Chicago White Sox
 The Chicago White Sox collapsed at the end of the 1996 season, losing the wild
card spot to Baltimore in the final weeks of the season. So, during the winter,
owner Jerry Reinsdorf made some changes, including opening his wallet to make
Albert Belle the highest paid player in baseball history. In the process
however, Reinsdorf lost the bidding war for pitcher Alex Fernandez to the Marlins
and was forced to sign Jaime Navarro to make up for the loss. Needless to say,
the 1997 White Sox will have very different chemistry.
The White Sox starting rotation has all the potential in the world, but a lot of
questions waiting to be answered. Wilson Alvarez remains the key to the
rotation, and is joined by Navarro, second year starter James Baldwin and Doug
Drabek. But, Alvarez tired at the end of last season and may do so again,
Baldwin's rookie successes may have been a fluke, and Drabek was terrible last
season in Houston. The Sox are left to hope that one or two of the young
pitchers in the bullpen will join Tony Castillo and Roberto Hernandez as
consistent relievers.
The combination of Belle and two-time MVP Frank Thomas is sure to make opposing
pitchers nervous. But the White Sox have more talent hiding in the shadows.
Both Robin Ventura, who set career highs in homeruns (34) and RBIs (105) while
winning his fourth gold glove, and DH Harold Baines, are coming off their best
seasons in years. And prospects Chris Snopek and Norberto Martin, who hit .350
last season in 140 at bats, give manager Terry Bevington lots of creative options
for his lineup.
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Kansas City Royals
Two season ago, the Royals finished thirty games out of the playoffs. Following
that disgraceful seasons, the Royals restructured their roster to include a whole
slew of young talent. While they didn't finish thirty games out of first place
last season, they did finish in last place for the first time in team history.
Now, manager Bob Boone, has three proven veterans to lead his young squad and the
results should be noticeably better.
Kevin Appier leads a solid starting rotation that includes Tim Belcher, Chris
Haney, and Jose Rosado. Appier, who won 14 games, and finished third in the
league in ERA and strikeouts despite bicep problems. Belcher outpitched Appier
last season but is getting up in years, Rosado was sensational in his rookie
season, and Haney has recovered nicely from last season's back surgery. The
bullpen is going to be the problem, with closer Jeff Montgomery facing injury
problems and his replacement Jaime Bluma lacking major league experience. And,
with the release of Mike Magnante and the trade of Jeff Granger, the Royals will
depend on youngsters Brian Bevil, Melvin Bunch and Ken Ray for middle relief.
The off-season additions of DH Chili Davis, first baseman Jeff King, and
shortstop Jay Bell will anchor the Royals offense. King ripped 30 homers and
drove in 111 runs last season, Bell is coming off a career high number of RBI's
last season, and third baseman Craig Pacqutte led the Royals last season in
homers with 22. The outfield is young, with prospects Johnny Damon and Michael
Tucker providing some offensive pop, and left-handed bats Tom Goodwin, Rod Myers
and Jon Nunnally should open some eyes.
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City of Fountains
