CHICAGO WHITE SOX The rebuilding process of a team that should have been more competitive than it was continues, as the departures of Belle and Ventura open up even more jobs. The departure of Mike Cameron leaves the centerfield job open for Brian Simmons, a tools-laden late-blooming hitter with a diverse range of skills, but…
CHICAGO CUBS On a team that might be the oldest team in National League, it shouldn’t surprise people to hear that there won’t be much space for rookies. However, at least one has been initially guaranteed first crack at a roster spot: OF Robin Jennings. Jennings will be the fifth outfielder, but doubts about his…
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS This is a very old team with few openings for rookies. At the top of management’s list is infielder Danny Klassen, who has a shot at the utility spot for 1999. A considerably more interesting player to anyone who paying attention is 2B Jackie Rexrode, whose skill set reminds one of vintage Lance…
Major league baseball came to San Francisco in 1958 when the Giants, with Willie Mays, joined the Dodgers on their move west. Despite Mays’ undeniable brilliance, local fans wanted a hero they could call their own, and Mays carried New York baggage with him. So when a 20-year-old rookie named Orlando Cepeda hit a homerun…
BALTIMORE ORIOLES First baseman Calvin Pickering is a Sam Horn hit-alike who absolutely crushed a bomb in an intrasquad game Monday. Unfortunately, he has Sam Horn’s chance at the first base job after the O’s signing of Will Clark. He could end up getting some DH at-bats, particularly in the second half, by which time…
ANAHEIM ANGELS Mentioned that RHP Pep Harris‘ contract for 1999 includes a club option for 2000. [3/2] Announced the retirement of INF Craig Shipley. [3/6] Adios to Craig Shipley, one of Australia’s first wave of imports. His departure opens up the utility job to such luminaries as Luis Rivera, Jeff Huson, and Andy Stankiewicz. Tony…