Beat the Drum, Hold the Phone:
The Sitch in CF

Dave Paisley

Traditionally the home of the speedy, light-hitting leadoff guy, center field also boasts some elite sluggers who receive bonus points for playing the most difficult outfield position. Ken Griffey Jr. leads the way on his march to the Hall of Fame, and he should keep the Maris home run record in the news this summer, along with Mark McGwire.

Ray Lankford has been waiting to blossom, which he did in '97, boosting his walks and home run totals to personal bests. While I don't think he'll fall back to his previous form, he should drop a little. Bernie Williams keeps nudging his game up every year, though he may not be able to keep it up this year. Still an excellent player, though. Ellis Burks looks great in Coors, and would still be a little better than average elsewhere. Of the remainder of the elite centerfielders, Brady Anderson, Jim Edmonds and Kenny Lofton will continue to provide valuable service.

Of the speedy leadoff types, nobody does it better than Kenny Lofton, who brings an excellent capacity for getting on base with some power as an added bonus. Also, when he's on the top of his game, there's nobody more disruptive on the basepaths. Anderson provides more power, but less speed. Jon Nunnally will be interesting to watch this year, if he develops as recent performance would suggest.

In the middle ranks, we have quite a few promising young players, the most hyped so far being Andruw Jones. Still only 21, he may bloom this year given a more stable playing situation. Shannon Stewart and Rondell White are both decent, if not spectacular. I like Stewart's OBP, and he should provide a decent leadoff presence in Toronto.

Slipping below average, we find the highly touted, well-known Marquis Grissom, Devon White and Brian McRae. None of these three has had a particularly quality career and all of them were significantly off last year. I expect a little bounce back from each of them, but nothing spectacular. Below them, Quinton McCracken and Darryl Hamilton provide little punch, but do have decent OBP, so leading off or batting second won't be a total loss. Roger Cedeno should begin to climb the chart this year or next.

Below that, there are only a bunch of stiffs and a couple of rookies, Coleman and Kotsay, who might not be ready to produce right away.

Bringing up the absolute rear, we have the dreadful Otis Nixon, who this year will apparently provide the Twins with a "genuine leadoff hitter." Ouch. With Nixon, Molitor and Steinbach already in the fold, I can't understand how the Twins missed out on Joe Carter. Most mysterious.

Of the rest of the cellar-dwellers, Tom Goodwin will continue to exasperate the fans in Texas, as will Brian Hunter in Detroit. Those fans will just have to watch Griffey on ESPN.

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