Milwaukee Brewers
 This year marks the 40th Anniversary
of the Milwaukee Braves World Series upset
of the New York Yankees. Unfortunately, it appears that the Brewers will not be
able to bring a title to Wisconsin like the Packers. However, the early stages
of construction of their new stadium last year's late season rebuilding effort
have created optimism in the city of Beer. And, while the Brewers are a long way
from making the playoffs, manager Phil Garner will keep this team motivated and
moving in the right direction all season.
The Brewers enter the season with four solid starting pitchers. Former Oriole Ben
McDonald, Cal Eldred, Scott Karl and Jeff D'Amico are each capable of winning 12
to 15 games. While McDonald and Eldred are proven starters, D'Amico, the
youngest starter in team history, and Karl will probably need some time to
improve throughout the season. Mike Fetters has been a solid closer for several
years, and the addition of Milwaukee native Bob Wickman, Ron Villone and the
ageless Doug Jones have made the Brewers bullpen capable of shutting down
opponents in the final innings.
Offensively and defensively, the Brewers roster is extremely talented but
inconsistent. Shortstop Jose Valentin had a breakthrough season offensively, but
suffered defensively last season committing 37 errors. Joining him in the
infield are Fernando Vina and pickup Jeff Cirllo who batted .325 with 15 homers
last season. In the outfield, Chuckie Carr is coming off knee surgery and will
stand with rifle-armed Jeremy Burnitz, Marc Newfield, who should provide needed
pop in the lineup, and Matt Mieske who Garner will count on to terrorize
left-handed pitching.
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Cincinatti Reds
Last season, the Reds experienced
first hand what cutting the payroll meant.
Following the 1995 season, the Reds dispatched David Wells, Ron Gant, Benito
Santiago, Mike Jackson and Mariano Duncan and finished the season out of first
place for the first time since being assigned to the National League's Central
Division.
Now, with a payroll even lower than last season's, Manager Ray Night is charged
with rebuilding this team, while depending on the few shining stars that remain.
The Reds rotation, led by Pete Schourek, the 1995 Cy Young Award runner up, John
Smiley and Dave Burba will give the Reds solid innings throughout the season.
But, with Jose Rijo plagued by injury, the Reds are left without a proven fourth
or fifth starter. Luckily, the bullpen is strong, including Jeff Brantley and
newcomer Stan Belinda.
The tough part will be getting the bullpen a lead late in the game. Cincinnati's
bright spot continues to be Barry Larkin, the 1995 MVP and member of the 30/30
club (first shortstop in history). The Reds infield is strong defensively, but
Hal Morris and Bret Boone have struggled at the plate and third baseman Terry
Pendleton is past his prime. Reggie Sanders and Deion Sanders in the outfield,
assuming they stay injury free, are sure to add flare and speed to the lineup,
but are not enough to bring the Reds back to the promised land.
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Queen City
