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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Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have a knack for losing close games. Without a strong closer in
1996, the Cubs dropped 34 of 55 one run games while their bullpen converted only
68 percent of save opportunities. But, the off-season addition of Mel Rojas will
make a huge impact and the Cubs are expected to challenge the Cardinals in
baseball's weakest division.
Leading the Cubs starters will be Kevin Tapani, who has averaged 13 wins in each
of the past seven seasons. Frank Castillo, who is capable of a low ERA, Terry
Mulholland, who had recent successes with both the Phillies and Mariners, and
Steve Traschsel, the Cubs' only all-star in 1996, will fill out the starting
rotation. The bullpen will rely on Terry Adams, one of last year's most
successful rookie relievers, and Turk Wendell, who still brushes his teeth
between innings to get the licorice out, to set the stage for Rojas. And, Rojas
will be expected to fill the shoes of former closer Randy Myers by converting a
minimum of 90 percent of his saves.
Offensively, the Cubs will rely on Sammy Sosa and Brian McRae for run support.
McCrae finished sixth in the league in steals and also led the Cubs in runs while
Sosa led the league in homers before missing the end of the season due to a
broken bone in his hand. First Baseman Mark Grace won his fourth gold glove last
season but struggled at the plate and rookie Kevin Orie is coming off a wonderful
season in the Arizona Fall league but has no major league experience. So, the
Cubs will hope that Rey Sanchez can find his swing, and Shawn Dunston can avoid
injury if they are to make a run at the division title.
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The Cubs struggled in the first
half of the season while the Cardinals put themselves in position to win the division.
But, this has always been a big rivalry and the Cubs would like nothing more than
to start the second half of the season off with a victory. I think the Cubbies just
might have a good shot at this one -- next stop the playoffs!!
Windy City
