Houston, TX -

With news of the passing of owner Drayton McLane Jr., the team announced that Eduardo McLane Jr. will take control of the team. Eduardo is the stepson of Drayton and his estranged wife. It was well known that McLane was ill for sometime now but currently, a family member is under investigation involving the death. At just 29 years-old, Eduardo becomes the youngest owner in the SBL. As far as whereabouts of Eduardo Sr., upon hearing of the news of his son taking over the team, he sent only a post card from Columbia, congradulating his son, and notifying him that as soon as the Cartel Summer Beach Bash was over, he would come join him in Houston to help get things rolling. Should be plenty of money flowing into the team finances now. Public funeral services will be held for Drayton sometime during the next homestand out in centerfield during the 7th inning stretch.

Kansas City, MO -

1996 NL East Preview

In 1995, the NL East was a division of extremes, featuring two teams that won over 105 games (Mets, Braves) and two 100 loss units (Phillies, Marlins). While some moves took place over the off-season, from this observer's perspective it looks like the final standings for these teams should be similar to last season, although I think things will start to tighten up a bit (how could they not, honestly). The Phillies and Marlins certainly added some talent, but this is really a three team race. The top of this division is very tough, and it will be interesting to see the Mets, Braves and Expos battle it out. Last season the Wild Card came from the NL East, will the improved Phillies and Marlins squads change that in 1996?

1. New York Mets

Key Additions: RF Tim Salmon (ANA)
Key Losses: RF Jeromy Burnitz (CHA), RF Darryl Strawberry (SF)
Rookie To Watch: SS Melvin Mora
Reason For Optimism: $100 Million Man Tim Salmon and rookie Melvin Mora make an explosive Met offense even stronger than last year’s juggernaut.
Burning Question: Can the New York rotation (which had multiple players post career high numbers in 1995) match last year’s unbelievable numbers?
Bottom Line: This team won the NL last season, and with the addition of Salmon, they are certainly the team to beat once again. Seeing this crew miss the postseason would be a shocker.

2. Atlanta Braves

Key Additions: MR Jim Mecir (ATL), C Damon Berryhill (CHN), 2B Mariano Duncan (LAN), 1B Bob Hamelin
Key Losses: MR Chad Fox, MR Mike Cather, 2B Ramon Caraballo (CLE), MR Brad Clontz, (CLE), 1B Ryan Klesko (MIN), SP Tommy Greene (CHA), MR Kerry Lightenberg (CIN), 2B Tony Graffanino (PIT), SP Zane Smith (MON)
Rookie To Watch: SP Jason Schmidt (AAA)
Reason For Optimisim: The Braves are the Braves…who wouldn’t expect great things? Great pitching, great offense, the 107 win campaign of 1995 was not an accident.
Burning Question: The one hole on this team is at 1B, where Kansas City castoff Bob Hamelin looks to be the favorite to take over with star Ryan Klesko. Can Hamelin be a serviceable replacement for the All-Star, or will the team have to make a move during the season?
Bottom Line: This roster has the look of a playoff team, but is not quite on the same level as the Mets. Look to be an early favorite for the Wild Card.

3. Montreal Expos

Key Additions: SP Zane Smith (ATL), MR Toby Borland (PHI), MR Steve Schrenk (MTL)
Key Losses: MR Jose Paniagua (BAL), SS Mark Grudzielanek (CLE), 1B Archi Cianfrocco (BAL), 1B Andres Galarraga (PHI), 1B Brad Fullmer (PHI), SP Scott Sanderson (CIN)
Rookie To Watch: 3B Shane Andrews
Reason For Optimism: Free agent signing Zane Smith helps to bolster the starting rotation, which is anchored by Cy Young contender Randy Johnson. With a strong bullpen as well, the Expos are solid on the mound.
Burning Question: Can young bats keep up last season’s production (Rondell White) or continue developing (Cliff Floyd)? The Expos ability to crack into the NL elite hinges on this.
Bottom Line: This is a solid team with few holes (catcher is the only real liability) that is certainly in contention for a postseason berth. However, the NL East is very top heavy, and things will need to break Montreal’s way. This is definitely a possibility though, as the Expos appear to have a bit more organizational depth than the Mets and Braves.

4. Philadelphia Phillies

Key Additions: MR Mike Magnante (KC), MR Terry Matthews (TEX), 2B Pat Kelly, SP Mark Portugal (MIN), SP Orel Hershiser (LAN), 2B Joey Cora, SP Brian Tollberg (SD), 1B Andres Galarraga (MON), 1B Brad Fullmer (MON)
Key Losses: MR Mike Jackson (BAL), CL Mike Williams (KC), LF Tony Longmire (CAL), MR Toby Borland (MON), MR Ricky Bottalico (CHN), MR Mike Mimbs (PIT), MR Steve Schrenk (MON), SP Kevin Gross (KC)
Rookie To Watch: 3B Rob Mackowiak (AAA)
Reason for Optimism: When a team loses 100 games, the players are generally part of the problem. The Phillies definitely went to work turning over their roster. Free agent signings Mark Portugal and Orel Hershiser look to be stabilizing forces in the rotation, and trade acquisition of Andres Galarraga gives some needed punch to the lineup.
Burning Question: As the Phillies enter Spring Training, it is not clear what the opening day OF will look like. Veteran Juan Samuel looks penciled in as the CF, but the corner positions will be a competition between players who may be overmatched at the big league level. Will rookie 3B Rob Mackowiak move the OF, or will team brass look to free agency to patch the holes?
Bottom Line: This is a team in transition that has begun to accumulate prospects as part of the rebuilding effort. A .500 season would have to be considered a huge success, especially given the competition in the division. More moves like the Galarraga trade (getting prospect(s) along with bad contracts that help the big league club) may help this team both short-term and long-term.

5. Florida Marlins

Key Additions: MR Shawn Barton (SEA), 2B Mark Lewis (CLE), MR Rich DeLucia (SEA), SP Dustin Hermanson (SD), MR Danny Cox (STL), RF Mitch Webster (TOR), SP Mike Harkey (CHN), C Joe Oliver (CIN), RF Joe Orsulak (PIT), C Tony Pena (PIT), LF Luis Polonia (OAK), SP Ryan Franklin (SEA), MR Danys Baez (SEA), MR Justin Speier (SEA), 3B Ramon Vazquez (SEA)
Key Losses: MR John Johnstone (STL), C Joe Girardi (CAL), CL Chuck Smith (SEA)
Rookie To Watch: SS Carlos Guillen
Reason For Optimism: Actual major league talent on the roster. Mike Hampton, Mark Lewis, Tino Martinez, Carl Everett and Dennys Reyes are all multitudes better than any player on the Marlins opening day roster last season. Another 9-90 start is not likely (those type of streaks really are season killers aren’t they?).
Burning Question: The pitching staff has improved, but that is because of how horrid the staff was last season, not because this year’s staff is overly talented. Outside of Hampton and Reyes, no one the staff would be considered an above-average pitcher. How the arms hold up will be worth watching.
Bottom Line: Things are moving in the right direction, and the tide is rising in South Florida. However, when an organization suffers through a 20 win campaign, one can’t expect things to turn around overnight. Making the Fish winners will take time, but it appears that the first steps towards respectability are being taken.

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1996 NL Central Preview

In 1995, the NL Central provided the most competitive race in baseball, with 3 games separating the top 3 teams. This year should be no different, as the Pirates, Cubs and Astros all look to be legit postseason contenders. A full season with Kevin Appier and Andy Ashby should help bolster the Pirates, the Cubs made some strategic moves to fill in the few holes they had, and the Astros have some young prospects on the horizon who are capable of producing a big impact. Even the upstart Cardinals have a solid 1-5 in the rotation that should keep them in games and give them some hope of being a dark horse in the race. Although Cincinnati is down on their luck at the moment, they have some solid players as building blocks to go with their prospects as they look to the future. How does this year's race shape up? Let's take a look:

1. Chicago Cubs

Key Additions: MR Ricky Bottalico (PHI), 1B Mark Sweeney (STL), SP Sean Bergman (DET), C Dan Wilson (CIN), SP Allen Watson (STL)
Key Losses: CF Doug Glanville (TOR), C Damon Berryhill (ATL), C Bengie Molina (STL), SP Mike Harkey (FLA)
Rookie To Watch: 3B Mike Lowell
Reason For Optimism: The Cubs came close to a playoff berth last season, and spent the off-season patching holes in their team. Dan Wilson and Mark Sweeney are solid players that improve an above average offense, and Ricky Bottalico is a nice arm to add to a rock-solid bullpen.
Burning Question: Will the back-end of the rotation hold up? Management is banking on Sean Bergman, a player with the tools to be successful, but who hasn’t put it all together yet. Between Bergman, Allen Watson and Jamie Moyer, someone has to step up for the Cubs to make a march to the playoffs.
Bottom Line: The Cubs are a solid club from top to bottom that lack star power (outside of Greg Maddux and Mark Grace, there are no real household names on the roster), but they are also a club that lacks a glaring weakness. Look for the NL Central race to come down to the wire with the Cubs prevailing in the last weekend.

2. Pittsburgh Pirates

Key Additions: 2B Tony Graffanino (ATL), SP Danny Jackson (KC), 2B Damion Easley (CAL), C Tom Pagnozzi (STL), MR Mike Mimbs (PHI), SP Dennis Martinez (BAL)
Key Losses: C Angelo Encarnacion (CHA), MR Blas Minor (BOS), MR Rick Reed (BOS), MR John Ericks (NYA), MR Stan Belinda (PIT), 3B Abraham Nunez (BAL), SP Bruce Chen (BAL), RF Joe Orsulak (FLA), C Tony Pena (FLA)
Rookie To Watch: CF Adrian Brown (AAA)
Reason for Optimism: The Pirates have assembled a roster of top level stars. Barry Bonds. Kevin Appier. Trevor Hoffman. Andy Ashby. The top of the Pirates roster is full of stars; players that can take over a game on their own. Pittsburgh returned to the playoffs last season after a two year absence, and looks to be strong again in 1996.
Burning Question: Can the team absorb the off-season defections from their bullpen. Gone are Blas Minor, John Ericks and Stan Belinda, all major contributors to last year’s playoff run. The bullpen is not a weakness, but it may not be as strong as it was in 1995.
Bottom Line: This team is a serious contender. What the team’s stars bring to the table is undeniable, but concerns about the bullpen and the middle infield (2B Carlos Garcia overachieved last season, and new SS Tony Womack is unproven) leave them just short of the Cubs here. Seeing the Pirates repeat or win the Wild Card would not be a surprise though, and if they get in the playoffs, Pittsburgh has a roster built for post-season success.

3. Houston Astros

Key Additions: MR Rob Dibble (CIN), SP Pete Harnisch (BAL), 3B Shea Hillenbrand (BOS/BAL)
Key Losses: RF Turner Ward (DET), C Tony Eusebio (NYA), CF James Mouton (MIN), 3B Morgan Ensberg (BAL), MR Wayne Franklin (BAL)
Rookie To Watch: CF Lance Berkman (AAA)
Reason for Optimism: Shane Reynolds and Darryl Kile are a formidable 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation, and Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell and Ken Caminiti anchor the offense. The Astros also have a couple of top flight prospects in OFs Bobby Abreu and Lance Berkman waiting in the wings. If they develop quickly, this lineup could become one of the most feared in the league.
Burning Question: The recent trade for Pete Harnisch helps the rotation, but does it help enough. Last season Astro fans were often thinking “Reynolds, Kile and pray for rain” (which doesn’t even help much when you play your home games in a dome). If Houston wants to reach the playoffs, the back end of the rotation must step up.
Bottom Line: A winning season should not be a problem for the Astros, and they are expected to compete for the division crown. They ability to hang with the Cubs and Pirates will probably hinge on how their young players perform (Abreu, Berkman, and Billy Wagner stand out). If they play to their potential, they can provide the supporting cast that the established vets need, and Houston can make their first postseason since 1986.

4. St. Louis Cardinals

Key Additions: MR Jose Silva (TOR), C Bengie Molina (CHN), MR John Johnstone (FLA), MR Mike DeJean (COL), SP Pat Ahearne (DET)
Key Losses: C Eli Marrero (BAL), MR Jose Jimenez (DET), MR Rheal Cormier (SEA), MR Mike Perez (SEA), CF Willie McGee (BOS), MR Tom Urbani (MIL), 1B Mark Sweeney (CHN), SP Allen Watson (CHN), C Tom Pagnozzi (PIT), MR Danny Cox (FLA), MR Bryan Eversgerd (MIN)
Rookie To Watch: MR T.J. Matthews
Reason for Optimism: The Cardinals have a solid rotation 1-5, with 2 promising arms in AAA to boot (Matt Morris and Alan Benes). Although there are no sure-fire Cy Young candidates in the group, the fact is St. Louis should be in almost every game, which bodes well for success.
Burning Question: Will the infield be good enough? The Cardinals enter the season starting two players in the infield (Todd Zeile and Greg Gagne) that both posted VORPs below -12.0 in 1995. A repeat of those performances would torpedo any hopes St. Louis has of jumping up in the division.
Bottom Line: There are things to like on this team, but there are areas of concern as well. Too many soft spots in the lineup and questions in the bullpen to be considered a true contender in the division, but .500 is attainable.

5. Cincinnati Reds

Key Additions: 1B Erubiel Durazo (SEA), MR Brian Fuentes (SEA), C Jose Molina (SEA), SP Jaret Wright (SEA), LF Gerald Williams (NYA), 1B Dave Hollins (PHI), MR Kerry Lightenberg (ATL), 1B Ron Coomer (MIN), RF Matt Mieske (MIL), MR Angel Miranda (MIL), MR Terry Mulholland (SF), SP Scott Sanderson (MON), CF Lee Tinsley (SEA)
Key Losses: C Dan Wilson (CHN), 1B Reggie Jefferson (SEA), CL Bobby Ayala (LAN), CF Eric Davis (SF), SS Tom Foley (Retired), SP Tom Browning (Retired), 2B Lenny Harris (BOS), MR Rob Dibble (HOU), C Joe Oliver (FLA), SP Tim Pugh (MIN)
Rookie To Watch: SP Derek Lowe (AAA)
Reason for Optimism: The Reds have some nice individual pieces in Barry Larkin, Reggie Sanders and Chris Hammond. Management has started looking to the future and made some deals for prospects, which provides hope for the future.
Burning Question: Can the pitching staff be competitive? With the Reds trading for prospects, the team has signed numerous players to one year contracts, giving them an opportunity to prove themselves while keeping places warm for players in the minors. What the pitching staff will look like on opening day (especially in the bullpen) is anyone’s guess. Relying on too many retreads is often a recipe for disaster, so it will be interesting to see how things go for the Reds this year.
Bottom Line: The Reds are in the midst of a rebuild, and it may get worse before it gets better. Prospects are great for the future, but do little to help the fortunes of the present. A 4th place finish would be a positive step for the Reds, and it is not out of the realm of possibility.

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1996 NL West Preview

1. Los Angeles Dodgers

Key Additions: CL Bobby Ayala (CIN), LF Bip Roberts (SD)
Key Losses: MR Mike Busch (BAL), LF Billy Ashley (DET), RF Candy Maldonado (NYA), 2B Mariano Duncan (ATL), SP Orel Hershiser (PHI)
Rookie To Watch: MR Antonio Osuna
Reason For Optimism: Starting pitching. When the high ERA on your staff is 3.17, your team is in pretty good shape (and you are probably playing baseball in the mid-late 1960s). Dodger Stadium certainly helps, but make no mistake, the rotation is rock-solid with multiple legitimate Cy Young candidates. The bullpen was also bolstered by the off-season addition of former Reds closer Bobby Ayala. The 108 wins this team posted last year was not a fluke.
Burning Question: Can the team avoid multiple catastrophic injuries? As long as you don't see 2-3 stars have season-ending injuries, it is difficult to envision a scenario where this team struggles in the regular season.
Bottom Line: It is extremely difficult to find a weakness on this team. The pitching is great, the offense is solid without any soft spots, and there is adequate depth across the diamond. The Dodgers are the odds-on favorite in the division, and are as close to a lock for the post-season as you are likely to see.

2. San Francisco Giants

Key Additions: RF Darryl Strawberry (NYN), CL Paul Quantrill (BOS), SS Benji Gil (TEX)
Key Losses: 2B Robbie Thompson (Retired)
Rookie To Watch: MR Jamie Brewington (AAA)
Reason For Optimism: The Giants return nearly everyone from their 89 win campaign in 1995, a season that saw them underperform their pythag record by seven games. The rotation is solid, and Will Clark, Matt Williams, and Chili Davis are a solid heart of the order.
Burning Question: A lot of Giants had career years in 1995...were those performances a fluke or an indicator for future performance? Can Royce Clayton make another All-Star team? Can Mike Aldrete hit 22 HR again? Can Gil Heredia put up a 44 VORP again? Scouts around the league aren't certain.
Bottom Line: The Giants are a solid team, but they look to be a step down from the Dodgers. They should be a Wild Card contender, if their players continue to perform.

3. San Diego Padres

Key Additions: 2B Carlos Baerga (CLE), LF Rickey Henderson (OAK), SS Gary DiSarcina (CAL), CL Russ Springer (NYA), CF Eric Davis)
Key Losses: C Sandy Alomar, Jr. (BAL), SP Joey Hamilton (DET), MR Scott Sanders (KC), MR Doug Brocail (MIN), CF Gary Matthews, Jr. (OAK), SS Ray Holbert, (KC), MR Andres Berumen (BOS), CF Thomas Howard (DET), SP Dustin Hermanson (FLA), 2B Joey Cora (PHI), SP Brian Tollberg (PHI), LR Bip Roberts (LAN), SS Ozzie Smith (Retired)
Rookie To Watch: SP Matt Clement
Reason For Optimism: San Diego picked up some nice pieces in the off-season. AL Batting Champ Carlos Baerga steps in at 3B, and SS Gary DiSarcina and LF Rickey Henderson also give a boost to the Padre offense. Rookie starters Matt Clement and Brian Lawrence also have nice potential and can provide a boost if they are ready to perform at the big league level.
Burning Question: No team in the NL suffered more off-season losses that the Padres. The biggest hole is at the top of the rotation with Joey Hamilton leaving for Detroit. Tim Scott's move from the bullpen to the rotation also bears watching.
Bottom Line: The Padres are a mixed bag, with some bright spots and some concerns. San Diego has the look and feel of a .500 team, with the ability to go a few games either way depending on how things break.

4. Colorado Rockies

Key Additions: MR Jayson Durocher (MIL), MR Rick Krivda (BAL), C Ron Karkovice (CHA)
Key Losses: MR Mike DeJean (STL), MR Lance Painter (KC)
Rookie To Watch: 1B Todd Helton
Reason For Optimism: The pitching is significantly better than last year's team. Bryan Rekar, Mark Thompson and Roger Bailey are bona-fide MLB starters, which is a step in the right direction. With better starters, one can expect the bullpen to perform better as well (having relievers appear in fewer than 100 games a year will probably help). Rookie 1B Todd Helton steps right into the middle of the order and provides more pop than anyone on last year's roster as well.
Burning Question: Besides Helton, where will all the offense come from? Jason Bates had a strong rookie year, and September call-ups Quinton McCraken, Angel Echevarria and Neifi Perez could help, but they aren't sure things. It's good that the kids get to play, but expecting results is another matter entirely.
Bottom Line: The Rockies are at least a year or two from competing, but they have more pieces in place than last year, which is a nice start. They have a nice core of young players, and the experience they gain in 1996 will help the team figure out who the keepers are, as well as provide invaluable experience once the team is ready to contend.

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1996 AL East Preview

In 1995, the AL East was probably the most underwhelming division in baseball with only one team playing above .500 ball. The Blue Jays ended up winning the division in a walk while the rest of the division played out the string. After an aggressive off-season of buying (New York and Boston) and selling (Baltimore), it looks like 1996 will feature a much more intense division race. Let’s take a closer look at each of the teams:

1. Toronto Blue Jays

Key Additions: RF Roberto Kelly (NYA), CF Doug Glanville (CHN), SS Walt Weiss (OAK), MR Ken Ryan (BOS)
Key Losses: MR John Bale (BOS), MR Jose Silva (STL)
Rookie To Watch: 3B Casey Blake
Reason For Optimism: This team came within a game of the World Series last season and literally returns every player from last season’s 25 man roster. Full seasons from Gary Sheffield, B.J. Surhoff and Jamie Navarro figure to make the team stronger this time around as well. There’s a lot of balance in Toronto, and it’s difficult to see a glaring weakness in their roster.
Burning Question: In an offseason that saw both the Yankees and Red Sox make headlining moves in an effort to get back in contention, can the Blue Jays afford to stand pat and sit on their hands. As I said before, the team does not have any huge weaknesses. However, the team does lack a true top of rotation starter (see Clemens or Schilling in Boston), which may or may not come into play.
Bottom Line: These guys won this division last year, and look poised to repeat. It figures to be a much bigger fight this time around, but the Blue Jays should be considered the favorite in the division until another team proves otherwise.

2. New York Yankees

Key Additions: 2B Tim Naehring (BOS), 3B Sean Berry (CAL), MR Rich Garces (MIN), RF Candy Maldonado (LAN), C Tony Eusebio (HOU), MR John Ericks (PIT), MR Jeff Pierce (BOS), MR Jeff Russell (CIN)
Key Losses: LF Ricky Ledee (OAK), RF Roberto Kelly (TOR), 2B Randy Velarde (KC), SP Al Leiter (OAK), MR Mark Leiter (SEA), 2B Pat Kelly (PHI)
Rookie To Watch: SS Derek Jeter
Reason For Optimism: The Yankees spent the off-season identifying their weaknesses and addressing them. The team boasts four regulars (Naehring, Berry, Eusebio, and Jeter), and two new faces are on hand to help in the pen (Ericks and Garces). The Yankees also have much better depth than last season, and look like a team that can weather injuries if they arise.
Burning Question: The overall talent level is higher in New York this year, but do they have the necessary pieces to go toe-to-toe with the Blue Jays? Team management added many solid (not star) players, which should definitely help the team. The question is, can these additions put them over the top?
Bottom Line: This team looks like it is capable of competing for a playoff spot. If the Yankees stay healthy and are in the thick of the race in September, the return of the team’s young ace, Andy Pettitte, may turn the tide in the favor of the Bronx Bombers.

3. Boston Red Sox

Key Additions: CL Dennis Eckersley (CLE), MR Chad Fox (ATL), MR Joel Bennett (BAL), MR Mike Cather (ATL), MR John Bale (TOR), MR Blas Minor (PIT), MR Mike Trombley (MIN), C Don Slaught (KC), MR Joe Grahe (CAL), MR Andres Beruman (SD), MR Ron Villone (SEA), 1B Scott Stahoviak (MIN), C Mike Durant (MIN), SP Dave Fleming (SEA), MR Rick Reed (PIT), CF Willie McGee (STL), MR Jim Converse (SEA)
Key Losses: 2B Tim Naehring (NYA), MR Ken Ryan (TOR), C John Flaherty (MIN), CL Paul Quantrill (SF), MR Jeff Pierce (NYA)
Rookie To Watch: SS Nomar Garciaparra
Reason for Optimism: 1995 was a disaster for the Sox, and management certainly did not stand pat. Roger Clemens suffered through a down year, and figures to be due for a rebound. Curt Schilling joins Clemens at the top of the rotation and arguably forms one of the best 1-2 combos in all of baseball. Rookie SS Nomar Garciaparra joins a solid core of position players that should the pitching good run support. This team will not lose 105 games again.
Burning Question: Can the bullpen hold up? Blas Minor is coming off a solid campaign, but other bright spots in the nine man bullpen are few and far between. The team picked up plenty of relievers in the off-season, and this may be a case of where you throw everything against the wall and see what sticks. If the bullpen does its part, things could turn around in Boston sooner rather than later, but that’s a big “if.”
Bottom Line: Look for Boston to rebound and field a competitive team this year. The rotation is solid and there are some nice players in the lineup. Going Clemens-Schilling 1-2 in a short playoff series is a manager’s dream. Don’t expect that dream to come true in 1996, but if things break right it is certainly possible.

4. Detroit Tigers

Key Additions: SP Joey Hamilton (SD), MR Jose Jimenez (STL), CF Thomas Howard (SD), LF Billy Ashley (LAN), RF Turner Ward (HOU)
Key Losses: SP Sean Bergman (CHN), SP Pat Ahearne (STL)
Rookie To Watch: SS Miguel Tejada
Reason For Optimism: The Tigers feature some really nice young players (Travis Fryman, Bobby Higginson, Tony Clark, Miguel Tejada), and scored the biggest prize of free agency by locking up NL ERA champ Joey Hamilton to a 6 year, $134 million dollar contract, the richest in baseball history. The team has made a statement that they are willing to spend to create a winner, which has the fans excited. If young SPs Justin Thompson and Brian Moehler continue their development, things could be looking up in Detroit.
Burning Question: Can the bullpen hold the lead? The Tigers head into 1996 without any reinforcements in the bullpen, where only Greg Gohr and Buddy Groom had decent 1995 campaigns. Detroit starts the season with rookie Jose Jimenez as the closer, but he is ready for the pressure that comes with that role? There are things to like about the Tigers, but the pen is not one of them.
Bottom Line: The Tigers seem to be moving in the right direction, but they have some soft spots (the bullpen and the bottom of rotation at the start of the season) that keep them from being a true contender. The Tigers are capable of being a surprise this season, but it is difficult to predict them being better than the teams listed above.

5. Baltimore Orioles

Key Additions: MR Mike Jackson (PHI), C Sandy Alomar (SD), SS Rafael Furcal (STL), LF Greg Vaughn (MIL), C Eli Marrero (STL), MR Jose Paniagua (MON), 3B Mike Busch (LAN), 2B Rod Correia (CAL), SP Paul Abbott (MIN), 3B Abraham Nunez (PIT), SP Bruce Chen (PIT), 3B Morgan Ensberg (HOU), MR Wayne Frankin (HOU), SP Curt Schilling (BOS), SP Jeff Suppan (BOS), MR Brian Bevil (BOS)
Key Losses: C Chris Hoiles (MIL), MR Joel Bennett (BOS), SP Ben McDonald (SEA), MR Rick Krivda (COL), SP Dennis Martinez (PIT), SP Pete Harnisch (HOU), 3B Shea Hillenbrand (HOU), SP Jake Westbrook (STL), Jeff D’Amico (STL), CL Jose Mesa (STL), 1B David Segui (STL)
Rookie To Watch: SP Jeff Suppan
Reason For Optimism: Mike Mussina is scheduled to pitch every 5th day, which will be nice for Orioles fans. Honestly, not much to be excited about here. Management made the decision to rebuild, and it shows in the roster. The team is collecting some nice prospects, but help won’t be arriving for a while. The performance of rookie SP Jeff Suppan will also be worth watching.
Burning Question: Can any of the Orioles place holders have a break-out season? The Orioles went bargain hunting during FA, giving underutilized players an opportunity to perform. Will they find some hidden nuggets that can contribute to turning things around? I’m sure they will find a couple, but who they are is anyone’s guess.
Bottom Line: This team does not have the weapons to compete. The loss of talent from last year’s roster and the improvement made by other clubs in the division make anything more than a last place finish this season a success.

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1996 AL Central Preview

Although this opinion may be a bit biased, the AL Central may be the toughest division in all of baseball. In 1995 the Indians won the division, the Brewers took the AL Wild Card, and the White Sox were tied for next in line with the Wild Card. In the off-season the teams on top (Indians, Brewers and White Sox) stood pat or made minor adjustments, while the Twins and Royals made some splashes in free agency. On paper, it looks like every team in the division is capable of competing. Will the tougher competition keep the Wild Card from coming out of the Central once again? How will the division shake out the year? Let’s take a look:

1. Chicago White Sox

Key Additions: MR Mike Stanton (ATL), RF Jeromy Burnitz (NYN), C Angelo Encarnacion (PIT), SP Tommy Greene (ATL), MR Dave Eiland (NYA)
Key Losses: C Ron Karkovice (COL)
Rookie To Watch: RF Magglio Ordonez (AAA)
Reason For Optimism: The rotation is headed by reigning Cy Young winner Alex Fernandez, and also includes veterans John Smiley and Jack McDowell. That is a very nice 1-3 in the rotation. The White Sox offense also features the scariest 2-5 hitters in all of baseball in Harold Baines, Bobby Bonilla, Frank Thomas and Ken Griffey, Jr. There is a lot to like about the stars on this team.
Burning Question: Can the supporting cast do its job this season? Last year this team came up just short in its quest for the post-season, largely due to struggles at catcher, left field and the bottom of the rotation. The catching position has been turned over to rookie Angelo Encarcion, but is he ready? Magglio Ordonez looks like he is almost ready to step in for Lyle Mouton as well, but the bottom of the rotation will be covered by Mike Sirotka and Jason Bere, the same players as last year. Can they step up?
Bottom Line: This is a talented team that underperformed last year. Having Smiley for the entire season helps push them over the top, as the White Sox win a heated AL Central Race.

2. Cleveland Indians

Key Additions: 2B Ramon Caraballo (ATL), MR Brad Clontz (ATL), SS Mark Grudzielanek (MON)
Key Losses: CL Dennis Eckersley (BOS), MR Jeff Shaw (KC), SP Dave Mlicki (MIN), SP Greg Swindell (SEA), 2B Mark Lewis (FLA), 2B Carlos Baerga (SD)
Rookie To Watch: RF Brian Giles (AAA)
Reason For Optimism: The Indians are a power in their own right. Mid-season acquisition David Cone joins Charles Nagy at the top of the rotation, and Manny Ramirez, Albert Belle and Jim Thome are all feared sluggers. This is a strong team looking to return to the playoffs.
Burning Question: How will the new-look infield perform? In the offseason, Cleveland lost AL batting champ/3B Carlos Baerga to the Padres, and 2B Mark Lewis left to play in Florida. Free agent Mark Grudzielanek steps in at 2B, while David Bell and Russell Branyan compete at 3B. How the team fares at the hot corner may have an impact on the race.
Bottom Line: The Indians are still a strong team, but free agency did leave them with a couple of holes to address. Look for Cleveland to come up just short in the division race. However, they would have to be amongst the front-runners for the Wild Card.

3. Milwaukee Brewers

Key Additions: C Chris Hoiles (BAL), RF Pedro Munoz (MIN), MR Tom Urbani (STL)
Key Losses: SP Jeff D’Amico (STL), LF Greg Vaughn (BAL), MR Jayson Durocher (COL), SS Pat Listach (SEA), CL Doug Jones (Retired)
Rookie To Watch: SP Chris Carpenter
Reason For Optimism: The Brewers lose only two bench players from last year’s playoff team while adding two new regulars. C Chris Hoiles looks to be a major upgrade offensively behind the dish, while new RF Pedro Munoz looks to be a similar improvement over former RF Mark Whiten. The Brewers offense looks solid top to bottom, but it lacks the superstars that Chicago and Cleveland can boast.
Burning Question: Is the pitching good enough? The pitchers in the Brewers rotation ranged from solid (Scott Karl and his 3.78 ERA) to average (Chris Bosio’s 4.59 ERA). The rotation lacks a true ace; someone who you can look to to snap a losing streak. It looks like rookie SP Chris Carpenter will get there at some point, but expecting it out of him this year may not be realistic. The Milwaukee bullpen is solid, but will the composition of arms (four lefties and three righties) lead to unfavorably match-ups at times?
Bottom Line: This is another solid team that should be in the playoff mix once again. They don’t have the star power of the teams in front of them, but it would be foolish to write them off. Look for them to be in the race the whole way, before falling just short in the end.

4. Minnesota Twins

Key Additions: 1B Ryan Klesko (ATL), SP Dave Mlicki (CLE), MR Doug Brocail (SD), CF James Mouton (HOU), C John Flaherty (BOS), SP Tim Pugh (CIN), MR Bryan Eversgerd (STL), MR Glenn Dishman (SD)
Key Losses: MR Rich Garces (NYA), RF Pedro Munoz (MIL), SP Paul Abbott (BAL), MR Mike Trombley (BOS), 1B Scott Stahoviak (BOS), C Mike Durant (BOS), SP Mark Portugal (PHI)
Rookie To Watch: 3B Corey Koskie
Reason For Optimism: 1B Ryan Klesko gives the team a great middle of the order bat to build the lineup around. Klesko figures to get plenty of opportunities to drive in runs with Kirby Puckett and Chuck Knoblauch hitting in front of him. The Twins also boast some nice pitching with Denny Neagle and Scott Erickson at the top of the rotation.
Burning Question: Can the back-end of the rotation and bullpen hold up? Outside of Klesko, the Twins went the budget route when adding pieces to their team, especially with the pitching staff. Will they be enough to get them over the hump? The Twins also have a couple of weak spots in the offense (C and SS) that may keep them from competing with the big boys in front of them.
Bottom Line: The Twins are a better team than last year, but will it be enough for them to make a jump up? It’s certainly possible, but given the competition in the division, it will be hard climb. Look for about a .500 finish, with the ability to compete if they can get off to a fast start.

5. Kansas City Royals

Key Additions: SP Chuck Finley (CAL), MR Jeff Shaw (CLE), CL Mike Williams (PHI), MR Scott Sanders (SD), 2B Randy Velarde (NYA), SS Ray Holbert (SD), MR Stan Belinda (PIT), MR Lance Painter (COL), SP Kevin Gross (PHI)
Key Losses: C Don Slaught (BOS), MR Joe Hudson (NYA), 1B Bob Hamelin (ATL), MR Mike Magnante (PHI), SP Danny Jackson (PIT)
Rookie To Watch: SP Francisco Cordova
Reason for Optimism: A legitimate big league pitching staff. After last season’s fire sale, pitching was a relative term in Kansas City. In the off-season, though, the team went shopping. SP Chuck Finley joins the Royals to take pressure off young starters Esteban Loiaza and Francisco Cordova, and Jeff Shaw, Mike Williams, Stan Belinda and Scott Sanders give the team an ensemble of hard-throwing arms in the bullpen. Randy Velarde also steps into a weak spot at 2B.
Burning Question: Will the offense score enough? The Royals have done a nice job addressing their pitching, but the offense is the weakest in the division. Moises Alou and Jon Nunnally are nice players, but they would not 3-4 for many teams in the AL. The team is betting that young players Johnny Damon, Jason Giambi and Mike Sweeney can perform well and pick up the slack. That’s a nice plan to have, expecting great things from young players doesn’t always go so well.
Bottom Line: The Royals are in much better shape than a year ago, but so is everyone else in the division. The pitching will have to carry them if they want to move out of the cellar. They are moving in the right direction, but given the competition, you have to pick the Royals for the cellar.

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1996 AL West Preview

The American League West Division is home to the 1995 SBS Champions, the Texas Rangers. The champs did some minor tweaking in the off-season, but return largely the same roster as last year. Will the Rangers be challenged in 1996? Let’s take a closer look:

1. Texas Rangers

Key Additions: CF Marquis Grissom (MON), 2B Jose Vidro (MON), Yamil Benitez (MON)
Key Losses: MR Mark Petkovsek (SEA), MR Tony Fossas (Retired), MR Terry Matthews (PHI), SS Benji Gil (SF), RF Sammy Sosa (MON)
Rookie To Watch: 2B Jose Vidro
Reason For Optimism: Texas has proven that they can win the World Series, and return large pieces of their roster. The big move of the off-season was the trade of Sammy Sosa to the Expos in return for Marquis Grissom and Jose Vidro, who both immediately step into the starting lineup. The Rangers lose some offense in going to Grissom from Sosa, but they become much better defensively with the move. Hitters seem to do well in Arlington, so perhaps Grissom’s stats will jump a bit due to his new surroundings. Lots of power in the order, and Kevin Brown, Tom Henke and Robb Nen anchor a nice pitching staff.
Burning Question: Will the pressure of repeating get to the Rangers? Management has done a nice job putting together the roster, but defending a championship is always harder than winning an initial championship. The Rangers also lost some arms in the bullpen during the off-season. The opening day bullpen shows no signs of weaknesses, but will the team have enough depth in the pen if injuries/ineffectiveness force the issue?
Bottom Line: The Rangers are still the class of the division. While I wouldn’t expect Texas to lead the race wire-to-wire, they are the odds-on favorite. Repeating as champions will be difficult, but I expect a return to the postseason.

2. Oakland Athletics

Key Additions: LF Ricky Ledee (NYA), SP Al Leiter (NYA), CF Gary Matthews, Jr. (SD)
Key Losses: SS Walt Weiss (TOR), LF Rickey Henderson (SD)
Rookie To Watch: SP Tim Hudson
Reason For Optimism: The Athletics put together a nice second half and a scorching September as they fell just short of the Wild Card in 1995. Rookie Tim Hudson and free agent Al Leiter give a boost to a suspect rotation, and Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco return in search of their second championship.
Burning Question: The team shored up their pitching in the off-season, but is it strong enough to make a run at the post-season? Hudson has a bright future, and the returning arms had solid years last season, but can they match last season’s performances? Scouts have more confidence in Ariel Prieto (17 game winner) than Kevin Ritz (17 wins) and Mike Morgan (16 wins) in matching last season’s output. The bullpen also performed admirably last year, but can the back-end of the pen continue to perform like last season?
Bottom Line: The Athletics look like a team that can compete for postseason berth. The pitching must hold up for that to happen. If they match last season’s efforts, the A’s are looking good. If they don’t, winning 90 games again could be a challenge.

3. Seattle Mariners

Key Additions: MR Mark Leiter (NYA), MR Mark Petkovsek (TEX), SP Ben McDonald (BAL), MR Rheal Cormier (STL), MR Mike Perez (STL), SS Pat Listach (MIL), SP Kirk McCaskill (CAL), SP Greg Swindell (CLE), 1B Reggie Jefferson (CIN)
Key Losses: MR John Cummings (CAL), MR Jim Mecir (ATL), MR Ron Villone (BOS), SP Dave Fleming (BOS), 1B Erubiel Durazo (CIN), MR Brian Fuentes (CIN), C Jose Molina (CIN), SP Jaret Wright (CIN), MR Shawn Barton (FLA), MR Jim Converse (BOS), MR Rich DeLucia (FLA), MR Rick Honeycutt (Retired)
Rookie To Watch: SS Alex Rodriguez
Reason For Optimism: The Mariners patched their major holes this off-season. Reggie Jefferson and rookie Alex Rodriguez join Edgar Martinez in the middle of the order. Ben McDonald, Kirk McCaskill and Mark Leiter join an underwhelming rotation from last year. The team also added some decent pitchers to their bullpen as well.
Burning Question: Is the Seattle lineup strong enough top to bottom to produce runs consistently? At the start of the season, catcher and left field look like they will be soft spots. Rookies Mike Cameron and Alex Rodriguez have bright futures, but may not be strong producers initially.
Bottom Line: The young bats give the Mariners the potential to surprise, but they are not a sure thing. Seattle made moves to upgrade their pitching, but I’m not sure if it will be enough. This is a team in transition that will probably have peaks and valleys in the upcoming season. If the youngsters perform though, watch out.

4. California Angels

Key Additions: MR John Cummings (SEA), LF Tony Longmire (PHI), MR Jim Poole (LAN), MR Mike Dyer (MIN), C Joe Girardi (FLA), SS Craig Grebeck (CHA), MR Dave Righetti (NYA)
Key Losses: 3B Sean Berry (NYA), SP Chuck Finley (KC), SP Kirk McCaskill (SEA), 2B Rod Correia (BAL), MR Joe Grahe (BOS), RF Tim Salmon (NYN), 2B Damion Easley (PIT), SS Gary DiSarcina (SD)
Rookie To Watch: SS David Eckstein
Reason For Optimism: The Angels have a lot of kids who are ready to play, headlined by SS David Eckstein and 3B Troy Glaus. On the mound, SPs Jarrod Washburn and Jason Dickson will get a chance in the rotation, and fireballers Brendan Donnally and Scot Shields get the call in the bullpen. They are nice players to build around, and the team hopes they can step in and be contributors.
Burning Question: Can the team recover from their off-season losses. Not many teams can lose their ace (Finley) and number 3 hitter (Salmon) to free agency and not skip a beat. It looks like California will weather the loss of Salmon better than Finley, as Rafael Palmeiro and Garret Anderson are nice middle of the order bats. However, there is no replacement for Finley at the top of the rotation, and that could hurt.
Bottom Line: The team was hit hard in the off-season, and is giving opportunities to rookies and young players. This will be good for the long-term in the organization, but will undoubtedly lead to some struggles in the short-term. The Angels will need to outscore opponents to win games more often than not, and time will tell whether or not they have the players to do that.

Chicago, IL -

Hey Cub Fans, you still feeling down on last year? Well, put all that behind you, 1996 is a new season and one you should definitely feel excited about. I know we say that every year but this one is different!! I know we also say we say that this year is different but we really really mean it this time.

Lets meet your 1996 Cubbies. You'll see mostly familiar faces but some new ones as well.

Our starting rotation will consist of two newcomers:

Greg Maddux (7 ER in 20 innings of work this spring and only 3 walks)
Frank Castillo (A horrid spring training)
Sean Bergman (If you take out his first start, he gave up 1 run in 16 innings of work this spring)
Steve Trachsel (Need him to match last years numbers)
Allen Watson (Another newcomer who is looking to unseat Moyer as our #5 in the rotation, was 3-0 this spring)

After a quick glance, our pitching staff could be very good or very bad. We've got two newcomers with Bergman and Watson who both pitched quite horribly last season but for teams that were borderline average teams. Being on a winning team might change their mindset and look to prove people wrong. Bergman had a fantastic spring as mentioned earlier and if we can get that same production out of him all season he will easily unseat Castillo has the #2 in our rotation. Watson will have to work hard to keep his spot in the rotation with veteran Jamie Moyer working his butt off to get back into the rotation instead of being used as a long reliever.

The top bullpen of last year comes back in full force. The addition of Moyer should strengthen the middle innings and Bottalico will get a shot to revitilize his career in Chicago. He had a solid spring only giving up a few runs in the last ten outings (13 innings). Rookie, Brooks Kieschnik will provide some cleanup work as well. Then the setup men and closer will likely remain the same with the possibility of switching Terry Adams and Slocumb around. They both had phenominal seasons last year and will each have a shot at being a closer this year. Adams has worked a better spring than Slocumb so the nod may go to him early on but the decision has yet to be made!

Our lineup consists of two new starters and hopefully two HEALTHY players from last year who were injured for nearly the last two months of the season.

CF Dave Martinez will be the leadoff hitter based on not being caught stealing so many times. The not-so-good fake priate, Quilvio Veras will bat second. 2B Veras was one of the players last season who was hurt towards the end. His phenominal OBP will be a big help for the middle of the order. If he can reproduce last season's numbers and maybe improve on his base stealing, DMart and Veras will be a nightmare for opposing pitchers when they get on base. 1B Mark Grace will be hitting in the 3 spot to start the year. He had a fantastic spring training hitting 8 dongs.

The other guy who was hurt for the last part of the season, RF Dante Bichette, has been tearing the cover off the ball this spring as well. He hit 9 homers and will be batting cleanup for the Chicago Cubs this season. It would not surprise me at all if he ended up hitting 40 homers this year and propelling this Cubs team into a 100-win team.

But in order for that to happen, we'll have to get some good production out of the 5 spot and that will be filled by left fielders Mark Sweeney and Jerome Walton. These two will platoon for the first month or two and let the two battle it out. My not-so-greatly-valued opinion will be that Sweeney wins the job and gets to face lefties on regular occassions as well. Following them will be the Cubs #2 prospect (behind Aaron Rowand), 3rd Baseman, Mike Lowell. Lowell had a decent spring but still room for some more power numbers once he gets more comfortable at the plate. He plays fantastic defense at third and that will give us one of the best defenses on the left side of the infield.

Newly signed free agent, catcher Dan Wilson will bat 7th in front of under-appreciated Rey Sanchez. Sanchez provides one of the best gloves in baseball on short stop. His .289 batting average is nothing to laugh at but his slugging (.364) is. He gets so little respect among the media that he's not even listed in the "Positional Strength Overview By Positions" report. Trip Crommer, Manny Alexander, Noberto Martin, Jeff Blauser to name a few are all listed ahead of the Cubs... I'll take Rey Sanchez, who committed only 11 errors last year. The Cubs don't have to actively seek a replacement but if one fell into their laps, I'm sure they'd consider upgrading.

My prediction for the Cubs this year? Playoffs. 94 wins. If Bichette can regain his power numbers that everyone knows he's capable of then that might generate a few more wins for the Cubbies. World Series? We'll see.

Baltimore, MD -

1996 will be a season of transition for the Orioles, as the team heads into Spring Training without several key veterans who were dealt away during a firesale in the offseason. Dennis Martinez, Curt Schilling, and Pete Harnisch were all dealt from the rotation, and the offense lost C Chris Hoiles. Most of the prospects acquired in return are still teenagers, so Orioles fans will not get a taste of the future when the team takes the field on Opening Day.

27-year old Mike Mussina was one of the few survivors of the fire sale and will finally claim his place as the team's ace. After signing Mussina to a 5-year, $65 million contract extension, the O's hope this is a role he can hold for several years to come. Rookie Jeff Suppan, acquired in the Schilling trade, will be thrown to the wolves from the #2 spot in the rotation. Mike Oquist earned a callup and the #3 spot after posting a 2.90 ERA in 32 starts at AAA last season. Free agent signing Paul Abbott will hold down the #4 spot, and the #5 spot will go to either Cal Eldred or a lower-end free agent such as Dwight Gooden.

Jose Mesa has a steady hold on the closer role after posting a 2.48 ERA and 33 saves last season. John Habyan, Arthur Rhodes, and Gregg Olson will return after solid performances as well. Mike Jackson was signed as a free agent to improve the late innings, and Rule V pick Jose Paniagua will be an early innings eater. Armando Benitez and Richie Lewis are both slotted for another year at Norfolk, but either pitcher could make a bid if the O's want to carry an extra RP. Scouts believe Brian Bevil needs more Minor League seasoning, but at age 24 time is starting to run out for the talented righty.

Despite trading Hoiles, the O's still have a great deal of Major League catching depth. 24-year old Gregg Zaun continues to develop with the bat, but the coaching staff believes he does not have the glove to be an everyday catcher. Free agent signing Sandy Alomar Jr. will take over as the everyday catcher, after hitting .336/.395/.578 in limited AB's for San Diego. Rule V pick Eli Marrero is not quite ready to be an everyday catcher yet, but he will see a significant amount of playing time at C, LF, and RF.

1B David Segui and 3B Cal Ripken Jr. will return at the corner infield positions, though both are pending free agents and expected to be difficult signs for a last place team. 2B Billy Ripken and SS Manny Alexander will combine to make up the middle infield by default, which has been the subject of mass criticism and could be the worst middle infield combination in team history. SS Abraham Nunez and 3B Morgan Ensberg are both expected to begin the season at Norfolk, but they could move up fast if the regulars struggle as expected.

LF Greg Vaughn, CF Steve Finley, and RF Jeffrey Hammonds will make up the starting OF, with Damon Buford backing up all three positions. The O's are reportedly eager to make Damon Buford an everyday player, which would result in the callup of either Mark Smith or David Dellucci to become the backup OF. Eddie Murray returns as the DH after hitting .334/.391/.528 with 30 HR and 101 RBI as a 39-year old last season.

St. Louis, MO -

Major League Baseball's Rule V Draft was created to prevent teams from stockpiling too many prospects in their minor league systems who other teams would play in the majors.

Players are eligible to be drafted in the Rule V Draft if they are not on their team's 40-man roster and have at least five seasons of professional experience. Each pick costs $50,000 and must stay on the new team's 25-man roster all season.

Teams may add players to their 40-man roster all the way up until the December 1st draft day in order to protect them from the draft. However, with a roster crunch throughout the league, it appears several good players will be available in the draft this winter.

Here's an overview of the top 10 players who are currently eligible for the draft:

1. Alan Benes, SP, St. Louis Cardinals
Arguably the top pitching prospect in the Cardinals' system, Benes will likely be protected in the days leading up to the draft. However, after an unimpressive 5.37 ERA in 65.1 IP at AAA this season, it's possible St. Louis might try to sneak him through.

2. Shawn Estes, SP, San Francisco Giants
A quality finesse lefty who posted a 2.73 ERA in 99.0 IP at AAA, Estes would definitely appear to be Major League ready for the Giants or a team that's lucky enough to draft him.

3. Kris Benson, SP, Florida Marlins
Acquired as part of the blockbuster Trevor Hoffman trade, Benson still hasn't thrown a single pitch above A-ball. Scouts like his ability to throw three quality pitches with good stuff, control, and movement, so it's possible a team would take a flier on his great potential.

4. Bill Mueller, 3B, San Francisco Giants
Mueller's .827 OPS helped the Richmond Flying Squirrels win the AA League Championships. Scouts predict he will develop into one of the top #2 hitters in baseball, with above average potential in contact hitting, batting eye, and avoiding strikeouts.

5. Jarrod Washburn, SP, California Angels
Washburn piled up 206.1 IP at AA this season, but teams feel his incredible endurance will keep this from making him an injury risk. Consistent LH starting pitching is always in demand, so there will definitely be teams interested in Washburn if he is not protected.

6. Dmitri Young, LF, St. Louis Cardinals
Young posted a .923 OPS in 360 AB at AA, and a .811 OPS in 241 AB at AAA. He's probably not quite ready for the majors, but a team might find a bench spot for him if it means they can acquire his big bat without giving up any players in return.

7. Aaron Boone, 3B, Cincinnati Reds
Already a star defensive 3B, Boone added offense to his resume with 23 HR and 101 RBI at AA this season. The Reds appear ready to let starting 3B Chris Sabo walk in free agency, so they might be planning to make Boone their new 3B for next season.

8. Mike Lieberthal, C, Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are loaded with catching depth, but Lieberthal is probably the most Major League ready player on this list. Lieberthal plays average defense at catcher, with a well-balanced overall offensive package.

9. Brian Tollberg, SP, San Diego Padres
Tollberg was rocked with a 6.09 ERA at AA, and isn't close to ready for the majors even at age 23. However, he still shows great potential and with starting pitching thin across the league, someone might be interested in making him their long reliever for a year.

10. Jose Cruz Jr., CF, Cincinnati Reds
Acquired from the Mariners in the Paul O'Neill trade, Cruz can already play great defense at all three OF positions with good speed. He'd be a major asset to any team as a utility OF, so he's almost a certainty to be drafted if he's left unprotected. Cruz's bat isn't quite as Major League ready as his glove and speed, but scouts predict he will eventually hit for power with a good batting eye.