National League Preview
EAST
Atlanta Braves
1996: 96-66, 1st place; lost to New York Yankees in World Series.
Manager: Bobby Cox (8th season).
He’s here: P Paul Byrd, P Yorkis Perez, P Kevin Rogers, IF/OF Hensley Meulens.
He’s outta here: P Steve Avery, P Greg McMichael, 3B Terry Pendleton.
Projected lineup: CF Marquis Grissom, 2B Mark Lemke, 3B Chipper Jones, 1B Fred McGriff, RF David Justice, LF Ryan Klesko/Andruw Jones, C Javy Lopez, SS Jeff Blauser, P John Smoltz.
Rotation: RHP John Smoltz, RHP Greg Maddux, LHP Tom Glavine, LHP Denny Neagle, LHP Terrell Wade.
Relievers: RHP Mark Wohlers, RHP Mike Bielecki, RHP Brad Clontz, LHP Yorkis Perez, LHP Kevin Rogers, RHP Paul Byrd.
Make or break for: Blauser. Slowed by injuries, he made 23 errors in only 79 games in field last season and hit just .245. At 31, he is Atlanta’s lone weak link.
Look out for: Andruw Jones. Began last year in Class A, wound up becoming youngest player to homer in World Series at 19. Could turn into a Clemente clone, provided early success does not go to his head.
Bottom line: Best rotation in baseball should bring a record sixth straight division championship to new Turner Field. Braves went into spring thinking about trading Justice - if his shoulder was OK - or McGriff, but seemed to back off.
Florida Marlins
1996: 80-82, 3rd place, 16 games behind.
Manager: Jim Leyland (1st season).
He’s here: P Alex Fernandez, OF Moises Alou, OF Bobby Bonilla, OF Jim Eisenreich, OF John Cangelosi, P Dennis Cook, P Dustin Hermanson.
He’s outta here: 1B Greg Colbrunn, 2B Quilvio Veras, OF Andre Dawson, P Yorkis Perez.
Projected lineup: 2B Luis Castillo, SS Edgar Renteria, RF Gary Sheffield, 3B Bobby Bonilla, LF Moises Alou, CF Devon White, 1B Jeff Conine, C Charles Johnson, P Kevin Brown.
Rotation: RHP Kevin Brown, RHP Alex Fernandez, LHP Al Leiter, RHP Pat Rapp, RHP Mark Hutton.
Relievers: RHP Robb Nen, LHP Dennis Cook, LHP Felix Heredia, RHP Rick Helling, RHP Jay Powell.
Make or break for: Fernandez. Got $35 million, five-year contract to pitch for hometown team, now must produce big numbers. Marlins want him to win like an ace, plus boost sagging attendance among Hispanic fans.
Look out for: Castillo. At 21, he’s got job of leading off for potent lineup. Showed speed and potential in 41 games as a rookie last year; task becomes much tougher for a team depending on him.
Bottom line: Tired of trailing expansion partner Rockies in standings and at gate, owner Wayne Huizenga spent nearly $90 million for major free agents and Leyland. He’s got every right to expect it will pay off with Florida’s first playoff spot.
Montreal Expos
1996: 88-74, 2nd place, 8 games behind.
Manager: Felipe Alou (6th season).
He’s here: P Lee Smith, C Chris Widger, P Jim Bullinger, P Melvin Bunch, P Matt Wagner.
He’s outta here: OF Moises Alou, P Jeff Fassero, P Mel Rojas, P Mark Leiter, C Lenny Webster.
Projected lineup: SS Mark Grudzielanek, 2B Mike Lansing, CF Rondell White, LF Henry Rodriguez, 1B David Segui, RF Vladimir Guerrero, C Darrin Fletcher, 3B Shane Andrews, P Pedro Martinez.
Rotation: RHP Pedro Martinez, LHP Carlos Perez, LHP Rheal Cormier, RHP Matt Wagner, RHP Jim Bullinger.
Relievers: RHP Ugueth Urbina, RHP Lee Smith, RHP Dave Veres, RHP Jeff Juden, LHP Omar Daal.
Make or break for: Perez. An All-Star as a flamboyant rookie in 1995, he missed the entire 1996 season because of major shoulder trouble. At 26, no telling whether he’ll regain top form.
Look out for: Guerrero. Hit powerful .360 and was MVP of Double-A Eastern League. Compared with a young Andre Dawson, who also made his mark in right field for Montreal. Real strong spring - could be impact player.
Bottom line: Once again, budget-conscious Expos hit hard in winter. Alou always manages to win, but Montreal has missed playoffs since 1981 - the longest current drought in the majors.
New York Mets
1996: 71-91, 4th place, 25 games behind.
Manager: Bobby Valentine (1st full season).
He’s here: 1B John Olerud, P Armando Reynoso, P Greg McMichael, P Toby Borland.
He’s outta here: 1b Rico Brogna, P Robert Person, P Paul Byrd, P Doug Henry, P Jerry Dipoto.
Projected lineup: CF Lance Johnson, 2B Carlos Baerga, LF Bernard Gilkey, C Todd Hundley, 1B John Olerud, 3B Butch Huskey, RF Alex Ochoa, SS Rey Ordonez, P Pete Harnisch.
Rotation: RHP Pete Harnisch, RHP Mark Clark, RHP Armando Reynoso, RHP Bobby Jones, RHP Dave Mlicki.
Relievers: LHP John Franco, RHP Greg McMichael, RHP Toby Borland.
Make or break for: Baerga and Olerud. Baerga was a three-time All-Star in Cleveland and Olerud won the 1993 A.L. batting title for Toronto, but they’ve struggled since. If they slump, New York fans will make them miserable.
Look out for: Juan Acevedo. Hard thrower, acquired two years ago in Bret Saberhagen deal. At 26, coming back from fractured leg that cut short Triple-A season.
Bottom line: When young pitchers Bill Pulsipher, Jason Isringhausen and Paul Wilson are healthy - and right now, they’re not - Mets have a bright future. Without them, it’s hard to imagine Mets staying in contention.
Philadelphia Phillies
1996: 67-95, 5th place, 29 games behind.
Manager: Terry Francona (1st season).
He’s here: OF Danny Tartabull, OF/IF Rex Hudler, 1B Rico Brogna, P Mark Portugal, P Mark Leiter, P Scott Ruffcorn, OF Derrick May.
He’s outta here: C Benito Santiago, OF Jim Eisenreich, P Sid Fernandez, P Toby Borland, P Russ Springer.
Projected lineup: 2B Mickey Morandini, SS Kevin Stocker, LF Gregg Jefferies, RF Danny Tartabull, 1B Rico Brogna, 3B Scott Rolen, C Mike Lieberthal, CF Wendell Magee, P Curt Schilling.
Rotation: RHP Curt Schilling, RHP Mark Portugal, RHP Mark Leiter, RHP Tyler Green, RHP Mike Grace.
Relievers: RHP Ricky Bottalico, RHP Ken Ryan, RHP Scott Ruffcorn, LHP Michael Mimbs, RHP Bobby Munoz.
Make or break for: Darren Daulton and Lenny Dykstra. Daulton played only five games last year; coming off his ninth knee surgery, he’s moved to first base. Dykstra was limited to 40 games because of a bad back. Odds are against both All-Stars in their comeback bids.
Look out for: Rolen. Bidding to become Phils’ first N.L. rookie of the year since Richie Allen in 1964. Had 130 at-bats last season, the maximum allowed to retain rookie status; would’ve gone over, but broken forearm ended his season three weeks early.
Bottom line: Francona, the man who managed Michael Jordan in the minors, has hands full in first season in majors. Phillies had N.L.’s worst record last year and tied league record by using 54 players. Tartabull, at least, provides missing power.
CENTRAL
Chicago Cubs
1996: 76-86, 4th place, 12 games behind.
Manager: Jim Riggleman (3rd season).
He’s here: SS Shawon Dunston, P Mel Rojas, P Kevin Tapani, P Terry Mulholland, OF Dave Clark.
He’s outta here: P Jaime Navarro, OF Luis Gonzalez, 3B Leo Gomez.
Projected lineup: CF Brian McRae, 2B Ryne Sandberg, 1B Mark Grace, RF Sammy Sosa, SS Shawon Dunston, LF Brooks Kieschnick, C Scott Servais, 3B Kevin Orie, P Steve Trachsel.
Rotation: RHP Steve Trachsel, RHP Kevin Tapani, LHP Terry Mulholland, RHP Frank Castillo, RHP Amaury Telemaco.
Relievers: RHP Mel Rojas, RHP Turk Wendell, LHP Bob Patterson, LHP Larry Casian, RHP Terry Adams.
Make or break for: Tapani. Cubs lured him from White Sox for an $11 million, three-year deal, hoping he would eat up innings left by Navarro’s departure. Instead, a finger problem shut him down in spring training.
Look out for: Kieschnick and Orie. Kieschnick, a home-run hitter, could become 11th different Cubs’ opening-day left fielder in 11 years. Orie may take over spot where Cubs tried seven different players last season.
Bottom line: Best accomplishment in ‘96 was outdrawing White Sox. Biggest highlight in ‘97 might be Sandberg passing Joe Morgan for most home runs by a second baseman - Ryno has 265, one short of the record.
Cincinnati Reds
1996: 81-81, 3rd place, 7 games behind.
Manager: Ray Knight (2nd season).
He’s here: OF Deion Sanders, OF Ruben Sierra, P Kent Mercker, P Ricky Bones, 3B Terry Pendleton, P Stan Belinda, P Billy Brewer.
He’s outta here: OF Eric Davis, OF Kevin Mitchell, 3B Chris Sabo, P Mark Portugal, P Lee Smith, OF Thomas Howard, P Johnny Ruffin.
Projected lineup: CF Deion Sanders, 1B Hal Morris, SS Barry Larkin, LF Ruben Sierra, RF Reggie Sanders, 2B Bret Boone, 3B Willie Greene, C Eddie Taubensee, P Pete Schourek.
Rotation: LHP Pete Schourek, LHP John Smiley, RHP Dave Burba, LHP Kent Mercker, RHP Mike Morgan.
Relievers: RHP Jeff Brantley, RHP Hector Carrasco, RHP Jeff Shaw, RHP Ricky Bones, LHP Joey Eischen.
Make or break for: Deion Sanders. Skipped the 1996 season to play only for the Dallas Cowboys. His contract binds him to Reds until they are eliminated from race; if he struggles, he could make permanent move back to NFL.
Look out for: Curt Lyons. At 22, the 6-foot-5 pitcher may still be a year away. Went 2-0 in a September callup after going 13-4 at Double-A. Is Reds top prospect in minors.
Bottom line: GM Jim Bowden did nice job luring Sanders back to baseball and getting Sierra for next to nothing - now, they’ve got to produce. Knight tended to overmanage in first year, using 147 different lineups.
Houston Astros
1996: 82-80, 2nd place, 6 games behind.
Manager: Larry Dierker (1st season).
He’s here: P Sid Fernandez, OF Luis Gonzalez, C Brad Ausmus, P Russ Springer, P Jose Lima, SS Pat Listach, OF Thomas Howard, C Kirt Manwaring, OF John Cangelosi, P Danny Darwin.
He’s outta here: P Doug Drabek, P Todd Jones, P Doug Brocail, SS Orlando Miller, OF Brian Hunter, P Xavier Hernandez, C Kirt Manwaring, OF Derrick May.
Projected lineup: 2B Craig Biggio, SS Pat Listach, 1B Jeff Bagwell, CF Derek Bell, LF Luis Gonzalez, 3B Sean Berry, RF Bob Abreu, C Brad Ausmus, P Shane Reynolds.
Rotation: RHP Shane Reynolds, LHP Mike Hampton, RHP Darryl Kile, LHP Sid Fernandez, RHP Donne Wall.
Relievers: RHP John Hudek, LHP Billy Wagner, LHP Trever Miller, RHP Jose Lima.
Make or break for: Dierker. He was a star pitcher for the Astros and has been announcing their games since 1979, but will he be able to make the unusual move from the broadcast booth to the dugout?
Look out for: Abreu. Hit .285 with 24 steals and a strong arm at Triple-A. Impressive spring earned him a starting job at 23.
Bottom line: Talented enough to win, especially with young rotation that may get even better. Big plus would be oft-injured Hudek returning to form. Bagwell, Biggio and Bell form a nice nucleus, although others need to hit.
Pittsburgh Pirates
1996: 73-89, 5th place, 15 games behind.
Manager: Gene Lamont (1st season).
He’s here: SS Kevin Elster, 3B Joe Randa.
He’s outta here: SS Jay Bell, IF Jeff King, OF Orlando Merced, 2B Carlos Garcia, P Dan Plesac, P Dan Miceli.
Projected lineup: 2B Tony Womack, CF Jermaine Allensworth, LF Al Martin, 1B Mark Johnson, RF Midre Cummings, C Jason Kendall, SS Kevin Elster, 3B Joe Randa, P Jason Schmidt.
Rotation: RHP Jason Schmidt, RHP Jon Lieber, RHP Esteban Loaiza, RHP Francisco Cordova.
Relievers: RHP John Ericks, LHP Jason Christiansen, RHP Marc Wilkins.
Make or break for: Elster. Good-field, no-hit his whole career, broke loose for 99 RBIs last year in Texas. Still, there were doubters and only Pirates pursued him. At 32, another big year at the bat would benefit him.
Look out for: Womack. Speedy enough to play center field in minors, had 46 bunt hits and 37 steals at Triple-A. Made good impression in September callup.
Bottom line: In the middle of major rebuilding, Pirates will field a team full of prospects. Not much here yet - why else was Steve Trout, out of majors since 1989, in spring camp? Patience is the key.
St. Louis Cardinals
1996: 88-74, 1st place; lost to Atlanta in league championship series.
Manager: Tony La Russa (2nd season).
He’s here: 2B Delino DeShields, P Lance Painter, C Tom Lampkin.
He’s outta here: SS Ozzie Smith. Projected lineup: 2B Delino DeShields, CF Ray Lankford, LF Ron Gant, RF Brian Jordan, 3B Gary Gaetti, 1B John Mabry, SS Royce Clayton, C Tom Pagnozzi, P Todd Stottlemyre.
Rotation: RHP Andy Benes, RHP Todd Stottlemyre, LHP Donovan Osborne, RHP Alan Benes, LHP Danny Jackson.
Relievers: RHP Dennis Eckersley, LHP Rick Honeycutt, LHP Tony Fossas, RHP T.J. Mathews, LHP Lance Painter.
Make or break for: Eckersley. Gave up eight homers in 60 innings, yet still strong in the stretch, converting 30 of 34 save chances. At 42, Cards hope to squeeze another season out of ol’ Eck.
Look out for: Dmitri Young. Switch-hitter led American Association in batting (.333), then delivered key triple vs. Atlanta in N.L. playoffs. Has power and is just 23 - problem is, he’s blocked by Mabry at first base.
Bottom line: La Russa already boasted St. Louis would repeat, a prediction that got posted in rival locker rooms this spring and led to scuffle with Reds. Cards signed DeShields in only major winter move. Andy Benes and Jackson set back by March injuries.
WEST
Colorado Rockies
1996: 83-79, 3rd place, 8 games behind.
Manager: Don Baylor (5th season).
He’s here: P Jerry Dipoto, C Kirt Manwaring.
He’s outta here: P Bret Saberhagen, P Armando Reynoso, P Lance Painter.
Projected lineup: 2B Eric Young, CF Ellis Burks, LF Dante Bichette, 1B Andres Galarraga, RF Larry Walker, 3B Vinny Castilla, C Kirt Manwaring, SS Walt Weiss, P Bill Swift.
Rotation: RHP Kevin Ritz, RHP Bill Swift, RHP Mark Thompson, RHP Jamey Wright, RHP Darren Holmes.
Relievers: LHP Bruce Ruffin, RHP Curtis Leskanic, RHP Bryan Rekar, RHP Jerry Dipoto, RHP John Burke.
Make or break for: Swift. A 21-game winner for Giants in 1993, has won only 18 games since then because of injuries. At 35 and coming off shoulder surgery, Rockies need him to win 15 games and pitch 180 innings.
Look out for: Neifi Perez. Hit .316 with 72 RBIs in Triple-A. At 21, not ready to start ahead of Weiss, though getting close. Could be in next crop of star shortstops.
Bottom line: Rockies must figure out how to win on road. They were 55-26 and hit .343 at Coors Field, but went 28-53 and batted .228 elsewhere. Clint Hurdle becomes team’s fifth batting coach in five years - must convince the big boppers they can hit the ball a mile, even away from Mile High air.
Los Angeles Dodgers
1996: 90-72, 2nd place, 1 game behind, won N.L. wild card; lost to Atlanta in first round of playoffs.
Manager: Bill Russell (1st full season).
He’s Here: 3B Todd Zeile, IF Nelson Liriano.
He’s Outta Here: 2B Delino DeShields, 3B Mike Blowers, 3B Tim Wallach, OF Chad Curtis, 3B Dave Hansen, IF Mike Busch.
Projected Lineup: CF Brett Butler, 2B Wilton Guerrero, RF Raul Mondesi, C Mike Piazza, 1B Eric Karros, 3B Todd Zeile, LF Todd Hollandsworth, SS Greg Gagne, P Ramon Martinez.
Rotation: RHP Ramon Martinez, RHP Hideo Nomo, RHP Ismael Valdes, RHP Pedro Astacio, RHP Chan Ho Park.
Relievers: RHP Todd Worrell, RHP Antonio Osuna, LHP Scott Radinsky, LHP Mark Guthrie, RHP Darren Dreifort.
Make or Break For: Butler. Trying to come back from cancer that shortened his 1996 season and broken thumb that ended it. Turns 40 in June - only a handful that old have played centerfield full time in modern era.
Look Out For: Guerrero. Slap hitter, batted .344 with 26 steals at Triple-A. Could become Dodgers’ sixth straight N.L. rookie of year, provided he beats out brother Vladimir of the Expos.
Bottom Line: It’s now Russell’s team, not Lasorda’s - look for him to be tougher on players than Tommy. Dodgers led majors in ERA last season; Park joins rotation that has not had lefty starter since 1992. Butler will retire if unable to play regularly.
San Diego Padres
1996: 91-71, 1st place; lost to St. Louis in first round of playoffs.
Manager: Bruce Bochy (3rd season)
He’s here: 2B Quilvio Veras, P Sterling Hitchcock, C Don Slaught, P Joey Eischen, OF Phil Plantier.
He’s outta here: P Scott Sanders, P Bob Tewksbury, C Brian Johnson, P Willie Blair, P Dustin Hermanson, OF Chris Gwynn.
Projected lineup: 2B Quilvio Veras, RF Tony Gwynn, CF Steve Finley, 3B Ken Caminiti, LF Greg Vaughn, 1B Wally Joyner, C John Flaherty, SS Chris Gomez, P Joey Hamilton.
Rotation: RHP Joey Hamilton, RHP Andy Ashby, LHP Sterling Hitchcock, LHP Fernando Valenzuela, RHP Tim Worrell.
Relievers: RHP Trevor Hoffman, RHP Sean Bergman, RHP Doug Bochtler, RHP Dario Veras.
Make or break for: Quilvio Veras. Streaked to N.L.-leading 56 steals as rookie for Florida in 1995, but slowed to a crawl in ‘96 - hamstring injury and demotion to Triple-A left him just 8-for-16 on steal attempts, and Marlins dumped him.
Look out for: Dario Veras. Began last year in Double-A, ended up as part of Padres’ league-leading bullpen (3.30 ERA).
Bottom line: N.L. MVP Ken Caminiti hurried back from off-season shoulder surgery and is ready to play.
San Francisco Giants
1996: 68-94, 4th place, 23 games behind.
Manager: Dusty Baker (5th season).
He’s here: OF Darryl Hamilton, 1B J.T. Snow, IF Jose Vizcaino, IF Jeff Kent, IF Mark Lewis, P Julian Tavarez, OF Darrin Jackson, P Doug Henry.
He’s outta here: 3B Matt Williams, SS Shawon Dunston, 2B Robby Thompson, P Allen Watson, P Jamie Brewington, P Mark Dewey.
Projected lineup: CF Darryl Hamilton, SS Jose Vizcaino, LF Barry Bonds, RF Glenallen Hill, 1B J.T. Snow, C Rick Wilkins, 2B Jeff Kent, 3B Mark Lewis, P Mark Gardner.
Rotation: RHP Mark Gardner, RHP William VanLandingham, LHP Shawn Estes, RHP Osvaldo Fernandez, LHP Kirk Rueter.
Relievers: RHP Rod Beck, RHP Julian Tavarez, LHP Doug Creek, RHP Rich DeLucia, RHP Doug Henry, LHP Jim Poole.
Make or break for: Beck. Went 0-9 with seven blown saves last year, coming off poor 1995. Leads majors with 144 saves since 1993, but no longer dominant.
Look out for: Estes. Led Pacific Coast League in wins when promoted last July.
Bottom line: Poor finish prompted GM Brian Sabean to trade Matt Williams in major overhaul, leaving only Bonds and Hill from last year’s opening-day lineup.
xxxx AS A MATTER OF FACT From 1921 to 1924, the New York Giants were the only National League team to win four straight pennants. Max Carey of the Pirates led the National League in stolen bases 10 times. Greg Maddux of the Atlanta Braves, the 1995 National League Cy Young winner, was a unanimous choice. Mike Schmidt of the Phillies won the National League RBI title in 1981 with 91, a 60-year low. -Associated Press