Philadelphia Phillies
 It's hard to believe that this team, which is struggling
to stay out of the National League East cellar, was in the
World Series only four short years ago. I think everyone
will agree that the Phillies are in the middle of a rebuilding
phase.
Their roster combines past stars Lenny Dykstra, Danny
Tartabull, and Darren "dutch" Dalton with utility players
Mickey Morandini, Kevin Stocker, and Gregg Jeffries
(assuming he stays healthy, he can certainly be a threat).
And their starting rotation includes Curt Schilling, one of
the best all around pitchers in the majors, along with Mark
Leiter and Mark Portugal, two crafty veterans to help the
young pitchers learn the ropes.
This team is still a few years from returning to the
playoffs, but Terry Francona has the basis for a strong
team, that can, at worst, make some of the contenders think
twice before moving on to the next city.
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St. Louis Cardinals
After winning just 62 games in 1995, the Cardinals captured their first National
league Central Division title in 1996. While many teams made changes to their
rosters throughout the off-season, the Cardinals lineup remained almost
identical. So, it is not surprising that the leadership of manager Tony Larussa,
is expected to lead the Cardinals to a repeat of their division title.
The Cardinals have the most solid-four man rotation in the National League. Andy
Benes, Alan Benes, Todd Stottlemyre and Donovan Osborne each won at least 13
games last season and come back even stronger and more experienced following
playoff victories against the Padres and Braves. And, looking to fill the fifth
spot will be Danny Jackson, who without injury and illness would not have lost
his number one spot in the rotation. The Cardinals Bullpen, with the addition of
left-handed middle reliever Lance Painter becomes even stronger now that it can
rely on Rick Honeycutt and Tony Fossas for short relief. And, veteran closer
Dennis Eckersley, in his last big league season, will look to lead this team
towards a title.
In addition to strong pitching, the Cardinals have the fastest team in the
National League. Delino DeShields and Royce Clayton, each good for at least 30
stolen bases will be joined in the infield by veteran Gary Gaetti, who shows
little sign of slowing down and was the team's most consistent hitter in 1996.
And, outfielders Ron Gant, Ray Lankford, and Brian Jordan are all potential
members of the 30/30 club.
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