, and though he believes he's healthy once again, there's no guarantee he'll everrecapture his old form.[/font]
[font=Arial, Helvetica]AUTHORITY FIGURES
Manager Manny Acta went 73-89 in his first year with the Nationals, and that was deemed a significant success given preseason predictions of 100-plus losses.Acta, 39, is immensely popular with his players, using a positive, upbeat approach to keep his team together even during rough times. His entire coaching staffreturns in 2008.[/font]
