Yankees look to capture another AL pennant

L et's step on the "new grass on the field" or grab our
snow shoes--whatever the case may be. It will be difficult for 1997's campaign to match the hardball heroics of last season, but to steal a line from Yankees' second baseman Mariano Duncan, "Different year, same story--dat's it."

Central

Chicago: Chicago's hope lies with Tony Phillips, Dave Martinez, and Ozzie Guillen to get on base in front of the big boppers Frank Thomas and Albert Belle. As long as Belle doesn't add any hot air to the Windy City and Robin Ventura returns to the field, the Sox should capture the division.

Cleveland: The Indians headed South for spring training; unfortunately, their offensive catalyst stayed there. Newly- acquired centerfielder Marquis Grissom plays a shallow center, and with the Indians' pitching staff, he could be toeing the rubber by midseason. The corners of Jim Thome and Matt Williams could surpass 60 HRs and 225 RBIs, but it may not be enough to find the Tribe playing in October.

Kansas City: If this were the '80s and coaches could play, the Royals would have a clean-up hitter in Greg Luzinski; unfortunately their hopes lie only with Chili Davis, whose best years were left in California.

Minnesota: The Twinkies will play with a lot of guts and grit. With scrappers like Chuck Knoblauch, they have the ability to finish in the top half of their division.

Milwaukee: No names, no talent, no dice. But take heart, Brewer fans--Packers camp opens up in three months.

West

Texas: These Lone Star State Rangers will be using a formula of Power + Power + Power to ride into the Western Division's sunset. At the plate, "Pudge" Rodriguez, Juan Gonzalez, Dean Palmer, and Mickey Tettleton will take aim at the retired number of the Ryan Express. Speaking of Ryan, Ken Hill and Bobby Witt will shoot darts on the corners, and, in the pen, John Wetteland will give the Texas faithful an ulcer before ringing up the "W."

Anaheim: The Halos will be the sleepers of the AL as they steal the Wild Card from beneath the noses of the Orioles. The Angels will be much more than the sum of their parts--they are a team in every sense of the word. Toeing the rubber are proven lefties Chuck Finley and Mark Langston. Powerful closer Troy Percival shortens the game to eight innings--a guaranteed save.

Seattle: Two years after falling to the Indians in the ALCS, the Mariners will be 1997's disappointment. As Randy Johnson's back goes, so goes the team. Their line-up features the most heart-stopping 2-5 hitters in the league, with Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey, Jr., Edgar Martinez, and Jay Buhner, but in a league this talented, what contender doesn't have a strong line-up?

Oakland: The two biggest questions in the Bay Area are: "Will Mark McGwire make a run at Maris and Ruth?" and "When is Huey Lewis going on tour?" The As were once a perennial playoff powerhouse; they still are, but now they are called the St. Louis Cardinals.

East

New York: The 1997 Pinstripers starting staff of David Cone, Andy Pettitte, David Wells, Dwight Gooden, and Kenny Rogers is the AL's best. With Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Tino Martinez, and Wade Boggs, the Bombers will consistently put men on base and move them along. The big question lies in their bullpen, now captained by Mariano Rivera. The Yanks hope the bounces continue to go their way, and Jeffrey Maier remains in the stands, so that they can prove that the second time around is twice as sweet.

Baltimore: With the highest career winning percentage among active players, Mike Mussina is a horse; unfortunately, Rocky Coppinger eats like one. The Os, however, have serious questions: Will Davey Johnson be able to calm the clubhouse? How will Cal Ripken, Jr. handle the transition to the hot corner?

Toronto: Although pitching is a strength, with Joe Carter as the only run-producer, the Blue Jays will have difficulty competing inside their division against, arguably, two of the best teams in baseball.

Boston: With Tom Gordon as the opening-day starter, the Red Sox's playoff hopes will be gone in a flash. Boston fans will continue to suffer from the Curse of the Bambino.

Detroit: For the second straight season, the Tigers have five Triple-A starters on their staff. Thanks to interleague play, NL teams will finally be able to hit against a team with an 1996 ERA of 5.97 and 20 blown saves.

AL Champion: New York Yankees

Back to Sports...