This week, we’ll take the first of four looks at major-league jobs that aren’t currently nailed down by one player. These positions offer opportunities for hedging (if you’ve got one contender, get the other), for speculating (bet on the underdog or the battle’s eventual loser), and for shunning risk entirely (avoiding the guys whose jobs…
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…
BALTIMORE ORIOLES The Orioles’ best prospects are probably a couple of years away from making an impact in the majors. Two who might appear with Baltimore in 1998 are Danny Clyburn and Nerio Rodriguez. Clyburn had his first truly strong season at Triple-A last year, most notably improving his strike zone judgment. His future with…