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Page 2
Houston
Yeah, signing Jose Vizcaino should lock them into the World Series.
New York They focused on pitching, but they didn’t replace what they lost. They lost Mike Hampton. His replacements are Kevin Appier and Steve Trachsel. OK, Appier is a solid 3 or 4 man in the rotation. But why sign Trachsel instead of giving a minor leaguer a chance? Keeping Rick Reed is a good move. Turk Wendell and John Franco are two great set-up men that had to be kept. Philadelphia Once again, why sign Jose Mesa and Rheal Cormier instead of bringing up minor leaguers. These two are moderately effective, at best. The Phillies have not improved themselves at all. Pittsburgh Terry Mulholland may not be a great addition, but he’s a solid addition to the rotation. Hopefully, he can teach the Pirates young starters what he learned in Atlanta. San Diego Re-signing Tony Gwynn is a good move if he stays healthy, but it’s definitely not enough. San Francisco Mark Gardner is a good sign and assures them of returning the same team next year. They will still be a good team. Shawon Dunston is a good utility man. Boston Frank Castillo may be the most underrated starting-pitcher signee of the winter. He could become a boost to the rotation of Pedro and whoever. Keeping Wakefield and Schourek are good moves, since they can play multiple roles. As Castillo goes, so goes their season. Cleveland Ellis Burks could provide the leadership that this team needs. Last year’s injured players will fill most of Cleveland’s holes. Look for them to be solid. Chicago They will return basically the same team after resigning Cal Eldred and Jose Valentin. They are hoping that no one had a career year last year. New York Mike Mussina will replace David Cone in the rotation. Otherwise, this is the same team that won the World Series last year. Joe Oliver is a solid back up for Jorge Posada. Paul O’Neill, Dwight Gooden, and Luis Sojo know their roles on the team, and will do them well next season. Seattle Sure they lost ARod, but signing Jeff Nelson is a great move. If Ichiro Suzuki can play and Buhner provides some pop, Seattle could repeat. All the pieces are in place. Texas They added power on top of power to the lineup: Alex Rodriguez, Ken Caminiti, and Andres Galarraga. This team will pound the ball. Mark Petkovsek is a solid reliever and much needed. Their question mark is the closer position. Another starter wouldn’t hurt either.
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