Friday, May 11, 2001
Sizing up NL Central foes
CHICAGO CUBS
• Record: 21-13, first place
• vs. Reds: At Cincinnati May 28-30, June 28-July 1 & Sept. 18-20; at Chicago May 22-24 & Sept. 11-13.
• Why they're tough: 3B Bill Mueller and C Todd Hundley are huge upgrades. Rotation of Kevin Tapani, Jason Bere, Julian Tavarez, Jon Lieber and Kerry Wood is better than anyone expected. And, of course, there's Sammy Sosa.
• Where they're soft: The bullpen, potentially. Jeff Fassero has never relieved over the long haul; Tom Gordon is
still proving he's healthy. Production from 1B and CF has been spotty.
• Key injuries: None.
HOUSTON ASTROS
• vs. Reds: Today-Monday & Sept. 3-5; at Houston May 18-20, June 21-24 and Aug. 28-30.
• Record: 17-15, tied for third
• Why they're tough: 1B Jeff Bagwell remains on a Hall of Fame path. Nobody wants to pitch to OFs Richard Hidalgo and Moises Alou. 2B Craig Biggio appears to be recovered from his knee injury. Wade Miller bolsters the rotation.
• Where they're soft: Rotation can't afford more inconsistency from Jose Lima. Third baseman Chris Truby has been slumping. Bullpen often looks ordinary.
• Key injuries: RHP Doug Brocail (elbow), INF Bill Spiers (back).
ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
• Record: 18-15, second place
• vs. Reds: At Cincinnati May 25-27 & Aug. 20-23; at St. Louis June 1-4, June 26-27 & Aug. 13-16.
• Why they're tough: OF J.D. Drew has begun to show why he was worth all that fuss a few years ago. Rookie slugger Albert Pujols is a nice complement to Drew and Jim Edmonds. Depth is excellent, perhaps the division's best.
• Where they're soft: Matt Morris and Darryl Kile can be spectacular, but overall the rotation isn't as stellar as everyone thought. Doubts linger about whether they can contend if Mark McGwire remains out for an extended period.
• Key injuries: McGwire (knee), C Carlos Hernandez (back), RHP Garrett Stephenson (elbow), LHP Jeff Tabaka (elbow), LHP Jason Christiansen (shoulder).
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
• Record: 18-16, tied for third
• vs. Reds: At Cincinnati June 18-20 & Aug. 17-19; at Milwaukee June 5-6 & Sept. 21-23.
• Why they're tough: The 3-4-5 combination of Geoff Jenkins, Richie Sexson and Jeromy Burnitz gives pitchers nightmares. As Reds fans know, Jeffrey Hammonds is no slouch. Ray King is one of the league's best LH relievers.
• Where they're soft: Rookie Ben Sheets can be dazzling and Jamey Wright can be competent, but generally nobody on this pitching staff scares you. Lack of a big-time closer will prevent club from competing seriously.
• Key injuries: SS Mark Loretta (R thumb), RHP Jeff D'Amico (elbow).
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
• Record: 12-21, sixth place
• vs. Reds: At Cincinnati July 2-5 & Aug. 31-Sept. 2; at Pittsburgh Sept. 6-9.
• Why they're tough: Despite somewhat slow starts, LF Brian Giles and C Jason Kendall are big-time players. Aramis Ramirez could be developing into a legitimate threat. OF John Vander Wal has outgrown pinch hitting.
• Where they're soft: No team can withstand the injuries Pittsburgh's pitching staff has endured. Bench isn't very deep. OF Derek Bell has been a big disappointment.
• Key injuries: RHPs Kris Benson and Francisco Cordova (both elbow), RHP Jason Schmidt (abdominal strain), OF Adrian Brown (shoulder).
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Sizing up NL Central foes
