Minnesota Twins
 The Minnesota Twins are known for getting more out of their roster than they
deserve. If that proves to be true this season, the Twins could be more
difficult to dispatch than a first glance at their roster would permit.
Like every team in the majors, the Twins will rely on their starting pitchers to
lead them to the playoffs. Rick Aguilera, who has battled injuries the past few
seasons, will lead the Twins rotation, with off-season addition Bob Tewksbury
backing him up. Tewksbury, who is baseball's active leader for fewest walks
allowed per nine innings should act as a positive veteran influence on young
starters Brad Radke an Frankie Rodriguez, who will fill out the starting battery.
The Twins bullpen lacks a definitive closer, or middle reliever and will rely on
a combination of Ike Trombley and Eddie Guardado to finish off close games.
The off-season addition of Terry Steinbach at catcher gives the Twins a proven
leader on offense and defense. Joining Steinbach around the infield will be
Chuck Knoblauch, who is ready to break his own team record for runs scored
following a lucrative contract extension, Paul Molitor, one of the most
"intelligent" hitters in baseball, Scott Stahoviak, Pat Mears, and rookie Todd
Walker who can focus on his defense as he will bat at the bottom of the order.
There will be a hole in center field as a result of the loss of Kirby Puckett to
glaucoma, but Rich Becker, Roberto Kelly, and 1995 American League Rookie of the
Year Marty Cordova will fill his spikes adequately.
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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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Brew City
