Cleveland Indians
 The defending Central Division
champions are not the same team that went to the
World Series two years ago, or even the same team that lost to the Orioles in the
first round of the playoffs last season. Albert Belle, the power center of the
Indians lineup now resides in Chicago, Carlos Baerga, the Indians former
designated hitter was traded last July, and Eddie Murray was traded to Anaheim.
Still, the Cleveland Indians are expected to challenge for the American League
pennant.
For the past two years, the Indians starting rotation held opposing batters to
the lowest ERA in the league. This year, Charles Nagy will lead a staff that
includes Jack McDowell, Orel Hershiser and Chad Ogea, who has turned into a
strong fourth starter. Nagy led the team last season with 17 wins, his best
production in three season, and appears to be regaining much of his previous
dominance. And, while both Hershiser and McDowell have struggled in previous
years, they can consistently dominate late into games. As for the bullpen, Eric
Plunk, Mike Jackson, Paul Assenmacher, and Alan Embree give manager Jim Hargrove
dozens of combinations for middle relief, and Jose Mesa has come away from his
legal troubles unscathed and is ready to lead the Indians to the playoffs.
As for the offense, the Indians have a new power leader in David Justice, who was
traded early in the season for Kenny Lofton. Along with Matt Williams, and a
core of strong hitters including Jim Thome, Chad Curtis and Julio Franco, this
team will produce offensive stats that make up for the off-season departures.
Finally, the combination of free-agent Tony Fernandez and three time gold glove
winner Omar Vizquel in the infield will keep hitters from advancing past first
and produce scores of double plays.
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New York Yankees
The defending World Series champion
New York Yankees, who captured the hearts of
baseball fans everywhere last season, experienced some profound changes during
the winter. When the Yankees took the field this season, Manager Joe Torre, had
lost his closer John Wetteland, and backup catcher Jim Leyritz and starting ace
Jimmy Key to division rival Baltimore. It looks like the Yankees will be in for
a fight if they look to repeat as division champions, let alone challenge for the
World Series title.
The starting rotation of the Yankees is still one of the best in the league.
David Cone and Cy-Young runner-up Andy Petitte will lead the Yankees and can
easily win twenty game a piece. David Wells, the former Yankee killer, will
assume the number three spot and Doc Gooden and former Texas Rangers starter
Kenny Rogers, both accomplished veterans, round out the strong rotation. In the
bullpen, Mariano Rivera will move from set-up man to closer in hopes of repeating
Wetteland's domination of opponents. Looking to fill Rivera's spot as middle
reliever will be Jeff Nelson and left-handers Graeme Lloyd and Mike Stanton.
Offensively, the Yankees made few changes, and are realizing the benefit of world
series experience on their young stars. First baseman Tino Martinez is battling
for the league lead in RBI's and challenging for the hitting title. Shortstop
Derek Jeter is the offensive and defensive anchor, looking to build on his .314
average and 104 runs scored last season. And, Wade Boggs, who still has pop in
his swing, brings veteran experience to the infield. In the outfield, Bernie
Williams and Paul O'Neill have blossomed into bonafied power hitters, with the
third spot being shared by Darryl Strawberry and Tim Raines.
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Big Apple
