St. Louis Cardinals
 After winning just 62 games in 1995, the Cardinals captured their first National
league Central Division title in 1996. While many teams made changes to their
rosters throughout the off-season, the Cardinals lineup remained almost
identical. So, it is not surprising that the leadership of manager Tony Larussa,
is expected to lead the Cardinals to a repeat of their division title.
The Cardinals have the most solid-four man rotation in the National League. Andy
Benes, Alan Benes, Todd Stottlemyre and Donovan Osborne each won at least 13
games last season and come back even stronger and more experienced following
playoff victories against the Padres and Braves. And, looking to fill the fifth
spot will be Danny Jackson, who without injury and illness would not have lost
his number one spot in the rotation. The Cardinals Bullpen, with the addition of
left-handed middle reliever Lance Painter becomes even stronger now that it can
rely on Rick Honeycutt and Tony Fossas for short relief. And, veteran closer
Dennis Eckersley, in his last big league season, will look to lead this team
towards a title.
In addition to strong pitching, the Cardinals have the fastest team in the
National League. Delino DeShields and Royce Clayton, each good for at least 30
stolen bases will be joined in the infield by veteran Gary Gaetti, who shows
little sign of slowing down and was the team's most consistent hitter in 1996.
And, outfielders Ron Gant, Ray Lankford, and Brian Jordan are all potential
members of the 30/30 club.
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Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves, still stinging from last year's loss to
the New York Yankees in the World Series, are AGAIN
primed for a run at the title. Their team changed little from
last season, and the addition of a new stadium in Atlanta has
energized the fans for this year's pennant chase.
Once again, the best starting rotation in baseball is in
Atlanta. Cy Young winners Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and
John Smoltz, along with Denny Neagle continue to baffle
National League batters and pave the way to the playoffs.
And, the once overlooked Braves bullpen has been
restuctured to include Bryan Harvey, and Mike Bielecki as
the set up men for Mark Wohlers, who is always ready to
shut the dooron opposing hitters.
Unfortunately for opposing teams, the Braves dangers
do not reside solely on the mound. The Braves lineup is as
potent as ever, including veteran slugger Fred McGriff (the
"crime dog") consistent producers Jeff Blauser and Mark
lemke. The Brave barely feel the loss of David Justice, with
exciting young superstars Javy Lopez, Ryan Klesko and
Andruw Jones leading the way. Finally. the addition of
Kenny Lofton, the pre-eminent leadoff hitter in all of baseball
only adds speed to the already quick lineup and gives the 2, 3
and 4 hitters someone to bring home.
Opposing managers are shaking in their cleats every time
the Braves take the field.
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