New York Mets
 The New York Mets have the worst luck of any team in the majors. They have been
in a perennial state of rebuilding, shuffling young talent in and out of their
lineup since a league worst 103 losses in 1993. And, when they finally compile a
strong pitching staff to lead them through the very tough National League East,
the team loses one pitcher to depression and another with tuberculosis.
Fortunately, Manager Bobby Valentine has a firm grasp of baseball's fundamentals
and knows what repairs can be made on this team.
Valentine has a strong starting rotation to build on including Mark Clark, Pete
Harnsich and Bobby Jones. If Jason Isringhausen can stave of injury, he has the
talent to be an all-star. And, a strong bullpen including Toby Borland, Greg
McMichael and Ricardo Jordan (all acquired during a three-day span in November)
should be able to nail down some key wins in the face of low run support.
As far as offensive production goes, the Mets lack considerable power in their
lineup, even with the addition of John Olerud, and shouldn't be expected to
produce a lot of runs. Young stars Rey Ordonez and Edgardo Alfonzo provide
strong defense but have yet to find their major league swing. And, the Mets are
left to hope that veterans Carlos Baerga and Bernard Gilkey provide the
leadership needed to gel this team into a contender.
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San Diego Padres
The Padres finished off their most successful season in franchise history by
sweeping a three game series in Los Angeles and winning the National League West.
So, when the Padres took the field for the 1997 season, they knew two things:
First, they didn't have to make many changes to field a strong defense of their
title, and second, the Dodgers would be searching for revenge, and would stop at
nothing to win the NL West. If that isn't enough to motivate a team for a run at
a division title, I don't know what is.
Andy Ashby and Joey Hamilton will lead the Padres starting rotation, hoping to
correct many of the weaknesses shown during the '96 playoffs. Sterling
Hitchcock, a durable left-hander who won 13 games last season with the Seattle
Mariners should fill the three spot while veteran lefty Fernando Valenzuela fills
out the rotation. Last year, the Padres bullpen led the majors in ERA and
opponents' batting average. Trying to repeat that effort will be Doug Botchler
in long relief and Tim Worrell, assuming he isn't moved to the starting rotation,
as set-up man. Trevor Hoffman, building on 42 saves last season, will again be
the Padres closer.
The Padres have balance and depth between the infield and outfield. Combining
veteran leadership with young power and strong defense, the Padres have one of
the best lineups in baseball. Ken Caminit and Archi Cianfraco will join Wally
Joyner as the leaders in the infield. Caminiti hit a league leading 28 homers
following the all-star break and is hoping to start with the same intensity he
finished with. And, powerful Greg Vaughn, and lead-off hitter Rickey Henderson
will join the perennial NL batting champion Tony Gwynn in the outfield.
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City of Infinite Possiblities
