GRAPEFRUIT LEAGUE
DODGERS
Where: Holman Stadium, Vero Beach, Fla.
1997 finish: 88-74, second place, N.L. West
Spring Training schedule:
Key off-season acquisitions: shortstop Jose Vizcaino.
Key off-season losses: Outfielder Brett Butler, pitchers Todd Worrell and Tom Candiotti.
Questions to answer in Spring: Who will be the fifth starter? Can Antonio Osuna handle the closer role? Is it possible to make room someplace for Paul Konerko? Can Todd Hollandsworth and Roger Cedeno become everyday players?
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HOUSTON ASTROS
Where: Osceola County Stadium, Kissimmee, Fla.
1997 finish: 84-78, first place, N.L. Central
Key off-season acquisitions: outfielder Moises Alou, pitcher Doug Henry, infielder Jack Howell, outfielder Carl Everett, pitcher Bryan Harvey, pitcher Pete Schourek, pitcher Sean Bergman.
Key off-season losses: pitchers Darryl Kile and John Hudek, outfielders James Mouton and Luis Gonzalez.
Questions to answer in Spring: Can Pete Schourek or minor league star John Halama fill the void in the rotation left by Kile? Is third baseman Sean Berry healthy and ready to rebound from a disappointing season? Who will be the shortstop, Ricky Gutierrez or Tim Bogar?
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TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Where: Dunedin Stadium at Grant Field, Dunedin, Fla.
1997 finish: 76-86, fifth, A.L. East
Key off-season acquisitions: closer Randy Myers, catcher Darrin Fletcher, infielder Tony Fernandez, catcher-first baseman Mike Stanley, outfielder Jose Canseco.
Key off-season losses: first baseman/DH Joe Carter, catcher Charlie O’Brien, second baseman Carlos Garcia, outfielder Orlando Merced.
Questions to answer in Spring: Who will join Roger Clemens, Pat Hentgen and Chris Carpenter in the rotation? Is pitcher Juan Guzman healthy?
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ATLANTA BRAVES
Where: Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, Fla.
1997 finish: 101-61, first place, N.L. East
Key off-season acquisitions: shortstop Walt Weiss, first baseman Andres Galarraga, outfielder Gerald Williams, pitcher Dennis Martinez.
Key off-season losses: outfielder Kenny Lofton, first baseman Fred McGriff, shortstop Jeff Blauser, second baseman Mark Lemke.
Questions to answer in Spring: Is second baseman Tony Graffanino capable of being an everyday player? Can Andres Galarraga put up big umbers outside of Coors Field? Can Dennis Martinez fill the gap until John Smoltz returns from elbow surgery? How well will Smoltz return from surgery? Can Andruw Jones bat leadoff?
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ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Where: Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla.
1997 finish: 73-89, fourth place, N.L. Central
Key off-season acquisitions: Closer Jeff Brantley, infielder David Howard, pitcher Kent Mercker.
Key off-season losses: Closer Dennis Eckersley, pitcher Andy Benes, first baseman Dmitri Young.
Questions to answer in Spring: The Cardinals want John Mabry to play third base. Can he? If not, can Gary Gaetti produce at age 40? Have Alan benes and Donovan Osborne recovered from off-season surgery?
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TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS
Where: Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg
1997 finish: expansion team
Off-season acquisitions: (not including players taken in expansion draft): catcher John Flaherty, shortstop Kevin Stocker, first baseman Fred McGriff, closer Roberto Hernandez, pitcher Wilson Alvarez, outfielder Dave Martinez, first baseman Paul Sorrento, third baseman Wade Boggs.
Off-season losses: Expanson team.
Questions to answer in Spring: Tampa Bay has established veterans at every position except second base and left field. Who will play there?
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MONTREAL EXPOS
Where: Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla.
1997 finish: 78-84, fourth place, N.L. East
Key off-season acquisitions: Pitcher Carl Pavano, outfielder Derrick May.
Key off-season losses: Pitcher Pedro Martinez, first baseman David Segui, catcher Darrn Fletcher, outfielder Henry Rodriguez, second baseman Mike Lansing.
Questions to answer in Spring: They traded their Cy Young winner and their starting catcher, first baseman, second baseman and left fielder. And in return, the only person they got in trade that is ready to contribute this year is Pavano, who only has to fill the void Martinez left.
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CLEVELAND INDIANS
Where: Chain of Lakes Park, Winte Haven, Fla.
1997 finish: 86-75, first place, A.L. Central
Key off-season acquisitions: third baseman Travis Fryman, outfielder Kenny Lofton, pitcher Dwight Gooden, pitcher Ben McDonald, pitcher Ron Villone, pitcher Steve Karsay, second baseman Carlos Garcia, catcher Ron Karkovice, designated hitter-outfielder Geronimo Berroa, second baseman Shawon Dunston.
Key off-season losses: infielder Tony Fernandez, third baseman Matt Williams, outfielder Marquis Grisson, pitcher Jeff Juden, pitcher Orel Hershiser.
Questions to answer in Spring: Can closer Jose Mesa recover from his shaky postseason? Will Ben McDonald recover from shoulder surgery by June? Has Kenny Lofton, who stole on 27 bases and was sidelined by a groin injury last eason, lost his speed?
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FLORIDA MARLINS
Where: Space Coast Stadium, Melbourne, Fla.
1997 finish: 92-70, second place, N.L. East
Off-season acquisitions: pitcher Joe Fontenot, pitcher Jesus Martinez, first baseman Derrek Lee.
Off-season losses: outfielder Moises Alou, closer Robb Nen, outfielder Devon White, first baseman Jeff Conine, pitcher Kevin Brown, pitcher Al Leiter.
Questions to answer in Spring: Who’s left from the World Series team? Has everyone here me manager Jim Leyland?
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NEW YORK METS
Where: Thomas J. White Stadium, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
1997 finish: 88-74, third place, N.L. East
Key off-season acquisitions: Pitcher Al Leiter, pitcher John Hudek, outfielder Rich Becker.
Key off-season losses: outfielder Alex Ochoa, outfielder Carl Everett.
Questions to answer in Spring: Who will replace catcher Todd Hundley, sidelined forthe season by an injury? WIll it be Alberto Castillo, Todd Pratt or Tim Spehr?
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BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Where: Ft. Lauderdale Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
1997 finish: 98-64, first place, A.L. East
Key off-season acquisitions: Pitcher Doug Drabek, first baseman-outfielder Joe Carter, pitcher Norm Charlton, shortstop Ozzie Guillen.
Key off-season losses: Outfielder Geronimo Berroa, closer Randy Myers, manager Davey Johnson.
Questions to answer in Spring: Can Charlton pr Armando Benitez replace Myers, who saved 45 games in 46 chances?
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PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
Where: Jack Russell Memorial Stadium, Clearwater, Fla.
1997 finish: 68-94, fifth place, N.L. East
Key off-season acquisitions: Outfielder Bob Abreu, outfielder Doug Glanville, second baseman Mark Lewis.
Key off-season losses: Shortstop Kevin Stocker, second baseman Mickey Morandini.
Questions to answer in Spring: Is Lenny Dykstra really healthy for the first time since 1912?
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PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Where: McKechnie Field, Bradenton, Fla.
1997 finish: 79-83, second place, N.L. Central
Key off-season acquisitions: Third baseman Doug Strange.
Key off-season losses: Shortstop Kevin Elster, shortstop Shawon Dunston.
Questions to answer in Spring: Has outfielder Jermaine Allensowrth recovered from a hand injury that hampered him in the last part of last season? Who will be the fifth starter?
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TEXAS RANGERS
Where: Charlotte County Stadium, Port Charlotte, Fla.
1997 finish: 77-85, third place, A.L. West
Key off-season acquisitions: Pitcher Aaron Sele, pitcher Mark Brandenburg, catcher Bill Haselman, shortstop Kevin Elster, infielder Luis Alicea, outfielder Roberto Kelly.
Key off-season losses: catcher Jim Leyritz, outfielder Damon Buford, shortstop Benji Gil, infielder Bill Ripken,
Questions to answer in Spring: Who in the bullpen can hold leads until John Wetteland can come n in the ninth inning?
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CINCINNATI REDS
Where: Ed Smith Stadium, Sarasota, Fla.
1997 finish: 76-86, third place, N.L. Central
Key off-season acquisitions: Outfielder Melvin Nieves; pitcher Mark Hutton, pitcher Pete Harnisch, pitcher Steve Cooke.
Key off-season losses: first baseman Hal Morris, pitcher Mike Morgan, pitcher Jeff Brantley, outfieder Curtis Goodwn, pitcher Pete Schourek, catcher Joe Oliver.
Questions to answer in Spring: Who among Harnisch, Cooke, David West, Dave Weathers amd rookies Jim Crowell and Curt Lyons will fil the fourth and fifth spot in the rotation? Can second baseman Bret Boone find his hitting stroke again?
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BOSTON RED SOX
Where: City of Palms Park, Ft. Myers, Fla.
1997 finish: 78-84, fourth place, A.L. East
Key off-season acquisitions: Catcher Jim Leyritz, outfielder Damon Buford, pitcher Pedro Martinez, closer Dennis Eckersley.
Key off-season losses: Pitchers Aaron Sele, pitcher Mark Brandenburg, catcher Bill Haselman, outfielder Shane Mack.
Questions to answer in Spring: Can Tim Naehring rebound from off-season elbow surgery? Is pitcher Bret Saberhagen finally healthy? Can pitcher Steve Avery find the form he had years ago with Atlana? Who will fill in the rotation behind Martinez and Tim Wakefield?
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KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Where: Baseball City Stadium, Davenport, Fla.
1997 finish: 67-94, fifth place, A.L. Central
Key off-season acquisitions: First baseman Jeff Conine, first baseman Hal Morris, infielder Orlando Miller, pitcher Lee Smith, infielder Terry Pendleton, pitcher Pat Rapp.
Key off-season losses: designated hitter Chili Davis, shortstop Jay Bell, third baseman Craig Paquette.
Questions to answer in Spring: Can rookie Felix Martinez replace Bell at shortstop?
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DETROIT TIGERS
Where: Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, Fla.
1997 finish: 79-83, third place, A.L. East
Key off-season acquisitions: Infielder Joe Randa, infielder Gabe Alvarez, pitcher Matt Drews, pitcher Tim Worrell, pitcher Bryce Florie, outfielder Luis Gonzalez, pitcher Frank Castillo, infielder Bill Ripken, catcher Joe Oliver.
Key off-season losses: infielder/outfielder Phil Nevin, catcher Matt Walbeck, outfielder Melvin Nieves, third baseman Travis Fryman, pitcher Dan Miceli, pitcher Mike Myers, infielder Orlando Miller, pitcher Willie Blair.
Questions to answer in Spring: Has staff ace Justin Thompson recovered from off-season elbow surgery? Can Randa be an adequate replacement at third for Fryman?
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MINNESOTA TWINS
Where: Hammond Stadium, Ft. Myers, Fla.
1997 finish: 68-84, fourth place, A.L. Central
Key off-season acquisitions: Outfielder Otis Nixon, outfielder Alex Ochoa, pitcher Mike Morgan, infielder Brent Gates, pitcher Rickey Bones, outfielder Orlando Merced.
Key off-season losses: Second baseman Chuck Knoblauch, outfielder Rick Becker.
Questions to answer in Spring: Can Todd Walker, who failed when handed the third base job last season, replace Knoblauch? Will the hole at first base left by Kent Hrbek years ago ever be filled? Has Marty Cordova fully recovered from the heel injury that hampered him last year?
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NEW YORK YANKEES
Where: Legends Field, Tampa, Fla.
1997 finish: 96-66, second place, A.L. East
Off-season acquisitions: Second baseman Chuck Knoblauch, infielder Scott Brosius, infielder Dale Sveum, designated hitter Chili Davis.
Off-season losses: First baseman Cecil Fielder, pitcher Dwight Gooden, pitcher Kenny Rogers, third baseman Charlie Hayes, third baseman Wade Boggs, catcher-first baseman-designated hitter Mike Stanley, infielder Rey Sanchez.
Questions to answer in Spring: Can ace David Cone rebound from shoulder surgery? Can Hideki Irabu develop? Who will play left field.
CACTUS LEAGUE
ANGELS
Where: Tempe Diablo Stadium, Tempe, Ariz.
1997 finish: 84-78, second place, A.L. West
Key off-season acquisitions: infielder/outfielder Phil Nevin, catcher Matt Walbeck, pitcher Omar Olivares, designated hitter/first baseman Cecil Fielder, infielder Norberto Martin.
Key off-season losses: Cathcer Chad Kreuter, infielder Luis Alicea, infielder Jack Howell, pitcher Mark Langston, outfielder Rickey Henderson.
Questions to answer in Spring: Is Randy Velarde ready to return from elbow surgery? How will Fielder fit into Manager Terry Collins’ running offense? Can catcher Todd Greene come back from a broken wrist?
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OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Where: Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix, Ariz.
1997 finish: 65-97, fourth place, A.L. West
Key off-season acquisitions: Pitcher Kenny Rogers, pitcher Doug Bochtler, pitcher Mike Fetters, pitcher Tom Candiotti, third baseman Mike Blowers, infielder Kurt Abbott, catcher Damon Berryhill, outfielder Shane Mack, outfielder Rickey Henderson.
Key off-season losses: Pitcher Steve Karsay, infielder Scott Brosius, pitcher Don Wengert, outfielder Jose Canseco, catcher Brent Mayne.
Questions to answer in Spring: Who will replace Canseco at HD and Brosius at third base?
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MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Where: Maryvale Baseball Park, Maryvale, Ariz.
1997 finish: 78-83, third place, A.L. Central
Key off-season acquisitions: Pitcher Mike Myers, outfielder Marquis Grissom, pitcher Jeff Juden, pitcher Chad Fox.
Key off-season losses: Pitcher Ben McDonald, pitcher Ron Villone, pitcher Mike Fetters, pitcher Bryce Florie, outfielder Gerald Williams.
Questions to answer in Spring: With Florie and Villone gone, who will provide middle relief? Who will replace starter Jeff D’Amico, sidelined until the All-Star break by shoulder surgey, in the rotation?
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CHICAGO CUBS
Where: HoHoKam Park, Mesa, Ariz.
1997 finish: 68-94, fifth place, N.L. Central
Key off-season acquisitions: Pitcher Kurt Miller, shortstop Jeff Blauser, catcher Sandy Martinez, outfielder Henry Rodriguez, second baseman Mickey Morandini; closer Rod Beck.
Key off-season losses: Outfielder Doug Glanville, outfielder Dave Clark, announcer Harry Caray.
Questions to answer in Spring: Who will replace Clark off the bench? Clark set club record for pinc hits last season.
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ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Where: Tucson Electric Park, Tucson, Ariz.
1997 finish: expansion team
Key off-season acquisitions: (not including expansion draft): shortstop Jay Bell, outfielder Devon White, outfielder Harvey Pulliam, third baseman Matt Williams, pitcher Willie Blair, pitcher Andy Benes.
Key off-season losses: Expansion team
Questions to answer in Spring: Who will start in the outfield flanking White? Who will be the second baseman?
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SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Where: ScottsdaleStadium, Scottsdale, Ariz.
1997 finish: 90-72, first place, N.L. West
Key off-season acquisitions: third baseman Charlie Hayes, closer Robb Nen, catcher Brent Mayne, pitcher Orel Hershiser, infielder Rey Sanchez.
Key off-season losses: Catcher Damon Berryhill, outfielder Glenallen Hill, closer Roberto Hernandez, pitcher Wilson Alvarez, pitcher Joe Fontenot, pitcher Doug Henry, shortstop Jose Vizcaino, second baseman Mark Lewis.
Questions to answer in Spring: Is Rich Aurilia ready to handle the starting shortstop role? Who will be the fth starter?
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SEATTLE MARINERS
Where: Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria, Ariz.
1997 finish: 90-72, first place, A.L. West
Off-season acquisitions: First baseman David Segui, outfielder Glenallen Hill.
Off-season losses: Pitcher Omar Olivares, closer Norm Charlton, first baseman Paul Sorrento, third baseman Mike Blowers, outfielder Roberto Kelly.
Questions to answer in Spring: Barring injury, the only hole for the Mariners is for the fifth spot in the rotation.
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SAN DIEGO PADRES
Where: Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria, Ariz.
1997 finish: 76-86, fourth place, N.L. West
Key off-season acquisitions: Pitcher Brian Boehringer, shortstop Andy Sheets, pitcher Dan Miceli, pitcher Donne Wall, pitcher Ed Vosberg, catcher Greg Myers, pitcher Don Wengert, pitcher Kevin Brown, pitcher Mark Langston, outfielder James Mouton.
Key off-season losses: Pitcher Tim Worrell, pitcher Doug Bochtler, catcher John Flaherty, first baseman Derrek Lee, pitcher Sean Bergman.
Questions to answer in Spring: Can Carlos Hernandez handle the everday job at catcher?
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COLORADO ROCKIES
Where: Hi Corbett Field, Tucson, Ariz.
1997 finish: 83-79, second place, N.L. West
Key off-season acquisitions: Second baseman Mike Lansing, pitcher Chuck McElroy, pitcher Darryl Kile, outfielder Curtis Goodwin, pitcher Dave Veres.
Key off-season losses: Pitcher Frank Castillo, shortstop Walt Weiss, first baseman Andres Galarraga, pitcher Steve Reed, pitcher Darren Holmes.
Questions to answer in Spring: Is Todd Helton ready to replace Galarraga at first base?
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CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Where: Tucson Electric Park, Tucson, Ariz.
1997 finish: 80-81, second place, A.L. West
Key off-season acquisitions: Pitcher Doug Creek, catcher Charlie O’Brien, catcher Chad Kreuter, shortstop Benji Gil, designated hitter Ruben Sierra, pitcher Jim Bullinger, Manager Jerry Manuel.
Key off-season losses: Infielder Norberto Martin, pitcher Doug Drabek, shortstop Ozzie Guillen, pitcher Larry Thomas, catcher Ron Karkovice, outfielder Dave Martinez.
Questions to answer in Spring: Can O’Brien and Kreuter provide enough offense at catcher? Who will be the fifth starter?