NL Central Preview

If rookie Sheets comes through with a decent year pitching and Jeff D’Amico pitches well over a full season, this team could actually compete. Jamey Wright, Jimmy Haynes, and Paul Rigdon are decent starters, but if D’Amico and Sheets turn into No. 1 and No. 2 level starters, watch out.

3. Will Jeromy Burnitz be traded?

If this team is not competing by the trading deadline, Burnitz will be moved. If they are anywhere within screaming distance of a playoff spot, look for the Brewers to toss some of the new-found attendance revenue toward Burnitz.

Houston Astros 1. Can Jose Lima return to form?

After being a twenty game winner in 1999, Lima got shelled repeatedly in 2000 and lost 16 games with a 6.65 ERA. The Astros need Lima back to form.

2. Will we see a healthy season from Craig Biggio, Billy Wagner and Shane Reynolds?

All three All-star caliber players were seriously injured in 2000. Any team would have suffered horribly from losing three players this good, but with these guys back and healthy, the Astros could rise as quickly as they fell.

3. Is Richard Hidalgo for real?

Hidalgo hit 44 homers in 2000 and earned a nice contract because of it. If he can repeat, the combination of Hidalgo, Moises Alou, and Jeff Bagwell could destroy opposing pitchers.

Pittsburgh Pirates 1. What will the new stadium be like?

Will it benefit the hitters or pitchers? As with all new stadiums, it will most likely pack the house, but I don’t think that the Pirates are as close to contending as the Brewers.

2. Why did the Pirates sign Derek Bell and Terry Mulholland?

I don’t understand these mediocre teams that go out and sign expensive, mediocre veterans. (See Phillies.) Mulholland and Bell are solid major leaguers, but they are a waste of money on a team that needs stars. Brian Giles and Jason Kendall can’t carry this team alone.

3. Will manager Lloyd McClendon provide motivation for this team?

It seems like the Pirates have been loaded with potential for years. The rotation and the field have a lot of guys who were solid prospects coming up, but things never seemed to fall into place. McClendon’s job will be to give this team a winning attitude.

Chicago Cubs 1. Was the off-season turnover a good thing?

Here are the new faces at Wrigley: Ron Coomer, Todd Hundley, Bill Mueller, Rondell White, and Matt Stairs. Does this mean an improved product

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