Not So Fonda the Braves

Dave Paisley

The battle between the Braves and the Mets was one of the many great division races last season. The dramatic post-season matchup was an enticing bonus, ensuring that the 2000 season will be full of friendly rivalry. Throw in John Rocker's ill-advised chat with Sports Illustrated (Motto: When there's no news, provoke some!) and the rivalry could get as nasty as the Sharks and the Jets (wait, wrong sports…)

In the next few columns I'll be devoting my attention to a division at a time, looking at the big and not so big changes in team makeup. And no, I hadn't heard that the Mets have dumped Cover Girl to sign with Revlon, but John Rocker may have heard different.

But on to the festivities. Naturally, we start with the Braves.

Atlanta Braves
Back: 1B Andres Galarraga

In: 1B Wally Joyner, 2B Quilvio Veras, OF Reggie Sanders

Out: OW Jane Fonda, C Greg Myers, 1B Ryan Klesko, 2B Bret Boone, SS Jose Hernandez, OF Gerald Williams, P Russ Springer

While that's a lot of activity on the out side, nobody on the list was crucial to the Braves success, except maybe outgoing Owner's Wife Jane Fonda. The only question is whether she's eligible for free agency or just arbitration. It's a shame Ted didn't trade Jane for Cameron Diaz before her contract ran out. Overall, I'm not really sure whether she should aim for arbitration or free agency.

In the field, things aren't so clear cut. The Braves seem to be stockpiling aging, questionable first basemen, much as they did at the end of the McGriff years. The Klesko for Joyner trade is problematic, as Joyner's continued effectiveness is in some doubt. As a backup to the returning Galarraga, it may work out, though. If neither of those pan out, stalwart journeyman Brian Hunter is ready to fill in (that would be the Brian Hunter that knows which end of the bat to hold.)

The change at second is much more positive. Quilvio Veras for Bret Boone is a big boost to the Braves, as they now have a Genuine Leadoff Guy (tm). In the outfield, Sanders is a decent step up from Gerald Williams.

The pitching remains intact, barring an unlikely trade for Ken Griffey Jr. before the season starts, so you have to figure the Braves will keep on doing what they have for a decade.

New York Mets
In: 1B Todd Zeile, OF Jon Nunnally, OF Derek Bell, P Mike Hampton, P Jesse Orosco

Out: 1B John Olerud, OF Roger Cedeno, OF Jermaine Allensworth, P Octavio Dotel, P Chuck McElroy, P Kenny Rogers, P Orel Hershiser

The Mets obviously felt they could have beaten the Braves for the division title last year and see this year as the time to make that final push. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't compete with Seattle for John Olerud's services. I have no zeal for Zeile, although he's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick. Just.

I like the acquisition of Nunnally, but Derek certainly doesn't ring my Bell. Losing Cedeno was a blow, but the pitching does get upgraded, at least in the short term, with the acquisition of Mike Hampton. Overall, maybe a slight improvement if Derek Bell rides the pine, but probably not enough to have better than a slim chance at beating out the Braves.

Philadelphia Phillies
In: P Andy Ashby, P Mark Brownson, P Mike Jackson, P Chris Brock

Out: C Bobby Estalella, P Carlton Loewer, P Steve Montgomery P Adam Eaton

The acquisition of Andy Ashby would have been enough to propel the Phillies into plus-500 territory had it not been for the bad news about Curt Schilling. A Schilling-Ashby tandem would have been a thrilling site at the Vet. If Schilling comes back in May as promised, the Phillies may make a run of sorts, as they did last year, but expect them to finish a solid third in the division.

Montreal Expos
In: P Graeme Lloyd, P Hideki Irabu

Out: Nobody made it past the machine gun posts

So the Expos get some pitching, when what they really needed was some kind of vitamin for the offense. It sure doesn't look like much will change on the Expos front until the new ownership settles in and a new stadium gets built. Be sure to wake me in the next millennium…

Florida Marlins
In: PTBNL, 1B/3B Sean McNally, OF Brant Brown, P Dan Miceli,

Out: 3B Kevin Orie, OF Bruce Aven, P Brian Meadows , OF Todd Dunwoody, Any chance of not finishing last

I definitely think the acquisition of good ol' PTNBL (for Kevin Orie) will be the decisive factor in the Marlins resurgent drive to the NL East division championship. Puh-leeze. Sean McNally? This team couldn't find its way out of last place if it acquired Rand McNally.

So, is there a significant chance the NL East will look much different next year? Not really, except for the trophy wife on Ted Turner's arm.

about the author

Dave Paisley is hoping to be known as the Quentin Crisp of baseball. Tell him gently that it would be difficult for a large straight guy who tells jokes like those written above to be the Quentin Crisp of anything at drdjp@strikethree.com.