The horrid 2000 season in nearly a memory. Thank goodness. It's been a
terrible year for the defending World Champs, a season where nearly every
member of the World Championship team has been traded and replaced by
younger, cheeper, talent. Of the starting lineup that won the title last
year, only DH Brad Fullmer remains. Guys like Greg Maddux, Robby Alomar,
Scott Brosius, Randy Myers, and Rafael Palmerio are gone. Don Slaught, the
manager, was traded as a player, and Johnny Bench came back to take over.
Things might be looking up though. Slaught has been brought back, and will
take over in the dugout once again. The lineup for the 2001 year looks
solid. Fullmer will be back, and hopefully back to his rookie of the year
numbers. A contender for the 2000 R.O.Y, David Ortiz looks to be a solid
anchor at first for years to come. 3B Bobby Smith, CF Trot Nixon, and RF
Mike Dashiell all look to be contributors next season.
The real question mark will be the Outlaw's pitching staff. Of the
starters, only RHP Frank Callahan is assured of a spot in the rotation. The
Outlaws are expected to sign a free agent number one starter, former Outlaw
David Wells' name has come up in staff meetings, along with drafting a
quality starter in the upcomming post season draft. If that is the case,
and a drafted starter can immediatly make the opening day roster, then GM
Phil Raisor and Slaught will need two more starters. RHP Felipe Lira has a
ton of talent, but has had a horrible season. He has, however, pitched well
lately, and he'll probably be given the number four spot in the rotation.
For the fifth starter, if one isn't aquired in a trade, look for a slugfest
in spring training between Chan Ho Park, Nealy Becker, Alan Embree, and
anyone else they can get a look at.
