Rotations and Defense

Every starting pitcher relies on his defense for success. Just ask the Indians pitchers how many times Omar Vizquel and Robbie Alomar got them out of the inning unscathed because of a sparkling defense play. Or how many home runs have you seen Ken Griffey, Jr and Andruw Jones pull back onto the playing field? Defensive play often goes unsung throughout the course of a major league season, but this week let's rank the top defensive teams in each league. While we're at it, let's rank the staring rotations.

National League Defenses 1. New York Mets. Even without John Olerud at first base, the Mets still have an infield including Edgardo Alfonzo, Rey Ordonez, and Robin Ventura. The rest of the team is adequate, giving the Mets a top notch defense. 2. Cincinnati Reds. Throw Ken Griffey, Jr. into the middle of the Reds defense to play with Pokey Reese and Barry Larkin, and you get a solid defense. Sean Casey is solid at first base. This defense will have to play well to support the Reds pitching. 3. San Fransisco Giants. J.T. Snow and Barry Bonds are as good at their positions as anyone. Marvin Bernard's play just got him a big contract. If Rich Aurilia has a good year at shortstop, this defense will have few peers.

American League Defenses 1. New York Yankees. The Yankees have Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams to lead this defense that just doesn't make mistakes to beat itself. They play fundamental and steady baseball in the field. 2. Cleveland Indians. The middle of the defense includes Gold-Glovers Sandy Alomar, Robbie Alomar, Omar Vizquel, and Kenny Lofton. Travis Fryman could win one at third someday. 3. Texas Rangers. They would probably make this list if they had Pudge Rodriquez and eight little-leaguers. But they also have Rafael Palmeiro and Royce Clayton.

Just a quick ranking of pitching staffs. What makes these lists difficult are the lack of good rotations in the A.L. and the abundance in the N.L. But look at the top five for each league.

American League Rotations 1. New York Yankees. Unless age drastically affects Roger Clemens and David Cone, this staff will be fine. 2. Boston Red Sox. What Pudge is to the Rangers defense, Pedro Martinez is to the Red Sox pitching staff. Martinez is so much better than everyone else, the Red Sox have a great staff is the other four can just survive. 3. Seattle Mariners. They've gotten some flak from many baseball people for their lack of rotation. But look for big years from Freddy Garcia and John Halama.

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