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Circuit Clouts
April 1, 1994 • Season Preview Edition
April 1, 1994 • Season Preview Edition
SEASON PREVIEW EDITION
Knocking on Heaven's Door?
New Contenders Seek to Subvert Dominant Paradigm
As the United League gears up for its 44th season, a few teams are going all in to make the jump from pretenders to contenders and upset the ruling order of the league.
In the four seasons that the reconstituted West Division has existed, the same three teams have made the West playoffs. But in 1994, the Atlanta Hilltoppers and Havana Leones are committed to busting the trust and crashing the playoff party. The Hilltoppers, under GM Andy Chaney, have endured six straight losing seasons. But on the heels of becoming the #1 pitching team, the Red Blobs have retooled and upgraded their offense, with three-time batting champion Wade Boggs joining four-time batting champion Tony Gwynn, and a rested and reinvigorated Manny Ramirez poised for a breakout season.
Meanwhile, GM Lance Mueller's Havana Leones, who have been the best non-playoff team in the West four times in a row, have served notice that they not going to take it anymore. Havana added several big-dollar signings, including six-time All-Star CF Lenny Dykstra, two-time All-Stars SS Scott Fletcher and LF Dan Pasqua, and former Boston ace Roger Clemens.
The West is shaping up to be a dog-cat-bird-fish-and-ferret fight, with no fewer than five teams entering the campaign with genuine postseason potential, for the reining triumvirate of Chicago, Los Angeles, and St. Louis have not gotten any worse.
Feds, Starlings Rising in the East
Meanwhile in the East, Boston and Keystone made some big moves in the offseason in hopes of penetrating that division's top positions. Boston GM Mark Waller, owner of one of the circuit's most potent lineups but the third-worst pitching, used his first two draft picks to add SP Jon Lieber and closer Billy Taylor, both of whom are in key roles on Opening Day.
Down the Eastern Seaboard, Keystone GM Doug Aiton has timed his move, tapping Year Five of his expansion Keystone Starlings to attempt the big jump. Despite losing 91 games last year, the Starlings look like a legitimate contender as their crop of young stars matures together and will benefit with the addition of seasoned veterans like Kevin Mitchell and Jesse Barfield. And their pitching staff—the bullpen, in particular—got a significant upgrade.
Bas, Colts Remain Top Favorites
Despite all the churn at the cusp of the playoff zone, most pundits still have the Chicago Colts and Brooklyn Superbas at or near the top of the UL pyramid. GM Steve Haugh's Bondage Ponies will try to win repeat crowns for the first time in their history, while GM Tim Widholm tries to go one step beyond and push the Superbas to their first title in his 18th year at the helm.
Top Offseason Moves
Alomar to Florida; Boggs A Topper; Leones Stockpiling Stars
Twelve big stars (3000+ contracts) switched teams this offseason, and their moves reflect the state of the league, with three departing Denver, two leaving Washington, and four joining Havana and two joining Brooklyn. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Maroons swapped out two, but got back three, as they attempt to keep an aging roster still relevant.
2B Roberto Alomar (DEN>FLO) (15500)
The third highest-paid player in UL history (Frank Robinson 17111 in 1972, Barry Bonds 17798 in 1993) finds a new home just seven months after signing a mega-contract that made him the Denver 14ers franchise player. Alomar was the crown jewel of the 14ers fire sale, and the Flamingos' deep pockets make Miami one of the only—if not the only—landing place for him.
3B Wade Boggs (WAS>ATL) (8600)
Top victim of the Washington Monuments rebuild, Boggs now joins Tony Gwynn, arguably the two greatest hitters in the league over the last decade. What's more, the legendary hitting tandem is linked up with the one of the best pitching staff's in a generation. Keep your eye on these Toppers!
SS Robin Yount (STL>BRO) (7500)
One of the best shortstops in UL history moves to his fifth club, after making the playoffs with all four previous clubs (Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, St. Louis). At age 37, Yount has lost a step or two, and hit power numbers are well below his career average, but he still posted a 5.2 WAR last year with the Maroons.
SP Jose DeLeon (SF>MAN) (7500)
For a team with a pitching deficiency that finished two game out of the players, acquiring an ace in his prime was a great move. And after 11 years with the Spiders and just one disastrous playoff appearance, DeLeon will be happy to be on a perennial contender.
SP Joe Magrane (LA>STL) (6000)
After a year in L.A., the greedy lefty opted for the free agency market, where he landed a contract about 30 percent below his 1993 numbers with the Outlaws arch-nemesis St. Louis.
CF Lenny Dykstra (STL>HAV) (5270)
The Maroon's core is getting older and pricier, and somebody had to go, so Yount and Lenny were the ones. Havana also added SS Scott Fletcher, LF Dan Pasqua, and SP Roger Clemens—lest there be an question about GM Lance Mueller's intentions...
C Rich Gedman (WAS>STL) (5000)
In St. Louis—the traditional home geriatric backstoppers—former Monument Rich Gedman is practically a spring chicken, at the tender age of 33. The five-time Gold-Glover is coming off a 6.8 WAR season, the second highest of his career, but his salary outstripped the Monuments' capacity to pay him.
SS Scott Fletcher (BOS>HAV) (3670)
LF Dan Pasqua (DEN>HAV) (3600)
SP Roger Clemens (DEN>HAV) (3300)
CF David Justice (HAV>STL) (3200)
SP Kelly Downs (TOR>BRO) (3160)
¡Impacto Novato!
A Rundown of Impact Rookies
by Charlie Qualls
Everyone needs a percussive jolt now and then, and if you can get it from a fresh faced rookie, all the better! Let’s take a look ahead to the fledgling foals that could and should make their presence felt in the majors this season.
OF Raul Mondesi - Toronto Polar Bears
What’s been eating Raul? For starters, he’s the fourth meal in the league’s beefiest outfield. Also a righty heavy menu, so not much opportunity for platooning. However, Mondesi’s prodigious potential with the bat, definitive defensive prowess at all three OF positions, oh, and elite speed make him one of the premier bench options in the game. But what’s this? Toronto starting the season with still living (albeit aging) legend John Shelby on the bench? A risky current table setting modification, but it’s clear Mondesi is slated to be a meaty portion of the Albino Bears’ future feasts.
CF Jim Edmonds - Cleveland Barons
Hard to call how much “impact” a player will have with a team that is not expected to do much with or without him. However, excitement abounds about Edmonds’ fiery finish to last season, and a strong performance could help set the tone for the future of the beleaguered Barons franchise. Edmonds is no lump with the leather, earning the ILW Silver Glove Award for CF in AAA Texas. More importantly, Jim will have the benefit (and curse) of being expected to be an offensive leader on day one.
SP Joey Hamilton - Seattle Rainiers
The raging aging Rainiers roundelay needs a serious youth injection and they may have hit the motherlode with Joey Hamilton. At age 23, the freshly minted rookie looks poised to hit the ground running, and seems up to the task. Joey is a smart (just ask him) finesse hurler who brings a swagger that may propel him to a prominent position among the league’s elite starters. Beginning the season in the minors, don’t expect him to stay long.
SP William Van Landingham - Keystone Starlings
An intelligent player, a man of letters, if you will, Keystone wastes no time or seasoning on William Van Landingham. However, the name stitched on his jersey is not the only incognitable curvature he brings to the game. Sporting a crippling curve ball coupled with a celebrious fastball, the Starlings hope their swerve to grant WVL a salient spot in their rotation pays off indubitably .
RF Jeffrey Hammonds - Cleveland Barons
No one projects Jeffrey Hammonds as the game’s next superstar, but he gets a chance at everyday play based on his minor league performance, electric Spring Training pursuits and the fact that the Barons have limited options in a time of rebuilding. Hammonds looks to be overshadowed by his pal Jim Edmonds, but in fact, overshadowed Edmonds in the minors, proving it may be a mistake to underestimate his worth.
RP Billy Taylor - Boston Federals
You’ll be able to tell your grandkids you were there. Rest assured, Billy Taylor has already told his. The rumors are true! At age 72 (OK, 32), Billy Taylor attempts the improbable. But there is definitely space on the Feds roster (and in our hearts) for this lovable old coot. Thanks to some crafty drafting, the Federals may make a dent in their division, especially if Old Man Taylor lives up to his promise.
SP Aaron Sele - Keystone Starlings
The Starlings boast one of the youngest rotations in the game, and Aaron Sele could be the epicenter of that youth explosion. Considered by most scouts to be the brightest starting pitcher star to shoot from the 1993 Draft, Sele hopes to affirm those expectations. A minor setback in development moves him down on the Starlings hopes list, but watch for a plus fastball and a wicked curve to seal lots of K’s for this exciting young righty.
LF Garrett Anderson - San Franciso Spiders
The Spiders are doing whatever they can while waiting for a GM to stick. In a draft that offered very few promising bats, the Spiders score Garrett Anderson, who brings seeming stability to an organization in flux. Some rookie hiccups are expected from from one of the draft’s youngest contributions, but scouts say this kid can not only handle it with pioise, but will thrive in the face of adversity.
SP Ismael Valdez - Cleveland Barons
While the wall is not very high for Ismael Valdez to climb to be the Barons' Ace, the freshly migrated pitcher from Mexico has the look of a gran inciador. In an emerging era of power hitters, Valdez will attempt to use his pinpoint control to miss as many bats as possible. However, being backed up by one of the league’s weakest offenses won’t do him any favors in the win column.
SP Jon Lieber - Boston Federals
Much respect will be afforded Jon Lieber as he attempts a Triple Lindy into a rotation that really needs him to make a splash. How of much of Boston’s final grade will depend on what’s in this Freshman’s backpack? Time will tell. A young (and Gary Gaetti), power packed offense are eager to prove they are up to the assignment of helping push Be Good Jonny to the head of the class.
3B Jeff Cirillo - Los Angeles Outlaws
Jeff Cirillo may be the latest horse on the mery-go-round that is LA’s always solid lineup. Not quite fully painted, JC might have benefitted from some time on the minor league range, but the Outlaws need his gun now. Regardless of what Cirillo pads with the bat, watch for his leather to corral any bullets hit to left side of the Outlaw infield.
RF Shawn Green - Washington Monuments
It appeared the Mons recent signing of Mike Greenwell likely meant, well, less Green. But Shawn’s solid showing in AAA Twin Cities has earned him a spot in the Opening Day lineup. The Monuments are searching for an identity, Green is in a position to prove he is someone they can not only trust, but maybe even build around.
SP Bobby Jones - Detroit Griffins
The Griffins are looking for a treasured fifth starter and believe they can find it by digging in their own back yard. Bobby Jones is in the chest, but may need a kick in the booty to outshine competition from Sophomore Scott Sanders. Regardless, watch for “Davy” Jones to make a solid contribution to the bullpen while waiting for his turn at bat as a starting pitcher.
C Charles Johnson - Atlanta Hilltoppers
Right out of the box, Chucky takes a stab at handling the league’s screamingest rotation. He won’t be expected to doll things up with with bat, but could be hiding some power tools in the lower half of the lineup. Regardless, if the Hills’ fans have eyes, they’ll eventually see that Charles Johnson was the best thing that could have happened to a franchise on the rise.
¿ Pero Qué Paso Con…?
Some big names are lurking, though most don’t look ready to “make” their names just yet…
3B Chipper Jones - Florida Flamingos
Scouts, fans and management still love the look, promise and attitude of this kid, but there is much work to be done in Vancouver before this Orca gets his Flamingo wings.
SS Alex Rodriguez - Cleveland Barons
It seems the United League has been heralding to the arrival of “A-Rod” for years. However, the Barons are not eager to break their new toy and will likely use extra caution when taking him out of his (total?) package.
2B Jeff Kent - Denver 14ers
After an encouragingly productive performance in AAA Phoenix, is it finally time for Jeff Kent to take the training wheels off his truck and start driving in runs for the retooling 14ers? He starts the season on the bench, but is eager to bring some pop to a position not usually counted on for power production.
1B Carlos Delgado - San Francisco Spiders
Been waiting for that one lucky break in Vegas while the Mighty Mark Grace holds all the First Base cards. The Spiders are looking for a new pit boss to come in and re-stack this deck. Carlos sits on big club bench for now…
SP Sterling Hitchcock - Washington Monuments
The Mons have assembled an impressive looking rotation, it may take an injury or a meltdown to see this Sterling shine.
RP Robb Nen - Havana Leones
Still a tad raw, a fully cooked Robb Nen would galvanize an already prideful den of relievers, but it seems he’s still a whim away. With the West Division getting toothier by the minute, the Lions need Robb to find his roar sooner rather than later.
Predicted Finish
Predicted Finish
BNN PREDICTED FINISH
East W L GB R RA
Brooklyn 89 71 - 6 6
Detroit 88 72 1 5 5
Boston 84 76 5 1 15
Manhattan 81 79 8 9 11
Toronto 81 79 8 2 12
Washington 75 85 14 14 14
Montreal 74 86 15 7 17
Keystone 72 88 17 10 16
Cleveland 66 94 23 18 9
West W L GB R RA
Chicago 98 62 - 4 2
Los Angeles 94 66 4 8 1
St. Louis 90 70 8 3 4
Atlanta 88 72 10 16 3
Seattle 79 81 19 11 10
Florida 77 83 21 13 8
Havana 77 83 21 12 13
San Francisco 73 87 25 15 7
Denver 59 101 39 17 18
REED'S READ
Reed BNN Diff
05 Toronto 8t +3
06 Brooklyn 4 -2
07 Boston 7 0
9 Keystone 16 +7
10 Detroit 5t -5
11 Manhattan 8t -3
14 Montreal 14 0
17 Cleveland 17 0
18 Washington 13 -5
Reed BNN Diff
01 St. Louis 3 +2
02 Los Angeles 2 0
03 Chicago 1 -2
04 Atlanta 5t +1
08 Havana 11t +3
12 Florida 11t -1
13 San Francisco 15 +2
15 Seattle 10 -5
16 Denver 18 +2
Positional Rankings
underlined means different position last year; italics means tied
Positional Rankings
underlined means different position last year; italics means tied
LEFT FIELDERS
1 2 Barry Bonds STL
2 2 Albert Belle CHI
3 3 Ellis Burks TOR
4 - Ryan Klesko DET
5 1 Sammy Sosa BOS
6 4 Larry Walker MON
7 7 Mike Aldrete SF
8 - Ruben Sierra FLO
9 8 Tim Raines DEN
9 - Joe Carter MAN
SHORTSTOP
1 1 Alan Trammell CHI
2 2 Robin Yount BRO
3 3 Barry Larkin SF
4 6 Rey Sanchez LA
5 4 Scott Fletcher HAV
6 - John Valentin MAN
7 7 Mariano Duncan TOR
8 9 Ozzie Guillen DET
9 5 Jeff Blauser MON
THIRD BASEMEN
1 1 Gary Sheffield CHI
2 2 Matt Williams BRO
3 3 Wade Boggs ATL
4 4 Kevin Mitchell KEY
5 - Bip Roberts MON
5 6 Gary Gaetti MAN
7 8 Travis Fryman SF
8 - Jeff Cirillo LA
9 5 Kevin Seitzer STL
---------------------
POSITION PLAYERS
01 1 Ken Griffey Jr BRO
02 2 Barry Bonds BOS
3 10 Albert Belle CHI
4 13 Gary Sheffield CHI
50 3 Alan Trammell CHI
06 4 Rich Gedman WAS
7 7 Kal Daniels HAV
08 6 Ellis Burks TOR
9 12 Robin Yount STL
100 5 Ryne Sandberg WAS
11 9 Shane Mack HAV
12 11 Raffy Palmeiro STL
13 20 Frank E. Thomas LA
14 14 Matt Williams BRO
15 8 Eric Davis CHI
16 - Ivan Rodriguez MON
17 - Ryan Klesko DET
18 - Geronimo Pena BRO
19 17 Sammy Sosa BOS
20 - Dave Nilsson DET - - 15 Roberto Alomar DEN
- 16 Tony Phillips STL
- 18 Bip Roberts MON
- 19 Lenny Dykstra STL
CENTER FIELDERS
1 1 Ken Griffey Jr BRO
2 5 Shane Mack HAV
3 7 Stan Javier LA
4 4 David Justice STL
5 - Raul Mondesi TOR
6 8 Kirby Puckett WAS
7 - Otis Nixon MAN
8 9 Luis Gonzalez MON
9 - Jim Edmonds CLE
CATCHERS
1 1 Rich Gedman STL
2 2 Ivan Rodriguez MON
3 7 Dave Nilsson DET
4 6 Mike Scioscia MAN
5 5 Benny Santiago CHI
6 3 Mike Piazza BOS
7 4 Mike Stanley HAV
8 8 Terry Steinbach SF
9 - Mick Tettleton TOR
---------------------
STARTING PITCHERS
1 1 Pedro Martinez ATL
2 - Ismael Valdez CLE
03 3 F Valenzuela ATL
04 2 Dwight Gooden TOR
05 5 John Smoltz ATL
6 7 Mike Mussina FLO
07 4 Floyd Youmans LA
08 - Jon Lieber BOS
09 6 B Saberhagen BOS
10 8 Jose DeLeon MAN
11 - Darryl Kile ATL
12 - Van Landingham KEY
13 19 Steve Cooke CHI
14 11 Erik Hanson CHI
15 14 Roger Clemens HAV
16 09 Greg Swindell LA
17 15 Pat Hentgen BOS
18 - Kevin Brown BRO
19 - Tom Glavine WAS
20 - Joe Magrane STL
- 10 Andy Benes DET
- 12 Darren Oliver MON
- 130Teddy Higuera WAS
- 16 Pedro Astacio DET
- 17 Mark Langston HAV
0- 18 Don Robinson SEA
- 20 Greg Mathews TOR
RIGHT FIELDERS
1 1 Kal Daniels HAV
2 4 Eric Davis CHI
3 2 Tony Gwynn ATL
4 3 Ivan Calderon FLO
5 5 John Shelby TOR
6 7 Orlando Merced DET
7 9 Tim Salmon KEY
8 6 Junior Felix MON
9 8 Willie McGee SEA
SECOND BASEMEN
1 1 Ryne Sandberg WAS
2 5 Geronimo Pena BRO
3 2 Roberto Alomar FLO
4 3 Tony Phillips STL
5 6 Mick Morandini TOR
6 - Bret Boone MON
7 8 Tony Fernandez DET
8 - Mark McLemore DEN
9 7 Jay Bell LA
FIRST BASEMEN
1 1 Raffy Palmeiro STL
2 2 Frank E Thomas LA
3 3 John Olerud CHI
4 6 Howard Johnson HAV
5 4 Fred McGriff DET
6 3 Dion James BRO
7 5 Mark Grace SF
8 8 Alvin Davis SEA
9 7 Wally Joyner MAN
---------------------
TOP RELIEVERS (tiers)
A * Doug Henry SEA
A A Blas Minor BRO
B A Dave Beard CLE
B - Steve Karsay FLO
B A Greg McMichael BRO
B B Tim Scott HAV
B - Billy Taylor BOS
B A Mark Wohlers DET
* - 4.5 stars
A - 4.0
B - 3.5
EAST DIVISION
EAST DIVISION
TORONTO POLAR BEARS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 100 60 2nd 5.2 4.1 1 7
1992 83 77 7th 5.4 5.0 1 18
1993 90 70 4-T 4.6 4.1 2 12
Avg HR RBI WAR
2B L Mickey Morandini .299 3 27 2.6
RF R Juan Gonzalez .299 21 82 5.0
LF R Ellis Burks .304 37 92 4.8
CF R Raul Mondesi rookie
1B R Eric Karros .264 41 115 4.2
3B R Chris Sabo .280 20 69 3.3
C S Mickey Tettleton .241 39 89 5.7
SS R Dickie Thon .265 17 67 2.5
W L ERA WAR
SP R Dwight Gooden 20 10 3.05 6.9
SP R Brian Holman 16 11 2.92 4.4
SP R Scott Sanderson 13 10 3.70 3.4
SP L Greg Mathews 13 6 3.49 3.4
SP R Kirk McCaskill 6 20 5.35 1.8
CL R Michael Jackson 9 SV 6.23 0.4
Key Man: Scott Sanderson
The success of P-Bears rotation could ride on the right arm of the 36-year-old righty.
IN
2B Mickey Morandini (2899), *CF Raul Mondesi (2000), RP Gene Nelson (1200)
OUT
SP Kelly Downs (3160)
BROOKLYN SUPERBAS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 93 67 3rd 4.8 3.9 3 5
1992 79 81 11th 4.9 4.6 4 10
1993 90 70 4-T 4.7 3.8 1 4
Avg HR RBI WAR
2B S Geronimo Pena .300 16 83 6.9
1B L Dion James .342 11 79 5.4
CF L Ken Griffey Jr .319 30 88 8.0
3B R Matt Williams .268 35 110 3.9
SS R Robin Yount .275 11 47 5.2
LF R Glenallen Hill .215 9 34 -0.2
RF S Jerry Browne .297 5 42 3.2
C L Jeff Reed .282 8 44 2.0
W L ERA WAR
SP R Kevin Brown 15 5 3.35 3.5
SP R Ramon Martinez 18 5 2.92 4.5
SP R Kelly Downs 8 12 4.00 1.9
SP L Steve Avery 15 8 3.65 3.4
SP R David Cone 10 16 4.01 2.3
CL R Blas Minor 30 SV 2.80 1.2
Key Man: Ramon Martinez
The 24-year-old Dominican had a breakout season with 18 wins and a 2.92 ERA last year. Can he keep it up or was it a fluke?
IN
SS Robin Yount (7500), SP Kelly Downs (3160), C Brian Harper (2333), RP Jesse Orosco (1200)
OUT
RF Mike Greenwell (1450), SS Dale Berra (1000)
BOSTON FEDERALS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 67 93 15-T 4.2 4.4 11 12
1992 80 80 9-T 4.9 4.8 5 14
1993 67 93 16th 4.1 4.4 10 16
Avg HR RBI WAR
LF R Sammy Sosa .247 44 99 5.3
2B R Chuck Knoblauch .304 3 50 3.9
RF L Kal Daniels .296 37 104 7.7
1B L Jim Thome .274 16 60 1.8
C R Mike Piazza .286 30 89 4.8
3B R Gary Gaetti .244 12 61 2.4
CF L Lloyd Moseby .242 9 54 0.6
SS S Walt Weiss minors
W L ERA WAR
SP R Bret Saberhagen 8 11 3.74 3.3
SP R Jon Lieber rookie
SP R Pat Hentgen 9 8 3.08 4.6
SP R Ryan Bowen 7 11 3.77 2.2
SP L Brian Anderson 5 3 4.11 0.5
CL R Billy Taylor rookie
Key Man: Jon Lieber
If the Feds hope to improve their pitching, they will need their 3rd overall pick to live up to his preseason hype.
IN
*SP Jon Lieber (2300)
OUT
SS Scott Fletcher (3670), 1B Julio Franco (2500), RP Paul Assenmacher (2333)
KEYSTONE STARLINGS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 64 96 18th 3.7 4.8 17 17
1992 67 93 14-T 4.2 5.0 14 17
1993 69 91 14th 3.6 4.5 15 17
Avg HR RBI WAR
LF R Jerome Walton .283 7 19 0.6
2B S Carlos Baerga .246 7 36 0.6
1B R Jeff Bagwell .256 31 78 4.7
RF R Tim Salmon .254 36 86 5.0
3B R Kevin Mitchell .285 24 67 5.2
C L B.J. Surhoff .269 10 59 1.1
SS R Wil Cordero .261 20 60 1.3
CF R Jesse Barfield .228 2 8 0.1
W L ERA WAR
SP L Butch Henry 4 4 3.27 1.4
SP R Van Landingham rookie
SP L Kirk Rueter 11 16 3.93 2.3
SP R Scott Bankhead 18 10 3.33 3.8
SP R Aaron Sele rookie
CL R John Dopson 25 SV 4.53 0.6
Key Man: Jeff Bagwell
It is time for the former #1 prospect to produce his first monster year and join the league's elite sluggers.
IN
RP Paul Assenmacher (2333), *SP William Van Landingham (2000), 2B Harold Reynolds (1770), RP Carlos Diaz (1400)
OUT
RP Roberto Hernandez (1500)
DETROIT GRIFFINS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 80 80 10th 4.0 4.0 13 6
1992 103 57 1st 4.8 3.9 6 3
1993 95 65 2-T 4.5 4.0 6 9
Avg HR RBI WAR
3B S Tony Fernandez .305 5 48 5.0
RF L Dwight Smith .292 24 88 3.8
C L Dave Nilsson .307 26 94 5.5
LF L Ryan Klesko .252 33 86 3.7
1B L Fred McGriff .300 36 112 5.6
CF S Orlando Merced .266 7 55 2.4
2B L Jeff Treadway .297 12 76 3.7
SS L Ozzie Guillen .282 1 55 1.9
W L ERA WAR
SP R Andy Benes 15 12 3.75 2.5
SP L Pete Schourek 17 7 3.94 2.6
SP L Chris Nabholz 13 10 3.07 4.4
SP R Alex Fernandez 18 6 3.38 4.0
SP R Scott Sanders 2 0 4.03 -0.9
CL R Mark Wohlers 29 SV 1.70 1.9
Key Man: Dave Nilsson
The UL's first--and only--Aussie is on the verge of becoming the next elite backstopper.
IN
*2B Fernando Vina (2000), *RP Hector Carrasco (1500), *RP Scott Sanders (1500)
OUT
--
MANHATTAN GRAY SOX
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 70 90 13th 4.7 5.5 4 18
1992 89 71 6th 4.9 4.8 3 13
1993 88 72 6th 4.5 4.0 3 11
Avg HR RBI WAR
CF S Otis Nixon .301 1 17 2.0
RF R Tom Brunansky .256 26 84 1.9
1B L Wally Joyner .287 14 57 3.3
LF R Joe Carter .303 35 94 4.2
SS R Ed N. Sprague .288 22 65 4.1
2B R John Valentin .260 14 70 3.7
C L Mike Sciosica .286 4 20 1.9
SS R Cal Ripken Jr .236 6 40 2.7
W L ERA WAR
SP R Jose DeLeon 11 8 3.02 5.3
SP R Jim Gott 8 6 3.63 3.0
SP R Melido Perez 11 14 3.77 3.5
SP R Ken Howell 15 8 2.94 2.6
SP L Matt Young 17 10 3.15 4.7
CL R Bobby Munoz rookie
Key Man: Jose DeLeon
As the highest paid player on the roster, all eyes will be on the 33-year-old who racked up 115 wins and 45 WAR with the Spiders.
IN
SP Jose DeLeon (7500), CF Otis Nixon (2000)
OUT
--
MONTREAL VOYAGEURS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 86 74 7th 4.5 4.2 6 9
1992 75 85 13th 4.5 4.7 10 12
1993 83 77 9th 4.5 4.4 3 15
Avg HR RBI WAR
3B S Bip Roberts .311 3 46 3.6
LF L Larry Walker .317 20 85 5.4
CF L Luis Gonzalez .251 25 108 3.7
2B B Bret Boone .250 25 77 2.6
RF S Junior Felix .302 24 96 6.2
C R Ivan Rodriguez .286 13 76 4.6
1B L Tino Martinez .283 5 25 1.5
SS R Jeff Blauser .250 9 46 0.1
W L ERA WAR
SP R Chris Bosio 11 12 4.91 4.1
SP R Ron Robinson 4 6 3.63 1.5
SP L Darren Oliver 11 11 4.16 1.9
SP R Roger Pavlik rookie
SP R Jack Armstrong minors
CL R Gregg Olson 3 SV 4.10 -0.5
Key Man: Roger Pavlik
The biggest question in the Voyageurs rotation is: who is Roger Pavlik?
IN
--
OUT
RP Lee Smith (1200)
CLEVELAND BARONS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 74 86 11th 3.9 4.2 15 8
1992 66 94 16th 3.8 4.6 16 10
1993 56 104 18th 3.1 4.1 18 13
Avg HR RBI WAR
2B R Eric Young .265 8 35 3.4
1B L Hal Morris .263 8 50 0.6
RF R Jeffrey Hammonds rookie
CF L Jim Edmonds rookie
3B L Rance Mulliniks .255 15 59 4.0
C L Mike LaValliere .240 3 27 0.5
LF R Darren Lewis .234 1 33 1.3
SS R Dale Berra .240 0 12 0.2
W L ERA WAR
SP R Ismael Valdez rookie
SP L Allen Watson 4 7 4.27 -0.1
SP R Salomon Torres rookie
SP L Randy Tomlin 8 12 3.82 1.0
SP R Jaime Navarro 5 12 3.41 1.0
CL L Pedro A. Martinez 0 SV 4.39 -0.1
Key Man: Ismael Valdez
Of four key roles occupied by rookies, none it bigger than the Opening Day starter and staff ace. Is the 20-year-old Mexican up to the task?
IN
*CF Jim Edmonds (2700), *SP Ismael Valdez (2400), LF Darren Lewis (2200), *RF Jeffrey Hammonds (1500), SS Dale Berra (1000), *SP Salomon Torres (1000)
OUT
LF Jose Canseco (2200), 1B Will Clark (2000), SP Bill Wegman (1570)
WASHINGTON MONUMENTS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 88 72 5th 4.2 3.7 10 1
1992 91 69 4th 4.6 3.8 8 2
1993 68 92 15th 3.5 3.8 16 5
Avg HR RBI WAR
SS R Mariano Duncan .289 9 56 3.7
1B L Will Clark .281 23 66 4.2
CF R Kirby Puckett .271 13 73 2.9
2B R Ryne Sandberg .258 20 61 5.3
LF L Mike Greenwell .268 15 70 2.4
C R Dave Engle .235 5 23 0.1
RF L Shawn Green minors
3B R Shawon Dunston minors
W L ERA WAR
SP L Tom Glavine 13 13 3.33 4.4
SP R Charlie Lea 13 13 3.36 1.6
SP R Kevin Tapani 14 9 3.05 1.5
SP L Randy Johnson 8 17 3.71 2.7
SP L Teddy Higuera 8 18 3.45 4.3
CL R Victor Cruz 8 SV 5.56 -1.6
Key Man: Will Clark
Can Nuschler's sweet swing reverse the Mons' offensive slide and win the fans some milkshakes?
IN
1B Will Clark (2000), *RF Shawn Green (1500), RF Mike Greenwell (1450), SP Charlie Lea (1250), *SP Chad Ogea (1000)
OUT
3B Wade Boggs (8600), C Rich Gedman (5000)
WEST DIVISION
WEST DIVISION
ST. LOUIS MAROONS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 87 73 6th 4.6 4.3 5 11
1992 101 59 2nd 5.0 3.9 2 4
1993 87 73 7th 4.3 4.0 7 8
Avg HR RBI WAR 1B L John Kruk .228 4 22 0.4
2B S Tony Phillips .263 20 66 4.7
LF L Barry Bonds .292 49 124 9.4
1B L Rafael Palmeiro .298 37 100 5.8
CF L David Justice .255 22 70 2.4
C L Rich Gedman .261 26 84 6.8
3B R Kevin Seitzer .262 6 51 1.6
SS R Rene Gonzalez .209 0 8 0.2
W L ERA WAR
SP L Joe Magrane 13 10 2.89 5.2
SP R Alejandro Pena 8 3 2.04 1.3
SP R Dave Schmidt 12 11 4.39 3.0
SP R Scott Garrelts 4 9 5.00 -0.0
SP L Jeff Johnson 4 4 4.03 0.2
CL R Rob Dibble 37 SV 1.57 0.5
Key Man: David Justice
Is the newcomer ready to step into the lineup behind two of the league's legendary sluggers——Bonds and Palmeiro?
IN
SP Joe Magrane (6000), C Rich Gedman (5000), CF David Justice (3200)
OUT
SS Robin Yount (7500), CF Lenny Dykstra (5270), C Brian Harper (2333), SP Charlie Lea (1250), LF Chili Davis (1050)
LOS ANGELES OUTLAWS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 101 59 1st 4.9 3.8 2 3
1992 90 70 5th 4.2 3.7 12 1
1993 95 65 2-T 4.3 3.5 8 2
Avg HR RBI WAR
LF L Andy Van Slyke .274 19 60 4.0
CF S Stan Javier .254 6 45 3.3
1B R Frank E. Thomas .297 36 103 6.0
RF R Cory Snyder .261 38 112 4.7
3B R Jeff Cirillo rookie
2B R Jay Bell .242 14 79 2.7
SS R Rey Sanchez .283 5 45 4.4
C R Ron Karkovice .220 28 66 2.8
W L ERA WAR
SP R Floyd Youmans 16 7 3.86 3.5
SP L Greg Swindell 9 9 3.86 3.0
SP R Don Robinson 8 15 4.56 2.7
SP L Rheal Cormier 12 7 3.18 4.0
SP L Bruce Hurst 15 9 3.54 2.0
CL R Todd Frohwirth 39 SV 2.32 2.1
Key Man: Don Robinson
Can a Rainiers' lifer blend into a elite pitching team at age 35?
IN
1B Julio Franco (2500), SP Don Robinson (2300), *3B Jeff Cirillo (2100), RP Roberto Hernandez (1500), SP Bob Ojeda (1000)
OUT
SP Joe Magrane (6000), CF Otis Nixon (2000), RP Jesse Orosco (1200)
CHICAGO COLTS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 91 69 4th 4.4 3.7 8 2
1992 93 67 3rd 4.7 4.1 7 5
1993 97 63 1st 4.5 3.6 5 3
Avg HR RBI WAR
RF R Eric Davis .269 32 93 5.6
SS R Alan Trammell .279 14 73 5.1
1B L John Olerud .284 12 55 3.4
3B R Gary Sheffield .299 34 81 8.2
LF R Albert Belle .301 33 104 6.5
CF L Kenny Lofton .237 3 23 1.6
C R Benito Santiago .284 22 71 3.7
2B L Bill Spiers .241 3 33 0.6
W L ERA WAR
SP L Steve Cooke 18 4 2.38 3.6
SP R Erik Hanson 17 6 3.11 4.1
SP L Terry Mulholland 13 13 3.58 1.9
SP R Jeff M. Robinson 14 9 3.96 2.3
SP L Donovan Osborne 11 10 2.93 4.2
CL R Todd Burns 44 SV 2.48 1.1
Key Man: Steve Cooke
Is this guy for real?
IN
SP Donovan Osborne (2000), CF Milt Thompson (1100)
OUT
2B Mickey Morandini (2899), LF Darren Lewis (2200)
ATLANTA HILLTOPPERS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 66 94 17th 4.0 4.7 14 15
1992 61 99 17th 3.2 4.2 18 6
1993 77 83 11th 3.2 3.3 17 1
Avg HR RBI WAR
RF L Tony Gwynn .329 4 55 5.0
1B R Greg Colbrunn .260 13 54 0.9
3B L Wade Boggs .294 6 54 4.8
CF R Rondell White .272 14 40 2.6
LF R Manny Ramirez .216 18 41 0.3
SS S Jose Valentin .213 10 35 1.6
2B R Gary DiSarcina .261 6 38 1.1
C R Charles Johnson rookie
W L ERA WAR
SP L Pedro Martinez 12 9 2.28 6.1
SP L Fernie Valenzuela 16 9 2.28 6.1
SP R John Smoltz 8 13 3.24 4.3
SP R Darryl Kile 4 13 3.10 3.0
SP R Ed Whitson 5 8 3.90 0.8
CL L Steve Howe 22 SV 1.56 1.0
Key Man: Manny Ramirez
For the Toppers to compete, Manny needs to drive in 90 runs, minimum.
IN
3B Wade Boggs (8600),*C Charles Johnson (1800), SP Bill Wegman (1570)
OUT
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HAVANA LEONES
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 83 77 8th 4.3 3.9 9 4
1992 81 79 8th 4.6 4.5 9 8
1993 84 76 8th 4.2 4.0 9 10
Avg HR RBI WAR
CF L Lenny Dykstra .277 13 55 4.6
LF R Shane Mack .321 22 70 6.2
1B S Howard Johnson .269 33 94 4.8
C R Mike Stanley .264 33 114 3.4
RF L Dan Pasqua .267 28 82 4.1
SS R Scott Fletcher .263 3 41 3.2
2B L Lou Whitaker .233 12 48 0.8
3B L Jack Howell .290 8 41 1.6
W L ERA WAR
SP L Mark Langston 14 9 2.80 4.1
SP R Roger Clemens 12 15 3.67 3.9
SP R Doug Drabek 15 13 3.36 2.7
SP L Dennis Rasmussen 13 9 4.55 2.3
SP R Mike Morgan minors
CL R Tim Scott 33 SV 2.00 1.6
Key Man: Roger Clemens
Can the former Feds ace solidify the Leone's rotation behind Langston?
IN
CF Lenny Dykstra (5270), SS Scott Fletcher (3670), LF Dan Pasqua (3600), SP Roger Clemens (3300), *RP Robb Nen (2100), RP Lee Smith (1200)
OUT
CF David Justice (3200), RP Gene Nelson (1200)
FLORIDA FLAMINGOS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 69 91 14th 3.4 4.5 18 14
1992 56 104 18th 3.4 4.5 17 9
1993 82 78 10th 3.8 3.9 11 7
Avg HR RBI WAR
LF S Ruben Sierra .278 20 62 3.2
2B S Roberto Alomar .306 13 69 5.7
RF R Ivan Calderon .322 28 101 6.8
1B R Mark McGwire .254 30 92 3.7
SS S Omar Vizquel .267 1 29 0.9
3B R Scott Brosius .236 16 55 2.1
CF S Chili Davis .237 3 16 0.3
C R Brad Ausmus .282 0 15 0.8
W L ERA WAR
SP R Mike Mussina 13 9 2.85 6.3
SP R Shane Reynolds 12 9 3.68 3.1
SP L Jamie Moyer 7 12 3.14 1.4
SP R Pete Smith minors
SP R Jose Rijo minors
CL R Stan Belinda 25 SV 4.10 -0.7
Key Man: Roberto Alomar
With that paycheck, who else could it be?
IN
2B Roberto Alomar (15500), LF Jose Canseco (2200), LF Chili Davis (1050)
OUT
--
SAN FRANCISCO SPIDERS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 72 88 12th 4.1 4.3 12 10
1992 67 93 14-T 4.2 4.9 13 16
1993 75 85 12th 3.8 4.3 13 14
Avg HR RBI WAR
2B S Jose Oquendo .233 6 36 2.9
SS R Barry Larkin .278 21 84 6.7
1B L Mark Grace .274 10 76 2.3
LF L Garret Anderson rookie
CF S Bernie Williams .286 9 49 3.6
RF L Mike Aldrete .275 16 88 3.8
C R Terry Steinbach .257 13 63 1.5
3B R Tim Hulett .181 8 28 0.1
W L ERA WAR
SP R Steve Trachsel 13 8 3.24 0.7
SP R Frank Castillo 16 8 3.60 1.0
SP R Tommy Greene 9 16 4.84 2.0
SP R Kevin Foster rookie
SP R John Doherty 6 9 3.12 0.3
CL R Julio Valera rookie
Key Man: Darrell Evans
Will the SF front office finally hire a GM so this guy can retire?
IN
*1B Carlos Delgado (2600), *LF Garret Anderson (1900)
OUT
SP Jose DeLeon (7500)
SEATTLE RAINIERS
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 82 78 9th 4.5 4.5 7 13
1992 80 80 9-T 4.4 4.8 11 15
1993 64 96 17th 3.8 4.8 12 18
Avg HR RBI WAR
2B L Delino DeShields .272 6 51 3.5
LF R Rickey Henderson .278 12 63 4.4
3B R Chris Brown .259 17 77 2.6
1B L Alvin Davis .305 23 88 4.5
CF R Henry Cotto .269 9 56 1.9
RF S Willie McGee .294 2 60 2.0
C R Javy Lopez .207 12 54 -0.3
SS R Jim Anderson .210 1 19 0.1
W L ERA WAR
SP L Mike Mason 5 16 5.53 2.8
SP L David West 7 11 3.96 1.1
SP L Wilson Alvarez 4 13 5.58 0.5
SP L Bruce Ruffin 7 10 4.31 1.2
SP R Wes Gardner 12 14 4.25 1.0
CL R Doug Henry 29 SV 4.27 1.0
Key Man: David West
Former top prospect southpaw seems on the verge of becoming an elite UL starter.
IN
*RP Graeme Lloyd (1000)
OUT
SP Don Robinson (2300), 2B Harold Reynolds (1770)
DENVER 14ers
W L Pl R RA Rank
1991 67 93 15-T 3.9 4.7 16 16
1992 78 82 12th 4.1 4.2 15 7
1993 73 87 13th 3.7 3.9 14 6
Avg HR RBI WAR
2B S Mark McLemore .273 6 48 3.1
RF L Luis Polonia .277 2 17 0.1
LF S Tim Raines .269 4 43 0.8
C L Rick Wilkins .230 15 36 1.9
3B R Brook Jacoby .227 6 42 0.6
SS S Ozzie Smith .230 5 44 -0.6
1B R Carlos Quintana minors
CF S Mitch Webster .185 5 33 -0.2
W L ERA WAR
SP R Ron Darling 6 8 4.06 1.6
SP R Charles Nagy 9 9 3.92 0.7
SP B Bobby Witt minors
SP R Bill Swift 10 9 3.04 3.4
SP R Anthony Young 9 11 4.54 1.2
CL L Norm Charlton 27 SV 3.22 0.4
Key Man: Ron Darling
Only because he has the highest trade value.
IN
*2B Jeff Kent (2600), RP Dave Veres (1500)
OUT
2B Roberto Alomar (15500), LF Dan Pasqua (3600), SP Roger Clemens (3300), SP Donovan Osborne (2000), RP Carlos Diaz (1400), CF Milt Thompson (1100), SP Bob Ojeda (1000)
Injuries
Injuries
ATL RP Todd Worrell (4 mo)
BOS SP Julian Tavarez (3 mo)
LA SP Jose Lima (3 mo)
MAN RP Heathcliff Slocumb (3 mo)
SEA 3B Bill Almon (3 wk)
WAS C Scott Hemond (3 wk)
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