Houston Astros
Manager: Larry Dierker.
1999: 97-65, 1st.
2000 forecast: 4th.
Starting rotation: Shane Reynolds, Jose Lima, Chris Holt, Octavio Dotel and Dwight Gooden.
3-4-5 hitters: Jeff Bagwell, Ken Caminiti and Moises Alou.
Closer: Billy Wagner.
X-factor: Tim Bogar, a valuable utility man through the years, replaces Ricky Gutierrez as the regular shortstop. If Bogar struggles, the Astros will promote prospect Adam Everett, whom they obtained from Boston in the Carl Everett deal.
Best case: Alou returns after missing the ’99 season to keep the Astros lineup rolling toward a fourth consecutive Central title, this one in the new Enron Field. There’s less room for error with Everett and Derek Bell missing.
Worst case: Lima can’t repeat his 21-win season and Scott Elarton returns slowly after rotator cuff surgery, making Mike Hampton’s absence even more noticeable. The Killer Bees always have won with pitching and could be home for October without some pleasant surprises on this year’s staff.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
20 Tony Eusebio R/R 4/27/67 6 2/210
6 Paul Bako L/R 6/20/72 6 2/205
21 Mitch Meluskey S/R 9/18/73 6 0/185
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
5 Jeff Bagwell R/R 5/27/68 6 0/195
7 Craig Biggio R/R 12/14/65 5 11/180
27 Tim Bogar R/R 10/28/66 6 2/198
11 Ken Caminiti S/R 4/21/63 6 0/200
31 Daryle Ward L/L 6/27/75 6 2/230
9 Russ Johnson R/R 2/22/73 5 10/180
28 Bill Spiers L/R 6/5/66 6 2/190
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
18 Moises Alou R/R 7/3/66 6 3/195
29 Glen Barker R/R 5/10/71 5 10/180
19 Roger Cedeno S/R 8/16/74 6 1/205
15 Richard Hidalgo R/R 7/2/75 6 2/175
23 x-Matt Mieske R/R 2/13/68 6 0/194
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
51 Jose Cabrera R/R 3/24/72 6 0/180
41 Octavio Dotel R/R 11/25/75 6 0/176
50 x-Scott Elarton R/R 2/23/76 6 7/240
19 Doug Henry R/R 12/10/63 6 4/205
45 Chris Holt R/R 9/18/71 6 4/205
42 Jose Lima R/R 9/30/72 6 2/205
46 Trever Miller R/L 5/29/73 6 3/195
39 Jay Powell R/R 1/19/72 6 3/225
37 Shane Reynolds R/R 3/26/68 6 3/210
13 Billy Wagner L/L 7/25/71 5 11/180
48 Yorkis Perez S/L 9/30/67 6 0/212
%%
Cincinnati Reds
Manager: Jack McKeon.
1999: 96-67, 2nd, lost playoff to New York for wild card.
2000 forecast: 1st, lose to Mets in NLCS.
Starting rotation: Pete Harnisch, Denny Neagle, Steve Parris, Ron Villone and Rob Bell.
3-4-5 hitters: Ken Griffey Jr., Dante Bichette and Dmitri Young.
Closer: Danny Graves and Scott Williamson.
X-factor: The health of aging starters Harnisch, Neagle and Villone is imperative. Injuries to the rotation could force McKeon to start Williamson, weakening the bullpen that was Reds’ strength in ’99.
Best case: Ken Griffey Jr. returns to his hometown and delivers an MVP season, carrying Reds all the way to the World Series. With bigger crowds, the Reds gain the home-field edge they always have had when they won.
Worst case: Second baseman Pokey Reese proves to be more overrated than Skyline chili and Barry Larkin’s bat slows down, resulting in the end of an eight-year run in which he has had more walks than strikeouts. Griffey is reduced to a sideshow.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
10 Eddie Taubensee L/R 10/31/68 6 4/205
6 Benito Santiago R/R 03/9/65 6 1/195
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
17 Aaron Boone R/R 3/9/73 6 2/190
21 x-Sean Casey L/R 7/2/74 6 4/215
11 Barry Larkin R/R 4/28/64 6 0/195
28 Mark Lewis R/R 11/30/69 6 1/195
9 Hal Morris L/L 4/9/65 6 4/210
3 Pokey Reese R/R 6/10/73 5 11/180
4 Chris Stynes R/R 1/19/73 5 10/185
69 D.T. Cromer L/L 3/19/71 6 2/190
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
34 Michael Tucker L/R 6/25/71 6 2/185
7 Alex Ochoa R/R 3/29/72 6 0/195
24 Ken Griffey Jr. L/L 11/21/69 6 3/205
25 Dmitri Young S/R 10/11/73 6 2/220
9 Dante Bichette R/R 11/18/63 6 2/238
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
32 Danny Graves R/R 8/7/73 5 11/200
29 Robert Bell R/R 1/17/77 6 5/225
38 Pete Harnisch R/R 9/23/66 6 0/207
15 Denny Neagle L/L 9/13/68 6 3/225
49 Dennis Reyes R/L 4/19/77 6 3/246
56 Scott Sullivan R/R 3/13/71 6 4/210
36 Gabe White L/L 11/20/71 6 2/200
66 Scott Williamson R/R 2/17/76 6 1/185
58 Steve Parris R/R 12/17/67 6 0/195
41 Ron Villone L/L 1/16/70 6 3/237
%%
Pittsburgh Pirates
Manager: Gene Lamont.
1999: 78-83, 3rd.
2000 forecast: 3rd.
Starting rotation: Jason Schmidt, Kris Benson, Francisco Cordova, Todd Ritchie and Jimmy Anderson.
3-4-5 hitters: Brian Giles, Kevin Young and Wil Cordero.
Closer: Mike Williams.
X-factor: Wanting a proven right-handed hitter, the Pirates invested $9 million in Cordero. His indifferent fielding will prove tiresome, no matter where Lamont uses him, so he’d better have a huge year.
Best case: Benson emerges as a legitimate No. 1 starter in a deep rotation. The Pirates end a losing streak that began in 1993.
Worst case: Catcher Jason Kendall isn’t the same player after his broken leg, the bullpen blows too many early leads and Lamont is fired before Memorial Day.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
18 Jason Kendall R/R 6/26/74 6 0/181
15 Keith Osik R/R 10/22/68 6 0/200
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
2 Mike Benjamin R/R 11/22/65 6 0/169
5 Pat Meares R/R 9/6/68 6 0/188
29 Kevin Young R/R 6/16/69 6 3/221
30 Warren Morris L/R 1/11/74 5 11/179
16 Aramis Ramirez R/R 6/25/78 6 1/219
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
13 Adrian Brown R/R 2/7/74 6 0/175
24 Brian Giles L/L 1/20/71 5 10/200
37 Bruce Aven R/R 3/4/72 5 9/180
12 Wil Cordero R/R 10/3/71 6 2/200
3 Chad Hermansen R/R 9/10/77 6 2/193
33 John Vander Wal L/L 4/29/66 6 2/197
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
41 J. Christiansen R/L 9/21/69 6 5/230
67 F. Cordova R/R 4/26/72 6 1/171
51 x-Rich Loiselle R/R 1/12/72 6 5/240
38 Chris Peters L/L 1/28/72 6 1/175
47 Scott Sauerbeck R/L 11/9/71 6 3/190
22 Jason Schmidt R/R 1/29/73 6 5/207
56 Jose Silva R/R 12/19/73 6 5/230
35 Marc Wilkins R/R 10/21/70 5 10/210
64 Mike Williams R/R 7/29/68 6 2/195
55 Jimmy Anderson L/L 1/22/76 6 1/207
34 Kris Benson R/R 11/7/74 6 4/188
60 Jason Boyd R/R 2/23/73 6 3/173
48 Todd Ritchie R/R 11/7/71 6 3/222
%%
St. Louis Cardinals
Manager: Tony La Russa.
1999: 75-86, 4th.
2000 forecast: 2nd.
Starting rotation: Darryl Kile, Pat Hentgen, Garrett Stephenson, Andy Benes and Rick Ankiel.
3-4-5 hitters: Mark McGwire, Ray Lankford and Jim Edmonds.
Closer: Dave Veres.
X-factor: Center-fielder Edmonds arrives with a damaged reputation and a contract that expires after this season. If he returns to All-Star status, he will be a big addition.
Best case: Ankiel wins 15 games and NL Rookie of the Year. Matt Morris, who was the Cardinals’ most impressive pitcher two years ago, returns from Tommy John surgery to give rotation a second-half lift. For the first time since ’92, McGwire’s September home runs mean something.
Worst case: Cardinals learn the reason that Hentgen, Kile and Benes were available. None produce winning seasons and fans wind up longing for Kent Bottenfield, if not Joaquin Andujar and Bob Gibson.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
22 Mike Matheny R/R 9/22/70 6 3/205
26 Eli Marrero R/R 11/17/73 6 1/180
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
25 Mark McGwire R/R 10/1/63 6 5/225
27 Placido Polanco R/R 10/10/75 5 10/168
3 Edgar Renteria R/R 8/7/75 6 1/180
1 Fernando Vina L/R 4/16/69 5 9/170
23 Fernando Tatis R/R 1/1/75 5 10/170
21 Craig Paquette R/R 3/28/69 6 0/190
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
25 Jim Edmonds L/L 6/27/70 6 1/218
24 Eric Davis R/R 5/29/62 6 3/185
8 J.D. Drew L/R 11/20/75 6 1/195
16 Ray Lankford L/L 6/5/67 5 11/200
5 Thomas Howard S/R 12/11/64 6 2/185
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
41 x-Alan Benes R/R 1/21/72 6 5/215
32 Mike Mohler R/L 7/26/68 6 2/209
35 x-Matt Morris R/R 8/9/74 6 5/210
51 H. Slocumb R/R 6/7/66 6 3/220
47 Jesse Orosco R/L 4/21/57 6 2/205
40 Andy Benes R/R 8/20/67 6 6/245
36 x-Scott Radinsky L/L 3/3/68 6 3/204
66 Rick Ankiel L/L 7/19/79 6 1/210
40 Pat Hentgen R/R 12/13/68 6 2/195
57 Darryl Kile R/R 12/2/68 6 5/230
70 Mike Matthews L/L 10/24/73 6 2/175
55 G. Stephenson R/R 1/2/72 6 5/208
46 Mark Thompson R/R 12/2/68 6 5/212
43 Dave Veres R/R 10/19/66 6 2/220
%%
Milwaukee Brewers
Manager: Davey Lopes.
1999: 74-87, 5th.
2000 forecast: 6th.
Starting rotation: Steve Woodard, Jimmy Haynes, Jaime Navarro, Jason Bere and Horacio Estrada.
3-4-5 hitters: Geoff Jenkins, Jeromy Burnitz and Jose Hernandez.
Closer: Bob Wickman.
X-factor: Right-hander Kyle Peterson, a first-round pick in the ’97 draft, will miss the first half of the season after shoulder surgery. If he could pitch effectively in the second half, it would be a nice way to finish a building season.
Best case: Starters Jamey Wright and John Snyder recover from spring-training injuries to solidify the suspect starting rotation. Shortstop Mark Loretta leads a fielding resurgence and catcher Henry Blanco stops opponents’ running games.
Worst case: The spring run of injuries and poor fielding continue as the Brewers lose 100-plus games. Lopes gets a sympathy card from predecessor Phil Garner.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
12 Henry Blanco R/R 8/29/71 5 11/190
2 Tyler Houston L/R 1/17/71 6 1/210
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
7 Sean Berry R/R 3/22/66 5 11/200
8 Mark Loretta R/R 8/14/71 6 0/175
22 Kevin Barker L/L 7/26/75 6 3/205
10 Ron Belliard R/R 4/7/75 5 8/180
18 Jose Hernandez R/R 7/14/69 6 1/180
17 Luis Lopez S/R 9/4/70 5 11/166
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
20 Jeromy Burnitz L/R 4/15/69 6 0/180
9 Marquis Grissom R/R 4/17/67 5 11/190
5 Geoff Jenkins L/R 7/21/74 6 1/200
33 Lyle Mouton R/R 5/13/69 6 4/230
23 Mark Sweeney L/L 10/26/69 6 1/215
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
59 x-John Snyder R/R 8/16/74 6 3/193
38 Jaime Navarro R/R 3/27/68 6 4/230
58 V. De Los Santos L/L 10/6/75 6 2/186
40 x-Chad Fox R/R 9/3/70 6 3/194
49 Dave Weathers R/R 9/25/69 6 1/220
27 Bob Wickman R/R 2/6/69 6 1/212
37 Steve Woodard L/R 5/15/75 6 4/236
53 Juan Acevedo R/R 5/5/70 6 2/228
47 Jason Bere R/R 5/26/71 6 4/189
32 x-Rocky Copinger R/R 3/19/74 6 5/240
48 Horacio Estrada L/L 10/19/75 6 0/160
51 Jimmy Haynes R/R 9/5/72 6 4/203
39 Chris Leskanic R/R 4/2/68 6 0/186
26 x-Kyle Peterson R/R 4/9/76 6 3/200
41 Matt Williams S/L 4/12/71 6 0/175
21 x-Jamey Wright R/R 12/24/74 6 5/221
%%
Cubs
Manager: Don Baylor.
1999: 67-95, 6th.
2000 forecast: 5th.
Starting rotation: Jon Lieber, Kyle Farnsworth, Kevin Tapani, Andrew Lorraine and Scott Downs.
3-4-5 hitters: Mark Grace, Sammy Sosa and Henry Rodriguez.
Closer: Rick Aguilera.
X-factor: Nothing would make the season more of a success than a strong return by Kerry Wood. He already is throwing 98 m.p.h. and could be on the Wrigley Field mound in May. The Cubs do not want to rush him, but it looks like they have their hands full holding him back.
Best case: Baylor breeds a winning attitude into a rebuilt team, keeping it near .500 in the first half and then making a run to the fringes of wild-card contention after the All-Star break. Why not have Sammy hit 60 again while we’re at it?
Worst case: Injuries riddle a thin roster and questions about Sosa’s future pick up volume in August and September. The season ends with Sosa and Cubs management locked at an impasse that creates the possibility of an off-season trade.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
8 Joe Girardi R/R 10/14/64 5 11/200
00 Jose Molina R/R 10/3/72 6 1/215
16 Jeff Reed L/R 11/12/62 6 2/200
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
17 Mark Grace L/L 6/28/64 6 2/200
12 Shane Andrews R/R 8/28/71 6 1/220
12 Ricky Gutierrez R/R 5/23/70 6 1/195
5 Jeff Huson L/R 8/15/64 6 1/185
18 Cole Liniak R/R 8/23/76 6 1/190
11 Jose Nieves R/R 6/16/75 6 1/180
7 Eric Young R/R 5/18/67 5 8/175
39 Wilie Greene L/R 9/23/71 5 11/190
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
6 x-Glenallen Hill R/R 3/22/65 6 2/225
28 Roosevelt Brown L/R 3/22/65 5 11/195
9 Damon Buford R/R 6/12/70 5 10/180
22 Tarrik Brock L/L 12/25/73 6 2/185
40 Henry Rodriguez L/L 11/8/67 6 2/225
21 Sammy Sosa R/R 11/12/68 6 0/220
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
54 y-Jeremi Gonzalez R/R 1/8/75 6 2/215
38 Rick Aguilera R/R 12/31/61 6 5/210
44 Kyle Farnsworth R/R 4/14/76 6 4/215
55 Andrew Lorraine L/L 8/11/72 6 3/200
49 Felix Heredia L/L 6/18/76 6 0/180
51 Brian Williams R/R 2/15/69 6 3/230
35 Danny Young R/L 11/3/71 6 4/210
30 Mark Guthrie R/L 9/22/65 6 4/215
52 Matt Karchner R/R 6/28/67 6 4/220
32 Jon Lieber L/R 4/2/70 6 3/225
36 Kevin Tapani R/R 2/18/64 6 0/190
34 y-Kerry Wood R/R 6/16/77 6 5/225
59 x-Ismael Valdez R/R 8/21/73 6 4/225
%%
NL EAST
Atlanta Braves
Manager: Bobby Cox.
1999: 103-59, 1st, lost to Yankees in World Series.
2000 forecast: 2nd.
Starting rotation: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Kevin Millwood, Terry Mulholland and John Burkett.
3-4-5 hitters: Chipper Jones, Brian Jordan and Andres Galarraga.
Closer: John Rocker.
X-factor: The Rocker situation isn’t going away. But if Rocker can remain focused enough to pitch well after his suspension, all will be forgiven at Turner Field, if not everywhere else.
Best case: Galarraga returns from cancer with a truly historic season. The goodness surrounding Galarraga offsets both the Rocker controversy and the loss of John Smoltz to elbow surgery.
Worst case: Age catches up to Maddux and Glavine, as well as Smoltz. A once-great team is reduced to contending for a wild card.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
8 Javier Lopez R/R 11/5/70 6 3/200
12 Eddie Perez R/R 5/6/68 6 1/185
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
14 Andres Galarraga R/R 6/18/61 6 3/235
10 Chipper Jones S/R 4/24/72 6 3/200
1 Keith Lockhart L/R 11/10/64 5 10/170
20 Marty Malloy L/R 7/6/72 5 10/160
78 Rafeal Furcal S/R 8/24/80 5 10/150
22 Walt Weiss S/R 11/28/63 6 0/178
24 Wally Joyner L/L 6/16/62 6 2/200
4 Quilvio Veras S/R 4/3/71 5 10/183
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
25 Andruw Jones R/R 4/23/77 6 1/185
8 Reggie Sanders R/R 12/1/67 6 1/185
27 T. Hubbard R/R 5/11/64 5 8/180
23 Bobby Bonilla S/R 2/23/63 6 3/240
33 Brian Jordan R/R 3/29/67 6 1/205
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
48 Bruce Chen S/L 6/19/77 6 1/180
56 G. McMichael R/R 12/1/66 6 3/215
30 Kevin McGlinchy R/R 6/8/77 6 5/220
45 Terry Mulholland R/L 3/9/63 6 3/220
72 Luis Rivera R/R 6/21/78 6 3/163
47 Tom Glavine L/L 3/25/66 6 1/185
70 Ismael Villegas R/R 8/12/76 6 1/188
46 Kerry Ligtenberg R/R 5/11/71 6 2/205
31 Greg Maddux R/R 4/14/66 6 0/175
34 Kevin Millwood R/R 12/24/74 6 4/205
45 x-Odalis Perez L/L 6/7/78 6 0/150
37 Mike Remlinger L/L 3/23/66 6 1/210
49 John Rocker R/L 10/17/74 6 4/210
40 x-Rudy Seanez R/R 10/20/68 5 10/190
29 y-John Smoltz R/R 5/15/67 6 3/205
%%
New York Mets
Manager: Bobby Valentine.
1999: 97-66, 2nd, beat Cincinnati in wild-card playoff; lost to Atlanta in NLCS.
2000 forecast: 1st, beat Yankees in World Series.
Starting rotation: Mike Hampton, Rick Reed, Al Leiter, Bobby Jones, Glendon Rusch.
3-4-5 hitters: Edgardo Alfonzo, Mike Piazza and Robin Ventura.
Closer: Armando Benitez.
X-factor: Valentine did not receive a contract extension after the Mets’ trip to the NLCS last year, fueling daily speculation about his status. He appears to be one losing streak away from unemployment.
Best case: Rickey Henderson decides he wants to win one more World Series ring. He becomes a dynamic leader for a dangerous lineup, as he was before a late-season funk in ’99. The pitching-deep Mets roll through the playoffs.
Worst case: The Mets miss John Olerud and Roger Cedeno more than they thought they would, failing to score enough runs to take advantage of their pitching. They fall out of the wild-card race, leading to a management purge.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
31 Mike Piazza R/R 9/4/68 6 3/200
7 Todd Pratt R/R 2/9/67 6 3/220
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
13 Edgardo Alfonzo R/R 8/11/73 5 11/187
15 Matt Franco L/R 8/19/69 6 2/210
10 Rey Ordonez R/R 1/11/72 5 9/159
27 Todd Zeile R/R 9/9/65 6 1/200
4 Robin Ventura L/R 7/14/67 6 1/198
20 Kurt Abbott R/R 6/2/69 6 0/200
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
14 Derek Bell R/R 12/11/68 6 2/215
24 Rickey Henderson R/L 12/25/58 5 10/190
11 Jay Payton R/R 11/22/72 5 10/185
50 Benny Agbayani R/R 12/28/71 5 11/225
18 Darryl Hamilton L/R 12/3/64 6 1/192
6 Melvin Mora R/R 2/2/72 5 10/180
26 Jon Nunnally L/R 11/9/71 5 10/190
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
10 Mike Hampton R/L 9/9/72 5 10/180
49 Armando Benitez R/R 11/3/72 6 4/225
27 Dennis Cook L/L 10/4/62 6 3/190
45 John Franco R/L 3/29/66 5 10/185
28 Bobby J. Jones R/R 2/10/70 6 4/225
22 Al Leiter L/L 10/12/65 6 3/215
35 Rick Reed R/R 8/16/64 6 0/200
99 Turk Wendell L/R 5/19/67 6 2/205
23 Pat Mahomes R/R 8/9/70 6 4/212
46 Rich Rodriguez L/L 3/1/63 6 0/205
%%
Philadelphia Phillies
Manager: Terry Francona.
1999: 77-85, 3rd.
2000 forecast: 3rd.
Starting rotation: Andy Ashby, Paul Byrd, Robert Person, Randy Wolf and Chris Brock.
3-4-5 hitters: Bobby Abreu, Scott Rolen and Rico Brogna.
Closer: Mike Jackson.
X-factor: Ace Curt Schilling opens the year on the disabled list. It will be tough for the Phillies to take a step forward if he doesn’t return strong.
Best case: A collection of some of baseball’s best young hitters (Abreu, Rolen, Mike Lieberthal and rookie Pat Burrell) meshes to produce one of the most productive lineups in the NL. With Jackson improving the bullpen, the Phillies become wild-card contenders.
Worst case: A bad spring by newcomer Ashby and Schilling’s injury foretell a pitching collapse that leaves Philadelphia with its seventh consecutive losing season.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
24 Mike Lieberthal R/R 1/18/72 6 0/180
12 Tom Prince R/R 8/13/64 5 11/206
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
16 Marlon Anderson L/R 1/6/74 5 11/190
26 Alex Arias R/R 11/20/67 6 3/185
2 Rico Brogna L/L 4/18/70 6 2/205
1 Mickey Moradini L/R 4/22/66 5 11/176
23 Kevin Jordan R/R 10/9/69 6 1/207
8 Desi Relaford S/R 9/16/73 5 8/170
17 Scott Rolen R/R 4/4/75 6 4/220
11 Kevin Sefcik R/R 2/10/71 5 10/181
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
53 Bobby Abreu L/R 3/11/74 6 0/160
25 Rob Ducey L/R 5/24/65 6 2/180
5 Ron Gant R/R 3/2/65 6 0/200
6 Doug Glanville R/R 8/25/70 6 2/175
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
44 Amaury Telemaco R/R 1/19/74 6 3/210
37 Scott Aldred L/L 6/12/68 6 4/228
45 x-Jeff Brantley R/R 9/5/63 5 10/190
34 Paul Byrd R/R 12/3/70 6 1/185
61 Wayne Gomes R/R 1/15/73 6 2/226
38 x-Curt Schilling R/R 11/14/66 6 4/228
43 Andy Ashby R/R 7/11/67 6 1/202
55 Chris Brock R/R 2/5/71 6 0/185
42 Mike Jackson R/R 12/22/64 6 2/225
31 Robert Person R/R 10/6/69 6 0/194
44 x-Carlos Reyes S/R 4/4/69 6 0/190
52 Steve Schrenk R/R 11/20/68 6 3/215
%%
Montreal Expos
Manager: Felipe Alou.
1999: 68-94, 4th.
2000 forecast: 4th.
Starting rotation: Dustin Hermanson, Hideki Irabu, Javier Vazquez, Jeremy Powell and Carl Pavano.
3-4-5 hitters: Rondell White, Vladimir Guerrero and Lee Stevens.
Closer: Ugueth Urbina.
X-factor: Irabu never blossomed into a big winner with the Yankees. But if he puts it together, an 18-victory season is not out of the question.
Best case: Center-fielder Peter Bergeron has a rookie-of-the-year season, Guerrero makes an MVP run and the Expos begin to the regain their fan base. New owner Jeffrey Loria even underwrites a key midseason acquisition.
Worst case: Additions Graeme Lloyd, Irabu and Stevens have no impact as the Expos once again flounder. Loria loses the goodwill he has created by opening his wallet.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
13 x-Bob Henley R/R 1/30/73 6 2/205
16 Chris Widger R/R 5/21/71 6 3/195
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
9 Lee Stevens L/L 7/10/67 6 4/225
5 Michael Barrett R/R 10/22/76 6 2/195
18 Orlando Cabrera R/R 11/2/74 5 9/165
4 Wilton Guerrero B/R 10/24/74 6 2/175
12 Mike Mordecai R/R 12/13/67 5 11/175
3 Jose Vidro S/R 8/27/74 6 0/185
11 Geoff Blum S/R 4/26/76 6 3/195
53 Trace Coquillette R/R 6/4/74 5 11/185
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
27 Vladimir Guerrero R/R 2/9/76 6 2/195
33 Peter Bergeron L/R 11/9/77 6 0/185
31 Manny Martinez R/R 10/3/70 6 0/180
22 Rondell White R/R 2/23/72 6 1/205
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
48 Miguel Batista R/R 2/19/71 6 2/190
30 D. Hermanson R/R 12/21/72 6 2/195
44 Steve Kline S/L 8/22/72 6 2/210
45 Carl Pavano R/R 1/8/76 6 5/225
56 J.D. Smart R/R 11/12/73 6 2/180
32 Anthony Telford R/R 3/6/66 6 0/184
60 Matt Blank L/L 6 2/195 6 2/195
35 x-Mike Thurman R/R 7/22/73 6 4/210
41 Ugueth Urbina R/R 2/15/74 6 2/185
14 Hideki Irabu R/R 5/5/69 6 4/240
28 Javier Vazquez R/R 7/25/76 6 2/180
58 Tony Armas R/R 4/29/78 6 4/205
00 x-Graeme Lloyd L/L 4/9/67 6 7/225
49 Jeremy Powell R/R 6/18/76 6 5/230
52 Scott Strickland R/R 4/26/76 5 11/180
%%
Florida Marlins
Manager: John Boles.
1999: 5th, 64-98.
2000 forecast: 5th.
Starting rotation: Alex Fernandez, Ryan Dempster, Vladimir Nunez, Jesus Sanchez and Brad Penny.
3-4-5 hitters: Cliff Floyd, Preston Wilson and Mike Lowell.
Closer: Antonio Alfonseca.
X-factor: Lowell, whose first year with the Marlins was marked by testicular cancer, hopes to stay on the field for a full season. If he does, he could put up impressive numbers.
Best case: Right-hander A.J. Burnett recovers from his broken thumb to win 10 games and top prospects Penny, Jason Grilli and Josh Beckett put together solid developmental years, laying a stronger foundation for the future.
Worst case: Wilson, ’99 runner-up for Rookie of the Year, and other young players take backward steps.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
52 Mike Redmond R/R 7/20/71 6 2/215
17 Sandy Martinez L/R 10/3/72 6 2/200
x-6 R. Castro R/R 3/1/76 6 3/225
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
10 x-Dave Berg R/R 9/3/70 5 11/185
1 Luis Castillo S/R 9/12/75 5 11/175
11 Alex Gonzalez R/R 2/15/77 6 0/170
25 Derrek Lee R/R 9/6/75 6 5/205
28 Mike Lowell R/R 2/24/74 6 4/195
15 Kevin Millar R/R 9/24/71 6 0/185
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
15 Cliff Floyd L/R 5/12/72 6 4/235
7 Mark Kotsay L/L 12/2/75 6 0/180
44 Preston Wilson R/R 7/19/74 6 2/193
23 Danny Bautista R/R 5/24/72 5 11/170
37 Brant Brown L/L 6/22/71 6 3/220
32 Derrick Gibson R/R 2/5/75 6 2/244
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
55 Armando Almanza L/L 10/26/72 6 3/205
47 Jared Camp R/R 5/4/75 6 2/195
29 Rickey Bones R/R 4/17/69 6 0/190
38 Reid Cornelius R/R 6/2/70 6 0/200
46 Ryan Dempster R/R 5/3/77 6 1/201
20 B. Edmondson R/R 1/29/73 6 2/175
34 Dan Miceli R/R 9/9/70 6 0/216
57 A. Alfonseca R/R 4/16/72 6 5/235
40 Vic Darensbourg L/L 11/13/70 5 10/165
32 Alex Fernandez R/R 8/13/69 6 1/215
23 Braden Looper R/R 10/28/74 6 5/225
21 Jesus Sanchez L/L 11/11/74 5 10/153
36 Vladimir Nunez R/R 5/15/75 6 4/224
28 Brad Penny R/R 5/24/78 6 4/200
58 Michael Tejera L/L 10/18/76 5 9/155
%%
NL WEST
Arizona Diamondbacks
Manager: Buck Showalter.
1999: 100-62, lst; lost to Mets in first round.
2000 forecast: 1st, lose to Mets in NLCS.
Starting pitching: Randy Johnson, Todd Stottlemyre, Omar Daal, Armando Reynoso and Brian Anderson.
3-4-5 hitters: Luis Gonzalez, Erubiel Durazo and Steve Finley.
Closer: Committee, including Byung-Hyun Kim.
X-factor: Stottlemyre is pitching with two tears in his rotator cuff but has refused surgery. He might not make it through April. He might win 15 games.
Best case: Matt Mantei, who’s on the DL, and Kim turn the bullpen into one more team strength as the Diamondbacks continue the roll they started last season.
Worst case: Matt Williams’ broken foot is the first of many injuries for a team that has four regulars and three starting pitchers who are 32 or older. Arizona misses playoffs.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
26 Damian Miller R/R 10/13/69 6 2/190
35 Kelly Stinnett R/R 2/4/70 5 11/195
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
33 Jay Bell R/R 12/11/65 6 0/185
28 Greg Colbrunn R/R 6/29/69 6 0/205
6 Andy Fox L/R 1/12/71 6 4/205
2 Hanley Frias S/R 12/5/73 6 0/160
16 Travis Lee L/L 5/26/75 6 3/205
9 x-Matt Williams R/R 11/28/65 6 2/216
5 Tony Womack L/R 9/25/69 5 9/159
44 Erubiel Durazo L/L 1/23/75 6 3/225
6 x-Andy Fox L/R 1/12/71 6 4/202
39 Luis Ordaz R/R 8/12/75 5 11/170
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
25 David Dellucci L/L 10/31/73 5 10/180
12 Steve Finley L/L 3/12/65 6 2/180
23 Bernard Gilkey R/R 9/24/66 6 0/190
20 Luis Gonzalez L/R 9/2/67 6 2/190
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
34 Brian Anderson S/L 4/26/72 6 1/190
37 Omar Daal L/L 3/1/72 6 3/185
46 Darren Holmes R/R 4/25/66 6 0/202
51 Randy Johnson R/L 10/10/63 6 10/230
27 Armando Reynoso R/R 5/1/66 6 0/204
32 Todd Stottlemyre L/R 5/20/65 6 3/200
49 Byung-Hyun Kim R/R 1/21/79 5 11/176
31 x-Matt Mantei R/R 7/7/73 6 1/190
45 Vicente Padilla R/R 9/27/77 6 2/200
19 Dan Plesac L/L 2/4/74 6 5/217
36 Russ Springer R/R 11/7/68 6 4/205
%%
San Francisco Giants
Manager: Dusty Baker.
1999: 86-76, 2nd.
2000 forecast: 2nd, win wild card, lose in first round.
Starting rotation: Livan Hernandez, Russ Ortiz, Kirk Rueter, Joe Nathan and Mark Gardner.
3-4-5 hitters: Barry Bonds, Jeff Kent and J.T. Snow.
Closer: Robb Nen.
X-factor: Nobody really knows how the wind will blow at Pacific Bell Park. The short porch in right is expected to be a ridiculously easy target for Bonds, but it’s all theory at this point.
Best case: After spending years in damp, cold Candlestick, the Giants are revitalized by a move to shiny surroundings. Bonds wins his fourth MVP and the Giants make the playoffs.
Worst case: Nen, who had surgery over the winter, has problems with his elbow throughout the season. A shaky bullpen makes it a challenge simply to finish .500.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
19 Doug Mirabelli R/R 10/18/70 6 0/215
29 Bobby Estalella R/R 8/23/74 6 1/205
9 Yorvit Torrealba R/R 7/19/78 5 11/180
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
35 Rich Aurilia R/R 9/2/71 6 1/170
18 Jay Canizaro R/R 7/4/73 5 9/178
57 Felipe Crespo S/R 3/5/73 5 11/200
21 Jeff Kent R/R 3/7/68 6 1/190
34 Ramon Martinez R/R 10/10/72 6 1/170
32 Bill Mueller S/R 3/17/71 5 11/175
6 J.T. Snow S/L 2/26/68 6 2/202
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
7 Marvin Benard L/L 1/20/70 5 9/180
25 Barry Bonds L/L 7/24/64 6 1/185
23 Ellis Burks R/R 9/11/64 6 2/198
28 Stan Javier S/R 1/9/64 6 0/185
1 Armando Rios L/L 9/13/71 5 9/185
8 Calvin Murray R/R 7/30/71 5 11/190
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
56 Alan Embree L/L 1/23/70 6 2/190
55 Shawn Estes L/L 2/18/73 6 2/195
26 Mark Gardner R/R 3/1/62 6 1/205
49 John Johnstone R/R 11/25/68 6 3/195
31 Robb Nen R/R 11/28/69 6 4/200
48 Russ Ortiz R/R 6/5/74 6 1/200
47 Felix Rodriguez R/R 12/5/72 6 1/190
46 Kirk Rueter L/L 12/1/70 6 3/195
38 Aaron Fultz L/L 9/4/73 6 0/196
61 Livan Hernandez R/R 2/20/75 6 2/220
41 Scott Linebrink R/R 8/4/76 6 3/185
36 Joe Nathan R/R 11/22/74 6 4/195
60 Ben Weber R/R 11/17/69 6 4/180
%%
Los Angeles Dodgers
Manager: Davey Johnson.
1999: 77-85, 3rd.
2000 forecast: 3rd.
Starting rotation: Kevin Brown, Chan Ho Park, Darren Dreifort, Orel Hershiser and Carlos Perez.
3-4-5 hitters: Gary Sheffield, Eric Karros and Shawn Green.
Closer: Jeff Shaw.
X-factor: General Manager Kevin Malone starts the season on shaky ground with the Fox brass. If Malone is fired, a new GM might also want to hire his own manager. Besides, Johnson isn’t going to stick around long if the Dodgers can’t get their act together soon.
Best case: Green adds much-needed balance to the Los Angeles offense and raises the consciousness of the clubhouse. The Dodgers give Brown enough runs for 20-plus victories and challenge for the playoffs.
Worst case: Kevin Elster proves to be no upgrade over Mark Grudzielanek at shortstop and the catching problems continue. Poor fielding paves the way for the Dodgers’ first back-to-back losing seasons since 1986 and ’87.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
9 Todd Hundley S/R 5/27/69 5 11/199
19 Chad Krueter S/R 8/26/64 6 2/200
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
29 Adrian Beltre R/R 4/7/78 5 11/170
30 M. Grudzielanek R/R 6/30/70 6 1/185
25 Dave Hansen L/R 11/24/68 6 0/195
23 Eric Karros R/R 11/4/67 6 4/222
10 Jose Vizcaino S/R 3/26/68 6 1/180
43 Kevin Elster R/R 8/3/64 6 2/205
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
28 T. Hollandsworth L/L 4/20/73 6 2/215
15 Shawn Green L/L 11/10/72 6 4/200
14 FP Santangelo S/R 10/24/67 5 10/165
10 Gary Sheffield R/R 11/18/68 5 11/205
22 Devon White S/R 12/29/62 6 2/190
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
55 Orel Hershiser R/R 9/16/58 6 3/190
27 Kevin Brown R/R 3/14/65 6 4/200
37 Darren Dreifort R/R 5/18/72 6 2/205
70 Onan Masaoka R/L 10/27/77 6 0/188
58 Alan Mills R/R 10/18/66 6 1/195
61 Chan Ho Park R/R 6/30/73 6 2/195
33 Carlos Perez L/L 4/14/71 6 3/195
51 Mel Rojas R/R 10/10/66 5 11/212
13 x-Antonio Osuna R/R 4/12/73 5 11/206
41 Jeff Shaw R/R 7/7/66 6 2/200
51 Terry Adams R/R 3/6/73 6 3/215
37 Mike Fetters R/R 12/19/64 6 4/226
49 Matt Herges L/R 4/1/70 6 0/200
60 Mike Judd R/R 6/30/75 6 1/217
30 Gregg Olson R/R 10/11/66 6 4/210
%% San Diego Padres
Manager: Bruce Bochy.
1999: 74-88, 4th.
2000 forecast: 5th.
Starting rotation: Sterling Hitchcock, Woody Williams, Matt Clement, Brian Meadows and Brian Boehringer.
3-4-5 hitters: Tony Gwynn, Ryan Klesko and Phil Nevin.
Closer: Trevor Hoffman.
X-factor: Switch-hitting catcher Ben Davis has All-Star talent but is starting the year at Class AAA after alienating teammates and management alike in his rookie season. Getting him back on track is important.
Best case: Newcomers Klesko, Bret Boone and Al Martin breathe life into a dormant lineup. The Padres finish just above .500.
Worst case: The dark cloud resulting from Martin’s arrest on assault and bigamy accusations taints a solid retooling effort by GM Kevin Towers, who continues the overhaul with midseason trades of veterans Hitchcock and Carlos Hernandez.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
9 Carlos Hernandez R/R 5/24/67 5 11/215
13 Ben Davis S/R 3/10/77 6 4/215
7 Wiki Gonzalez R/R 5/17/74 5 11/203
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
29 Bret Boone R/R 4/6/69 5 10/180
18 Ryan Klesko L/L 6/12/71 6 3/235
10 Chris Gomez R/R 6/16/71 6 1/195
2 Damian Jackson R/R 8/16/73 5 11/185
12 Dave Magadan L/R 9/30/62 6 4/215
23 Phil Nevin R/R 1/19/71 6 2/231
4 Ed Sprauge R/R 7/25/67 6 2/210
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
19 Tony Gwynn L/L 5/9/60 5 11/220
28 Al Martin L/L 11/24/67 6 2/210
28 Ruben Rivera R/R 11/14/73 6 3/200
8 Eric Owens R/R 2/3/71 6 0/198
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
49 Carlos Almanzar R/R 11/6/73 6 2/200
37 Brian Boehringer S/R 1/8/70 6 2/190
31 Matt Clement R/R 8/12/74 6 3/180
41 S. Hitchcock L/L 4/29/71 6 1/192
51 Trevor Hoffman R/R 10/13/67 6 0/205
18 x-Randy Myers L/L 9/19/62 6 1/230
36 Donne Wall R/R 7/11/67 6 1/180
27 Woody Williams R/R 8/19/66 6 0/195
34 Brian Meadows R/R 11/21/75 6 4/200
39 Wil Cunnane R/R 4/24/74 6 2/200
66 x-Rodney Myers R/R 6/26/69 6 1/215
55 Dan Serafini S/L 1/25/74 6 1/195
50 Matt Whisenant R/L 6/8/71 6 3/215
%%
Colorado Rockies
Manager: Buddy Bell.
1999: 72-90, 5th.
2000 forecast: 4th.
Starting rotation: Pedro Astacio, Rolando Arrojo, Brian Bohanon, Masato Yoshii and Scott Karl.
3-4-5 hitters: Larry Walker, Jeff Cirillo and Todd Helton.
Closer: David Lee.
X-factor: Closer Jerry Dipoto was sidelined with a herniated disc in spring training. He believes he can come back quickly. The Rockies need him to after trading Dave Veres and Curtis Leskanic last winter.
Best case: General Manager Dan O’Dowd’s plan of rebuilding around fielders with range and sinkerball pitchers who minimize walks proves to be a major success. The Rockies hit 100 fewer home runs but end a three-season losing streak.
Worst case: Opponents continue to ring up NFL scores at Coors Field while the Rockies struggle for runs.
%%
Catchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
8 Brent Mayne R/R 4/19/68 6 1/192
29 Scott Servais R/R 6/4/67 6 2/210
Infielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
7 Jeff Cirillo R/R 9/23/69 6 1/195
18 Aaron Ledesma R/R 6/3/71 6 2/200
22 Terry Shumpert R/R 8/16/66 6 2/195
17 Todd Helton L/L 8/20/73 6 2/202
3 Mike Lansing R/R 4/3/68 6 0/185
5 Neifi Perez S/R 6/2/75 6 0/177
Outfielders B/T Born Ht/Wt
12 Edgard Clemente R/R 12/15/75 5 3/235
19 Angel Echevarria R/R 5/25/71 6 3/219
24 Tom Goodwin L/R 7/27/68 6 1/175
33 Larry Walker L/R 12/1/66 6 3/225
4 Jeffrey Hammonds R/R 3/5/71 6 0/195
22 Darren Bragg L/R 9/7/69 5 9/180
Pitchers B/T Born Ht/Wt
34 Pedro Astacio R/R 11/28/69 6 2/195
41 Brian Bohanon L/L 8/1/68 6 2/240
44 x-Mike DeJean R/R 9/28/70 6 2/208
45 Jerry Dipoto R/R 5/24/68 6 2/200
30 Rolando Arrojo R/R 7/18/68 6 4/215
38 Manny Aybar R/R 10/5/74 6 1/177
37 Stan Belinda R/R 8/6/66 6 3/215
54 Rick Croushore R/R 8/7/70 6 4/210
49 Jose Jimenez R/R 7/7/73 6 3/190
42 Scott Karl L/L 8/9/71 6 2/209
51 David Lee R/R 3/12/73 6 1/200
28 Mike Myers L/L 6/26/69 6 4/214
50 Julian Tavarez L/R 5/22/73 6 2/190
21 Masato Yoshii R/R 4/20/65 6 2/210
%%
