Here are some of the storylines you are bound to read during spring training.
This will probably be the first article–and perhaps the only one all year–where the location of the Expos means next to nothing. As far as team health goes, there’s very little in the way of park effect. I’ll assume that the MLBPA will watch closely to make sure that there are adequate facilities in San Juan, and honestly, it’s not like San Juan is some third world country like most articles make it sound.
If nothing else, Steve Phillips is always busy. I’m sort of surprised at myself, but of the two signings, I’m a lot more positive about Tony Clark. Is he done? Sure, he might be, but he was also useful as recently as 2001. But more importantly, if Mo Vaughn wallows around in noisy mediocrity or worse, gets hurt, the Mets don’t really have another internal alternative, and this is a division where 85 wins will contend.
Will the two-year deals signed by Junior Spivey and Kirk Rueter blow up in the Diamondbacks’ and Giants’ faces? Kevin Millar and Alex Ochoa swap out in the Japanese leagues exchange program. And Trace Coquillette: utility infielder or rotisserie chicken joint?
The Expos must deal with a limited player budget, backbreaking travel schedule and the loss of a meaningful home-field advantage in 2003. They could shift the odds back in their favor with a healthy season.
No Job is Safe in Camp This Year, Manger Declares
As players trickle in to camp, the manager has a message for them: There are no guarantees this season.