Baseball Guru
02-12-2002, 09:55 AM
SPRING CLEANING
1. How will the team respond to its new coaching staff and uncertain future?
While there's no denying the difficulties facing the Expos franchise this season, they are still a team with the arguably the most exciting young player in Vladimir Guerrero and two of the top up-and-coming right-handed starters in the National League. This team may win games out of spite as players in fear of their Major League status may raise their game to new heights. This could also be a negative, of course, and create a very selfish group of players not willing to give up an at-bat to move a runner over or hit a medium-fly ball for a sacrifice fly. Either way, it merits watching.
2. Will Fernando Tatis return to his 1999 form?
One of the biggest disappointments of the 2001 Expos' season, Tatis remains the potential linchpin that could bridge the top and middle of the Montreal order and render the whole entirely dangerous. Entering last year, the highly touted third baseman was expected to fill the offensive void left by Rondell White's departure, but instead produced two home runs and 11 RBIs in 41 games, missing the rest of the season with first a shoulder strain, then patellar tendonitis in his knee. The lack of production wasn't the only problem, as whispers surfaced that Tatis wasn't making an effort to assimilate into the Montreal clubhouse, still smarting from having been dealt by the Cardinals. Clearly, if the 27-year-old is healthy and can put hurt feelings aside, he has the potential to be the offensive monster he was in 1999, when he batted .298 and swatted 34 homers and drove in 107 runs. Batting him cleanup would give Vladimir Guerrero some badly-needed protection, allow Jose Vidro to remain in his preferred No. 2 hole, and deepen the Expos' offense by lowering Orlando Cabrera and Lee Stevens to fifth and sixth, respectively. A productive and healthy Tatis is far from a given, especially since he is now two seasons removed from his greatest big league achievements. Still, if he pulls it together in 2002, Montreal could have one of the more intimidating two-through-sixes in the league.
3. Who will emerge as the club's fifth starter?
The Expos didn't tender a contract to Mike Thurman after the 2001 season, weakening an already shaky rotation? The team is banking on Carl Pavano staying healthy (along with Javier Vazquez, Tony Armas Jr. and Tomo Ohka) to fill slots one through four. From there, no decision appears to have been made, and it appears Spring Training will determine the fifth man.
The options are intriguing. Though it seems so long ago, Britt Reames beat out Armas for the No. 2 spot last spring, but after a shaky April and May, spent a month-and-a-half in Ottawa before returning to the Expos' bullpen. Masato Yoshii was in and out of the Montreal rotation all year, and was 2-7 with a 5.56 ERA as a starter, but was 2-0 with a 4.03 ERA in relief. Troy Mattes started off brilliantly in June, but ultimately stumbled to a 3-3 record and 6.00 ERA in 45 innings before being sent back down. Those three names merit consideration, and indications are that the club likes what Reames brings to the pen and feels Mattes might be too green to assume the role of an everyday Major League starter. Yoshii would appear to have an edge, but a few wild cards figure to factor into the mix.
Matt Blank is coming off an injury but could be appealing due to the fact he's a lefty, and non-roster invitee Dan Smith has had limited success at the big league level but has a past history with the Expos. Another possibility is 23-year-old T.J. Tucker, who made two starts with Montreal in 2000 and on whom the organization continues to be high. He had a solid season in the minors, including a 3-5 record with a 3.11 ERA in 14 games at Ottawa. Ultimately, however, whoever assumes the fifth starter spot will likely be holding it until the expected return of Scott Downs, who may even challenge Tomo Ohka for the fourth slot.
4. Can the team rely on Peter Bergeron as its leadoff man?
Whether the team wants to admit it, arguably the single biggest key to the Expos' success will be the offensive output of Peter Bergeron. With Milton Bradley now in Cleveland, there can be no argument that Bergeron is the Expos' finest defensive outfielder, covering large amounts of ground and running down balls others dream of diving for. That he may challenge Andruw Jones in future years for recognition as best center fielder in the NL notwithstanding, Bergeron would be the first to admit his first two years in baseball have been disappointing. After a modest rookie campaign in 2000 in which he batted .245 in 518 at-bats, he struggled to a .211 average and a .275 on-base average in 2001, sandwiched around a prolonged stint in Triple-A, a level where some contend he still needs seasoning.
Bergeron is pegged by most within the organization as the perfect leadoff hitter. His speed makes him a base-stealing threat and near first-to-third guarantee on a single by a subsequent batter -- his disruptive quality on the bases wasn't lost on those who recognized that during his 19-game hitting streak last July, Jose Vidro and Vladimir Guerrero, the two batters behind him, enjoyed one of their most productive strings of the year as the Expos went 11-8 in that stretch.
When Bergeron fell into the offensive doldrums, Manager Jeff Torborg moved him to the bottom third of the order and used Mike Mordecai and Orlando Cabrera in the leadoff spot, and neither are the best options. The numbers speak for themselves: With Bergeron consistently setting the table for Vidro and Guerrero (and potentially Tatis), the Expos have a deadly top half of the order. With an unproductive Bergeron (and with no real leadoff presence on the horizon), the Expos simply can't score enough runs.
5. Will Curtis Pride or Tim Raines be brought back for outfield insurance?
While the new MLB-helmed management in Montreal may be in an awkward position regarding player moves, one decision is unlikely to create much hue or cry -- inviting 42-year-old Tim Raines to training camp. Though he was traded by the Expos to the Orioles in September to fulfill a dream of playing with his son in the big leagues, under normal circumstances Raines would likely have capped 2001 with a standing ovation at Olympic Stadium reminiscent of the one he had received to start the year. More than a savvy PR move predicated on inspiring nostalgia and soliciting goodwill, signing Raines to a contract last year was based much on what the Expos' great accomplished in Spring Training. He then established himself as the club's most consistent left fielder and leadoff man, despite missing almost four months with a torn biceps tendon in his left shoulder. In 47 games and 78 at-bats with Montreal, Raines batted .308, hit eight doubles, and drew 18 walks, good for a .433 on-base percentage. He also provided a feelgood story while adding a respected clubhouse presence. Raines can't play every day given his age and the rigors of playing on the Olympic Stadium surface (new turf or not), but it shouldn't -- and likely won't -- be lost on the new administration that in the 12 games he started at the top of the order, Raines hit .366 and scored nine runs, reaching base 20 times in his final 23 games. The Rock, needless to say, can still roll.
Curtis Pride, for his part, might not have produced staggering numbers like Raines during his time with the Expos in 2001, but the free agent was a valuable outfield option. Pride tore up at Triple-A last year, leading the team in on-base percentage (.420) and slugging (.596). When called up by the Expos to replace the injured Raines on May 5, he thrived under his former Manager Felipe Alou. In 21 May games, he posted a .333 average. Under Torborg, Pride played in just 15 games, though he missed 65 days with a right wrist contusion stemming from a fouled pitch on June 12. He returned from his rehab assignment Aug. 21, yet had seven at-bats before being outrighted back to Ottawa Sept. 4. Pride finished the year in Montreal at an even .250. With a new Manager, Pride might fare better and his track record would certainly make him worthy for consideration as a reservist on a team lacking outfield depth.
1. How will the team respond to its new coaching staff and uncertain future?
While there's no denying the difficulties facing the Expos franchise this season, they are still a team with the arguably the most exciting young player in Vladimir Guerrero and two of the top up-and-coming right-handed starters in the National League. This team may win games out of spite as players in fear of their Major League status may raise their game to new heights. This could also be a negative, of course, and create a very selfish group of players not willing to give up an at-bat to move a runner over or hit a medium-fly ball for a sacrifice fly. Either way, it merits watching.
2. Will Fernando Tatis return to his 1999 form?
One of the biggest disappointments of the 2001 Expos' season, Tatis remains the potential linchpin that could bridge the top and middle of the Montreal order and render the whole entirely dangerous. Entering last year, the highly touted third baseman was expected to fill the offensive void left by Rondell White's departure, but instead produced two home runs and 11 RBIs in 41 games, missing the rest of the season with first a shoulder strain, then patellar tendonitis in his knee. The lack of production wasn't the only problem, as whispers surfaced that Tatis wasn't making an effort to assimilate into the Montreal clubhouse, still smarting from having been dealt by the Cardinals. Clearly, if the 27-year-old is healthy and can put hurt feelings aside, he has the potential to be the offensive monster he was in 1999, when he batted .298 and swatted 34 homers and drove in 107 runs. Batting him cleanup would give Vladimir Guerrero some badly-needed protection, allow Jose Vidro to remain in his preferred No. 2 hole, and deepen the Expos' offense by lowering Orlando Cabrera and Lee Stevens to fifth and sixth, respectively. A productive and healthy Tatis is far from a given, especially since he is now two seasons removed from his greatest big league achievements. Still, if he pulls it together in 2002, Montreal could have one of the more intimidating two-through-sixes in the league.
3. Who will emerge as the club's fifth starter?
The Expos didn't tender a contract to Mike Thurman after the 2001 season, weakening an already shaky rotation? The team is banking on Carl Pavano staying healthy (along with Javier Vazquez, Tony Armas Jr. and Tomo Ohka) to fill slots one through four. From there, no decision appears to have been made, and it appears Spring Training will determine the fifth man.
The options are intriguing. Though it seems so long ago, Britt Reames beat out Armas for the No. 2 spot last spring, but after a shaky April and May, spent a month-and-a-half in Ottawa before returning to the Expos' bullpen. Masato Yoshii was in and out of the Montreal rotation all year, and was 2-7 with a 5.56 ERA as a starter, but was 2-0 with a 4.03 ERA in relief. Troy Mattes started off brilliantly in June, but ultimately stumbled to a 3-3 record and 6.00 ERA in 45 innings before being sent back down. Those three names merit consideration, and indications are that the club likes what Reames brings to the pen and feels Mattes might be too green to assume the role of an everyday Major League starter. Yoshii would appear to have an edge, but a few wild cards figure to factor into the mix.
Matt Blank is coming off an injury but could be appealing due to the fact he's a lefty, and non-roster invitee Dan Smith has had limited success at the big league level but has a past history with the Expos. Another possibility is 23-year-old T.J. Tucker, who made two starts with Montreal in 2000 and on whom the organization continues to be high. He had a solid season in the minors, including a 3-5 record with a 3.11 ERA in 14 games at Ottawa. Ultimately, however, whoever assumes the fifth starter spot will likely be holding it until the expected return of Scott Downs, who may even challenge Tomo Ohka for the fourth slot.
4. Can the team rely on Peter Bergeron as its leadoff man?
Whether the team wants to admit it, arguably the single biggest key to the Expos' success will be the offensive output of Peter Bergeron. With Milton Bradley now in Cleveland, there can be no argument that Bergeron is the Expos' finest defensive outfielder, covering large amounts of ground and running down balls others dream of diving for. That he may challenge Andruw Jones in future years for recognition as best center fielder in the NL notwithstanding, Bergeron would be the first to admit his first two years in baseball have been disappointing. After a modest rookie campaign in 2000 in which he batted .245 in 518 at-bats, he struggled to a .211 average and a .275 on-base average in 2001, sandwiched around a prolonged stint in Triple-A, a level where some contend he still needs seasoning.
Bergeron is pegged by most within the organization as the perfect leadoff hitter. His speed makes him a base-stealing threat and near first-to-third guarantee on a single by a subsequent batter -- his disruptive quality on the bases wasn't lost on those who recognized that during his 19-game hitting streak last July, Jose Vidro and Vladimir Guerrero, the two batters behind him, enjoyed one of their most productive strings of the year as the Expos went 11-8 in that stretch.
When Bergeron fell into the offensive doldrums, Manager Jeff Torborg moved him to the bottom third of the order and used Mike Mordecai and Orlando Cabrera in the leadoff spot, and neither are the best options. The numbers speak for themselves: With Bergeron consistently setting the table for Vidro and Guerrero (and potentially Tatis), the Expos have a deadly top half of the order. With an unproductive Bergeron (and with no real leadoff presence on the horizon), the Expos simply can't score enough runs.
5. Will Curtis Pride or Tim Raines be brought back for outfield insurance?
While the new MLB-helmed management in Montreal may be in an awkward position regarding player moves, one decision is unlikely to create much hue or cry -- inviting 42-year-old Tim Raines to training camp. Though he was traded by the Expos to the Orioles in September to fulfill a dream of playing with his son in the big leagues, under normal circumstances Raines would likely have capped 2001 with a standing ovation at Olympic Stadium reminiscent of the one he had received to start the year. More than a savvy PR move predicated on inspiring nostalgia and soliciting goodwill, signing Raines to a contract last year was based much on what the Expos' great accomplished in Spring Training. He then established himself as the club's most consistent left fielder and leadoff man, despite missing almost four months with a torn biceps tendon in his left shoulder. In 47 games and 78 at-bats with Montreal, Raines batted .308, hit eight doubles, and drew 18 walks, good for a .433 on-base percentage. He also provided a feelgood story while adding a respected clubhouse presence. Raines can't play every day given his age and the rigors of playing on the Olympic Stadium surface (new turf or not), but it shouldn't -- and likely won't -- be lost on the new administration that in the 12 games he started at the top of the order, Raines hit .366 and scored nine runs, reaching base 20 times in his final 23 games. The Rock, needless to say, can still roll.
Curtis Pride, for his part, might not have produced staggering numbers like Raines during his time with the Expos in 2001, but the free agent was a valuable outfield option. Pride tore up at Triple-A last year, leading the team in on-base percentage (.420) and slugging (.596). When called up by the Expos to replace the injured Raines on May 5, he thrived under his former Manager Felipe Alou. In 21 May games, he posted a .333 average. Under Torborg, Pride played in just 15 games, though he missed 65 days with a right wrist contusion stemming from a fouled pitch on June 12. He returned from his rehab assignment Aug. 21, yet had seven at-bats before being outrighted back to Ottawa Sept. 4. Pride finished the year in Montreal at an even .250. With a new Manager, Pride might fare better and his track record would certainly make him worthy for consideration as a reservist on a team lacking outfield depth.