Jeers to the management of the Marlins and the Brewers for doing nothing except giving up before Opening Day.
What Year Is It? During what season did all of this happen: The Phillies and the White Sox made the playoffs by winning their divisions. San Francisco won 103 games and missed the playoffs. John Burkett of San Francisco had 22 wins. The league leader in home runs had only 46. The Mets lost 103 games. Kansas City won 84 games. Paul Molitor finished second in the American League MVP voting. Kirby Puckett was the MVP of the All-Star Game. Any fan would have told you that hitting 70 home runs is impossible.
The answer is at the bottom of this column.
Questions for the NL Central The NL Central is shaping up to be a real battle this season. With the addition of some players and the loss of players, we could see a good race, just as we did last year. Here's the biggest questions coming into Spring Training.
St. Louis Cardinals The Cardinals have a revamped pitching staff and look to some young players to contribute. J.D. Drew needs to live up to his billing. Will the new starters take pressure off an overworked bullpen? Can Matt Morris and Alan Benes get healthy and contribute? Can Dave Veras close? Can any Cardinals player not named McGwire or Tatis have a good offensive year?
Chicago Cubs After watching the Rockies fall off the face of the earth last year, the public has given Don Baylor credit as a big league manager. Can Kerry Wood come back as good as before? Will Ismael Valdez be effective outside of Los Angeles? Does Sammy Sosa put together a third incredible season? Can Aguilera still close a game?
Houston Astros The biggest news for Houston has been their off-season losses. As returning champs with a solid nucleus intact, they deserve some respect. Can Mike Hampton's wins be replaced? Will Moises Alou have a great comeback year? Who will play shortstop, catcher, and outfield?
Milwaukee Brewers They picked up some starting pitching, but otherwise it's hard to take this team seriously when they make no significant off-season gains. Can Jeff Cirillo be replaced at third base? Are Marquis Grissom and Jeromy Burnitz enough to carry the team? Has anyone heard of any of the Brewers starting pitchers?
Go To Page: 1 2
