MONTREAL EXPOS

Tony Armas (23, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 A 12 8 27 27 1 1 0 153 140 59 136 288 1999 AA 9 7 24 24 2 1 0 150 123 55 106 289 2000 MON 7 9 17 17 0 0 0 95 74 50 59 436

His papa was a home run hitter; Junior tries to prevent home runs, and he does a darn fine job of it. The kid had some control problems, but otherwise his rookie season was sensational. He was very nasty towards right-handed batters, holding them to a .183 average. A lot of the Expos' young pitchers have been having arm problems, and Armas did spent some time on the DL with a strained rotator cuff. If he's healthy, he should be quite good.

Michael Barrett (3B/CA, 24, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA 120 453 145 32 2 19 78 87 27 43 320 358 525 7 6 2000 AAA 31 120 43 7 0 2 21 19 13 10 358 430 467 1 0 1999 MON 126 433 127 32 3 8 53 52 32 39 293 345 436 0 2 2000 MON 89 271 58 15 1 1 28 22 23 35 214 277 288 0 1

Michael Barrett (3B/CA, 24, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA 120 453 145 32  2 19  78  87  27  43  320 358 525   7   6
 2000     AAA  31 120  43  7  0  2  21  19  13  10  358 430 467   1   0
 1999     MON 126 433 127 32  3  8  53  52  32  39  293 345 436   0   2
 2000     MON  89 271  58 15  1  1  28  22  23  35  214 277 288   0   1

Barrett had a horrible, distasteful, wretched sophomore slump last year. Now that I've gotten that out of my system, I can add that he is still a very impressive young player, and he will undoubtedly have some good years in the near future. It would help if the Expos could decide whether they want him to be a catcher or not.

Peter Bergeron (CF, 23, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA 143 550 165 25 12 8 103 63 78 95 300 388 433 41 12 1999 AAA 58 194 61 12 3 3 36 20 23 40 314 386 454 14 8 2000 MON 148 518 127 25 7 5 80 31 58 100 245 320 349 11 13

Peter Bergeron (CF, 23, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA 143 550 165 25 12  8 103  63  78  95  300 388 433  41  12
 1999     AAA  58 194  61 12  3  3  36  20  23  40  314 386 454  14   8
 2000     MON 148 518 127 25  7  5  80  31  58 100  245 320 349  11  13

Bergeron opened the season as one of the Expos' hotter prospects. With no better options, they decided to put him in the lineup everyday. He was lousy, but I'm not discouraged. He was only 22 last year, and he will undoubtedly get much better with more experience.

Matt Blank (25, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 A 14 3 29 27 2 2 0 177 154 34 140 254 1999 A 9 5 14 14 3 1 0 90 64 19 66 240 1999 AA 6 3 15 14 0 0 0 85 94 26 42 392 2000 MON 0 1 13 0 0 0 0 14 12 5 4 514

Matt Blank (25, L)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A  14   3  29 27  2  2  0 177 154  34 140 254
 1999       A   9   5  14 14  3  1  0  90  64  19  66 240
 1999      AA   6   3  15 14  0  0  0  85  94  26  42 392
 2000     MON   0   1  13  0  0  0  0  14  12   5   4 514

He was a super-hot prospect a year ago, but the Expos decided that he should skip Triple-A, and join the big club. He strained his forearm almost immediately, and was lost for the season. What his future has in hold for him is anyone's guess, but I doubt that he will be an impact player in 2001.

Geoff Blum (IF, 28, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA 39 139 43 12 3 6 25 21 17 24 309 400 568 2 1 1999 AAA 77 268 71 14 1 10 43 37 37 39 265 350 437 6 1 1999 MON 45 133 32 7 2 8 21 18 17 25 241 327 504 1 0 2000 MON 124 343 97 20 2 11 40 45 26 60 283 335 449 1 4

Geoff Blum (IF, 28, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA  39 139  43 12  3  6  25  21  17  24  309 400 568   2   1
 1999     AAA  77 268  71 14  1 10  43  37  37  39  265 350 437   6   1
 1999     MON  45 133  32  7  2  8  21  18  17  25  241 327 504   1   0
 2000     MON 124 343  97 20  2 11  40  45  26  60  283 335 449   1   4

Blum spent the entire year with the Expos, and was good. He played all of the infield positions, was probably Montreal's best defensive infielder, and he also had a good year at the plate. The acquisition of Tatis will cut into his playing time, but a switch-hitting infielder who can hit and play good defense is a valuable commodity.

Milton Bradley (OF, 23, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 A 142 542 160 35 5 11 109 84 53 99 295 365 439 30 17 1999 AA 87 346 114 22 5 12 62 50 33 61 329 391 526 14 10 2000 AAA 88 342 104 20 1 6 58 29 45 56 304 385 421 10 15 2000 MON 42 154 34 8 1 2 20 15 14 32 221 288 325 2 1

Milton Bradley (OF, 23, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A 142 542 160 35  5 11 109  84  53  99  295 365 439  30  17
 1999      AA  87 346 114 22  5 12  62  50  33  61  329 391 526  14  10
 2000     AAA  88 342 104 20  1  6  58  29  45  56  304 385 421  10  15
 2000     MON  42 154  34  8  1  2  20  15  14  32  221 288 325   2   1

Bradley is highly-regarded prospect with the Expos, perhaps the best young player in the organization. He also has a reputation for indifferent play and lack of hustle. I'm not convinced that he has as much potential as has been advertised; though often described as a "five-tool" player, he hasn't shown much power so far, and he hasn't shown good instincts on the basepaths. The Expos have better young players, like Peter Bergeron and Michael Barrett, but because of his reputation, Bradley is the one who is likely to receive the closest scrutiny.

Orlando Cabrera (SS, 26, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 MON 79 261 73 16 5 3 44 22 18 27 280 325 414 6 2 1999 MON 104 382 97 23 5 8 48 39 18 38 254 293 403 2 2 2000 MON 125 422 100 25 1 13 47 55 25 28 237 279 393 4 4

Orlando Cabrera (SS, 26, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     MON  79 261  73 16  5  3  44  22  18  27  280 325 414   6   2
 1999     MON 104 382  97 23  5  8  48  39  18  38  254 293 403   2   2
 2000     MON 125 422 100 25  1 13  47  55  25  28  237 279 393   4   4

Cabrera is regressing as a hitter, and that's not a good thing. He doesn't strike out much, but obviously he's making a lot of weak outs. He rarely walks, doesn't run very often, and his defense is nothing special. There's not much to get excited about here.

Trace Coquillette (IF, 27, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA-AAA 123 439 126 24 0 16 70 63 32 79 287 350 451 13 6 1999 AAA 98 334 109 32 3 14 56 55 44 68 326 434 566 10 4 2000 AAA 75 267 64 19 1 1 30 27 24 58 240 324 330 0 2 2000 MON 34 59 12 4 0 1 6 8 7 19 203 284 322 0 0

Trace Coquillette (IF, 27, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998  AA-AAA 123 439 126 24  0 16  70  63  32  79  287 350 451  13   6
 1999     AAA  98 334 109 32  3 14  56  55  44  68  326 434 566  10   4
 2000     AAA  75 267  64 19  1  1  30  27  24  58  240 324 330   0   2
 2000     MON  34  59  12  4  0  1   6   8   7  19  203 284 322   0   0

Coquillette's stock was on the rise after a spectacular season at Ottawa in 1999, but last year he slumped badly. He is not young anymore, and he didn't do anything well at the plate. I have my doubts that he will be back in 2001.

Tomas De la Rosa (SS, 23, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 A 117 390 98 22 1 3 56 43 37 61 251 323 336 27 7 1999 AA 135 467 122 22 3 6 70 43 42 64 261 320 360 28 15 2000 AAA 103 340 69 10 1 1 27 36 31 43 203 270 247 10 3 2000 MON 32 66 19 3 1 2 7 9 7 11 288 365 455 2 1

Tomas De la Rosa (SS, 23, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A 117 390  98 22  1  3  56  43  37  61  251 323 336  27   7
 1999      AA 135 467 122 22  3  6  70  43  42  64  261 320 360  28  15
 2000     AAA 103 340  69 10  1  1  27  36  31  43  203 270 247  10   3
 2000     MON  32  66  19  3  1  2   7   9   7  11  288 365 455   2   1

He has moved quickly through the Expos' system, and last year played for the Expos at age 22. Though he played well with the big club, the reality is that de la Rosa is a very poor hitter. He appears to be strong defensively; he should be back in the minors in 2001, developing his glovework and trying to figure out how to make the most of his limited ability with the bat.

Scott Downs (25, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 A 8 9 27 27 2 0 0 162 179 55 117 390 1999 A 5 1 9 9 1 1 0 58 48 17 50 156 1999 AA 0 1 6 3 0 0 0 20 33 10 22 869 2000 CHC-MON 4 3 19 19 0 0 0 97 122 40 63 529

Scott Downs (25, L)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A   8   9  27 27  2  0  0 162 179  55 117 390
 1999       A   5   1   9  9  1  1  0  58  48  17  50 156
 1999      AA   0   1   6  3  0  0  0  20  33  10  22 869
 2000 CHC-MON   4   3  19 19  0  0  0  97 122  40  63 529

Well, the Cubs didn't waste any time bringing him to the majors, giving Downs only 3 starts above the A-ball level. He survived, then was dealt to the Expos in the Rondell White deal. He appears to be an ordinary young pitcher; if he has any special talent, it won't emerge for a couple of seasons.

Vladimir Guerrero (RF, 25, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 MON 159 623 202 37 7 38 108 109 42 95 324 371 589 11 9 1999 MON 160 610 193 37 5 42 102 131 55 62 316 378 600 14 7 2000 MON 154 571 197 28 11 44 101 123 58 74 345 410 664 9 10

Vladimir Guerrero (RF, 25, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     MON 159 623 202 37  7 38 108 109  42  95  324 371 589  11   9
 1999     MON 160 610 193 37  5 42 102 131  55  62  316 378 600  14   7
 2000     MON 154 571 197 28 11 44 101 123  58  74  345 410 664   9  10

Guerrero had another astonishing year at the plate, and even improved a bit in the field, throwing out 12 runners while committing 10 errors. He's a phenomenal young talent, one of the best players in the game and still young enough to improve. His possibilities are endless, could get 4000 hits or 800 home runs or both (not likely, but possibly); he's also a good bet to win the Triple Crown one day.

Hidecki Irabu (32, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 NYY 13 9 29 28 2 1 0 173 148 76 126 406 1999 NYY 11 7 32 27 2 1 0 169 180 46 133 484 2000 MON 2 5 11 11 0 0 0 55 77 14 42 724

After three seasons in the Big Apple, Irabu was shipped off to Montreal, and responded to the situation about as well as you might have expected. To be fair, his performance was hindered by a bad knee and a bad elbow, but I'm skeptical about his future. If it wasn't for his overblown reputation, his career would be over.

Terry Jones (OF, 30, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1999 AAA 88 332 87 17 2 0 49 23 24 66 262 311 325 30 10 1998 MON 60 212 46 7 2 1 30 15 21 46 217 288 283 16 4 1999 MON 17 63 17 1 1 0 4 3 3 14 270 303 317 1 2 2000 MON 108 168 42 8 2 0 30 13 10 32 250 292 321 7 2

Terry Jones (OF, 30, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1999     AAA  88 332  87 17  2  0  49  23  24  66  262 311 325  30  10
 1998     MON  60 212  46  7  2  1  30  15  21  46  217 288 283  16   4
 1999     MON  17  63  17  1  1  0   4   3   3  14  270 303 317   1   2
 2000     MON 108 168  42  8  2  0  30  13  10  32  250 292 321   7   2

Jones began training camp with the Yankees, but was claimed by his old team before the season started. He can run; in fact, he may be the fastest player in baseball. That's not a scientific opinion; I don't sit at ballgames with a stopwatch, timing players down the first base line. But just from personal observation, I don't recall seeing anyone move faster than this guy. He doesn't do anything else, but he can run.

Ryan Minor (3B, 27, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA 138 521 130 20 3 17 73 71 34 152 250 311 397 2 3 1999 AAA 101 383 98 24 1 21 56 67 37 119 256 325 488 3 1 2000 AAA 68 241 71 9 1 14 33 48 32 57 295 379 515 1 4 1999 BAL 46 124 24 7 0 3 13 10 8 43 194 241 323 1 0 2000 BAL 32 84 11 1 0 0 4 3 3 20 131 170 143 0 0

Ryan Minor (3B, 27, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA 138 521 130 20  3 17  73  71  34 152  250 311 397   2   3
 1999     AAA 101 383  98 24  1 21  56  67  37 119  256 325 488   3   1
 2000     AAA  68 241  71  9  1 14  33  48  32  57  295 379 515   1   4
 1999     BAL  46 124  24  7  0  3  13  10   8  43  194 241 323   1   0
 2000     BAL  32  84  11  1  0  0   4   3   3  20  131 170 143   0   0

Minor's fortunes have fallen a long way since he was touted as a replacement for Cal Ripken at third base. Last year he had some injuries, and was dealt to the Expos during the winter. He probably never had a chance to be a quality regular, due to his poor command of the strike zone. On the other hand, Shane Andrews and Ed Sprague may both be near the end of their careers, and who better to replace them than Minor?

Mike Mordecai (IF, 33, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 MON 73 119 24 4 2 3 12 10 9 20 202 258 345 1 0 1999 MON 109 226 53 10 2 5 29 25 20 31 235 297 363 2 5 2000 MON 86 169 48 16 0 4 20 16 12 34 284 335 450 2 2

Mike Mordecai (IF, 33, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     MON  73 119  24  4  2  3  12  10   9  20  202 258 345   1   0
 1999     MON 109 226  53 10  2  5  29  25  20  31  235 297 363   2   5
 2000     MON  86 169  48 16  0  4  20  16  12  34  284 335 450   2   2

Mordecai is a veteran infielder who had his best year at the plate. He managed to survive four straight poor seasons with the bat, so you can bet that he'll be back after a good one.

Talmadge Nunnari (1B, 26, L/L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 A 135 490 147 32 0 4 69 85 72 83 300 391 390 5 6 1999 A 71 261 93 17 1 5 41 44 27 36 356 423 487 10 0 1999 AA 63 239 79 17 1 6 45 29 39 46 331 423 485 7 2 2000 AA-AAA 136 452 123 28 3 5 63 66 71 97 272 376 381 10 7

Talmadge Nunnari (1B, 26, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A 135 490 147 32  0  4  69  85  72  83  300 391 390   5   6
 1999       A  71 261  93 17  1  5  41  44  27  36  356 423 487  10   0
 1999      AA  63 239  79 17  1  6  45  29  39  46  331 423 485   7   2
 2000  AA-AAA 136 452 123 28  3  5  63  66  71  97  272 376 381  10   7

Nunnari is a first base prospect with a light bat. He made some progress in 1999, but last year he struggled. Given his advancing age and his limited potential, I don't expect him to have a career.

Charlie O'Brien (CA, 40, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 CHW-ANA 62 175 45 9 0 4 13 18 10 33 257 300 377 0 0 1999 ANA 27 62 6 0 0 1 3 4 1 12 097 136 145 0 0 2000 MON 9 19 4 1 0 1 1 2 2 7 211 286 421 0 0

Charlie O'Brien (CA, 40, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998 CHW-ANA  62 175  45  9  0  4  13  18  10  33  257 300 377   0   0
 1999     ANA  27  62   6  0  0  1   3   4   1  12  097 136 145   0   0
 2000     MON   9  19   4  1  0  1   1   2   2   7  211 286 421   0   0

O'Brien was released by the Expos in June, and apparently did not sign anywhere else. The Man Behind The Mask may be at the end of his career.

Carl Pavano (25, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 MON 6 9 24 23 0 0 0 134 130 43 83 421 1999 MON 6 8 19 18 1 1 0 104 117 35 70 563 2000 MON 8 4 15 15 0 0 0 97 89 34 64 306

Pavano opened the year pitching brilliantly, then was stopped in midseason by right tricep tendinitis. He's very young and very good, but his health has a big question mark stamped on it.

Curtis Pride (OF, 32, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 2000 AAA 63 185 56 12 4 10 53 35 49 38 303 450 573 15 3 1998 ATL 70 107 27 6 1 3 19 9 9 29 252 325 411 4 0 2000 BOS 9 20 5 1 0 0 4 0 1 7 250 286 300 0 0

Curtis Pride (OF, 32, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 2000     AAA  63 185  56 12  4 10  53  35  49  38  303 450 573  15   3
 1998     ATL  70 107  27  6  1  3  19   9   9  29  252 325 411   4   0
 2000     BOS   9  20   5  1  0  0   4   0   1   7  250 286 300   0   0

Pride beat up on pitchers at Pawtucket for two months, then was called up by the Red Sox in June. He didn't play much with Boston, then was let go after they acquired Bernard Gilkey. This was probably a silly move, seeing as how Pride does everything that Gilkey does, and unlike Gilkey was having a good year.
Anyways, Pride will enter the 2001 season fighting for a job, as he usually is. He's a decent player, does a little bit of everything, and would be a good fourth or fifth outfielder on any team.

Brad Rigby (28, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AAA 5 6 13 13 0 0 0 70 86 17 34 594 2000 AAA 3 10 24 14 0 0 0 84 117 26 51 667 1999 KC 4 6 49 0 0 0 0 84 102 31 36 506 2000 KC-MON 0 0 10 0 0 0 2 14 27 8 5 118

Brad Rigby (28, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998     AAA   5   6  13 13  0  0  0  70  86  17  34 594
 2000     AAA   3  10  24 14  0  0  0  84 117  26  51 667
 1999      KC   4   6  49  0  0  0  0  84 102  31  36 506
 2000  KC-MON   0   0  10  0  0  0  2  14  27   8   5 118

His season was a total disaster. Rigby was never a good pitcher in the first place, and given his complete implosion last season, I doubt that he will be back.

Julio Santana (27, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 2000 AAA 5 3 12 12 0 0 0 65 61 23 55 471 1998 TEX-TAM 5 6 35 19 1 0 0 146 151 62 61 439 1999 TAM 1 4 22 5 0 0 0 55 66 32 34 732 2000 MON 1 5 36 4 0 0 0 67 69 33 58 567

Julio Santana (27, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 2000     AAA   5   3  12 12  0  0  0  65  61  23  55 471
 1998 TEX-TAM   5   6  35 19  1  0  0 146 151  62  61 439
 1999     TAM   1   4  22  5  0  0  0  55  66  32  34 732
 2000     MON   1   5  36  4  0  0  0  67  69  33  58 567

I seem to recall in 1998 the Devil Rays talking enthusiastically about Santana playing a key role in their starting rotation. That didn't work out; he has hit rock bottom, and I doubt that he has the stuff to climb back up to the surface.

Fernando Seguignol (1B/OF, 26, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA-AAA 112 390 109 21 0 31 70 85 41 120 279 357 572 6 1 1999 AAA 87 312 89 17 3 23 54 74 40 96 285 381 580 3 7 2000 AAA 41 141 39 16 0 8 20 31 13 26 277 352 560 1 1 1999 MON 35 105 27 9 0 5 14 10 5 33 257 328 486 0 0 2000 MON 76 162 45 8 0 10 22 22 9 46 278 326 512 0 1

Fernando Seguignol (1B/OF, 26, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998  AA-AAA 112 390 109 21  0 31  70  85  41 120  279 357 572   6   1
 1999     AAA  87 312  89 17  3 23  54  74  40  96  285 381 580   3   7
 2000     AAA  41 141  39 16  0  8  20  31  13  26  277 352 560   1   1
 1999     MON  35 105  27  9  0  5  14  10   5  33  257 328 486   0   0
 2000     MON  76 162  45  8  0 10  22  22   9  46  278 326 512   0   1

Seguignol hits home runs. His other skills may be limited, but for now he is a young switch-hitter who hits home runs, and in fairly large quantities. I don't think the Expos have anything to gain by leaving him on the bench.

Sean Spencer (26, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA 2 1 37 0 0 0 18 43 33 18 43 295 1999 AAA 2 1 44 0 0 0 7 49 41 23 53 347 2000 AAA 4 3 52 0 0 0 1 55 50 43 54 455

The Mariners had been grooming Spencer as a closer, but he was dealt in midseason to the Expos. He didn't throw strikes, and that problem won't correct itself immediately. He's also left-handed, which is a plus, but I think his future is still a couple of years away.

Lee Stevens (1B, 34, L/L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 TEX 120 344 91 17 4 20 52 59 31 93 265 324 512 0 2 1999 TEX 146 517 146 31 1 24 76 81 52 132 282 344 485 2 3 2000 MON 123 449 119 27 2 22 60 75 48 105 265 337 481 0 0

Lee Stevens (1B, 34, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     TEX 120 344  91 17  4 20  52  59  31  93  265 324 512   0   2
 1999     TEX 146 517 146 31  1 24  76  81  52 132  282 344 485   2   3
 2000     MON 123 449 119 27  2 22  60  75  48 105  265 337 481   0   0

A mediocre first baseman, Stevens is a consistent, veteran performer, but the Expos have lots of kids who are capable of doing much better. I wouldn't be surprised to see Stevens on the move this year.

Scott Strickland (25, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 A 4 6 37 13 0 0 6 105 100 32 104 376 1999 AAA 3 0 19 0 0 0 5 28 23 11 34 163 1999 MON 0 1 17 0 0 0 0 18 15 11 23 450 2000 MON 4 3 49 0 0 0 9 48 38 16 48 300

Scott Strickland (25, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A   4   6  37 13  0  0  6 105 100  32 104 376
 1999     AAA   3   0  19  0  0  0  5  28  23  11  34 163
 1999     MON   0   1  17  0  0  0  0  18  15  11  23 450
 2000     MON   4   3  49  0  0  0  9  48  38  16  48 300

Strickland spent a large chunk of the season on the DL with right shoulder tendinitis, but otherwise had a fine year. He's a terrific young pitcher with some serious health problems.

Fernando Tatis (3B, 26, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998 TEX-STL 150 532 147 33  4 11  69  58  36 123  276 322 415  13   5
 1999     STL 149 537 160 31  2 34 104 107  82 128  298 404 553  21   9
 2000     STL  96 324  82 21  1 18  59  64  57  94  253 379 491   2   3

Tatis had a hot start to the year, then pulled his left groin in May. When he returned he struggled, and was a non-factor with Cardinals in both September and the playoffs. After the season, they dealt him to the Expos for some pitching.
I love this guy. He's only 26, he had a great year in 1999, and last year finished with decent numbers despite a mostly disastrous season. The Expos were smart to pick him up when his value was down; a lineup of Vidro, Tatis and Vlad Guerrero should scare the bejeezus out of any pitcher.

Anthony Telford (35, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 MON 3 6 77 0 0 0 1 91 85 36 59 386 1999 MON 5 4 79 0 0 0 2 96 112 38 69 394 2000 MON 5 4 64 0 0 0 3 78 76 23 68 379

Telford is a veteran reliever who has had several good years in a row with the Expos. He's a hard worker with good control; he should be good again in 2001.

Andy Tracy (3B, 27, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A  71 251  67 16  1 11  37  53  39  69  267 366 470   6   4
 1998      AA  62 211  48 12  3 10  33  33  24  62  227 314 455   1   2
 1999      AA 134 493 135 26  2 37  96 128  70 139  274 369 560   6   1
 2000     AAA  55 195  60 18  0 10  28  36  34  63  308 410 554   2   2
 2000     MON  83 192  50  8  1 11  29  32  22  61  260 339 484   1   0

Tracy had a big year at Harrisburg in 1999; last year he kept the ball rolling, playing well with both Ottawa and Montreal. It took him a while to reach the majors, but he appears to be a decent hitter. The challenge will be finding somewhere for him to play.

Yohanny Valera (CA, 25, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A  91 298  61 21  1 14  37  42  21  92  205 272 423   1   1
 1999      AA  57 204  59 14  3  9  33  39  17  57  289 347 520   2   1
 2000      AA  92 281  66  8  3  3  28  34  24  56  235 313 317   1   3

Valera is a young catcher with the Expos whose minor league hitting record is astonishingly poor. He's strickly a catch-and-throw guy.

Javier Vazquez (25, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 MON 5 15 33 32 0 0 0 172 196 68 139 606 1999 MON 9 8 26 26 3 1 0 155 154 52 113 500 2000 MON 11 9 33 33 2 1 0 218 247 61 196 405

Vazquez lasted the entire season in the Expos' starting rotation. He was good; he gave up more hits than you would like, but his strikeout/walk ratio was sensational. I expect him to improve this year; his outlook is bright.

Jose Vidro (2B, 27, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     MON  83 205  45 12  0  0  24  18  27  33  220 318 278   2   2
 1999     MON 140 494 150 45  2 12  67  59  29  51  304 346 476   0   4
 2000     MON 153 606 200 51  2 24 101  97  49  69  330 379 540   5   4

Vidro has made some stunning improvements since his rookie year in 1997, and last year was an All-Star. His 2000 season has the look and feel of a "career year"; I think the numbers he put up in 1999 were closer to his real level ability. That's still good; he's a quality player.

Lenny Webster (CA, 36, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     BAL 108 309  88 16  0 10  37  46  15  38  285 317 434   0   0
 1999 BAL-BOS  22  50   6  1  0  0   1   4   2   2  120 290 140   0   0
 2000     MON  39  81  17  3  0  0   6   5   6  14  210 264 247   0   0

Webster spent most of the year on the DL, afflicted by both a bad left shoulder and a sore right elbow. He's 36, and he's lost each of the past two years; a comeback is unlikely.