ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS The Diamondbacks went on a well-publicized spending spree in the offseason, and bought themselves some decent pitching in the process. They’ll need it, because the offense is saddled with ancient players at key positions. New left fielder Luis Gonzalez will have trouble duplicating his decent 1998, and one of the few youngsters in…
ANAHEIM ANGELS Re-signed pitcher Jack McDowell and infielder Randy Velarde to one-year contracts. Signed infielder Craig Shipley to a minor-league contract. [12/7] Designated pitcher Allen Watson for assignment. [12/12] Acquired pitcher Mark Petkovsek from the St. Louis Cardinals for a PTBNL (who turned out to be catcher Matt Garrick). Designated catcher Ben Molina for assignment….
ANAHEIM ANGELS Released pitchers Jeff Juden and Rich Robertson. [11/16] Re-signed catcher Matt Walbeck to a two-year contract. [11/17] Signed first baseman Mo Vaughn to a six-year contract with club option for 2005. [11/25] The Angels were the team to make Mo Vaughn the most well-paid player in the majors, signing him for $80 million….
ANAHEIM ANGELS Exercised their option on RHP Troy Percival and agreed upon an additional option for 2002. [10/19] Named Dick Pole pitching coach. [11/7] Percival remains one of the best closers in the game, and the Angels aren’t going to have to worry about him until 2002. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Exercised their options on LHP Brian…
CINCINNATI REDS Released LHP Steve Cooke. [9/30] Claimed LHP Eddie Priest off waivers from the Indians. [10/1] Four months after Jim Bowden sends Priest off to Cleveland for Rick Krivda, he grabs him back. Priest still isn’t a great prospect, and Krivda had a painful year in Cincinnati, but this was a nice little move…
OFFENSE The Astros boast a multi-faceted attack that is the National League’s best. In previous years, the team depended almost exclusively on leadoff hitter extraordinaire Craig Biggio and slugging first baseman Jeff Bagwell, and not much else. This year, the “Killer B’s” have been joined by a solid supporting cast, and the results have been…
Playoff Pitching Update The Astros, Braves, and Padres are all neck and neck, and it’s anyone’s guess who will have the league’s best record once the season ends. But earlier this year, circumstances looked much more favorable for the Braves and Padres than they do now as far as postseason pitching goes. At the break,…
Steven Carter is taking a break from quotes. Dave Pease will be filling in until he returns. 62 "I just hope I didn’t act foolish. This is history. " —Mark McGwire, Cardinals infielder, after breaking Roger Maris’ single-season home run record "You know what really sucks? That was his shortest of the year." —Steve Trachsel,…
TOP TEN TEAMS New York Yankees – what can I say, these guys are awesome. The team is full of solid performers having good offensive seasons, and the pitching staff has been incredible. Bernie Williams is an injury away from being a no-brainer MVP. Atlanta Braves – those Rockie imports are still playing well. Very…
Steven Carter is taking a break from quotes. Dave Pease will be filling in until he returns. NEW FACES, NEW PLACES "I can’t walk on water, I can’t spread the Red Sea. But every time I go out, I expect to win." —Randy Johnson, Astros pitcher "This is the best chance we’ve ever had to…
Here’s a look at a couple of prospects who have been turning heads with their solid play over the last month. Gabe Alvarez, 3B Bats R Born 1974 Age 24 Year Team Lge AB H DB TP HR BB R RBI SB CS Out BA OBA SA EQA 1995 R Cucmng Cal 208 60 9…
Top Ten Teams: 1. Yanquis. I thought they’d be good. They’ve been significantly better than I expected. 2. Braves. Always a great team, they’re getting good seasons from their Colorado imports. Whowouldathunk? 3. Padres. Everything’s coming together for this team. Except Joey Hamilton. 4. Astros. Again very solid, and getting some unexpected pitching help. 5….
ATLANTA BRAVES As far as hitters, the cupboard’s getting bare for the Braves. Andruw Jones will be their last dynamite property to reach the majors for a while, and he’s here to stay. Tony Graffanino has no real competitors for the second base job with the departure of Mark Lemke. He’s been better than Lemke…
Here are some picks from various BP authors about who they think will crash and burn, and who will break out this year… Steven Rubio The idea is a simple one: name the three players most likely to crash in 1998, and the three most likely to have a breakthrough season. The only guy I’m…
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Travis Lee should open the season at 1B for the Diamondbacks, and he figures to be a good one. Last year, he ripped up the California League, was promoted to AAA, and more than held his own. He’s had no trouble adjusting to the wooden bat, his defense is outstanding, and he rated…