Spring training is time for players to strut their stuff

Sporting News, The, March 6, 2000 by Jon Heyman

For most players, spring training is a time to regain their timing or drop a few extra pounds. But for some guys, spring camp is much more than a primer for the regular season-it's a chance to blossom or reemerge as a key component on their respective new or old team. With that in mind, don't take your eyes off these 10 players this spring.

1. Juan Encarnacion, OF, Tigers. Juan Gonzalez has become a big brother to Encarnacion, who was hurt by occasional mental lapses in '99, his first full big-league season. Detroit was relieved when Texas preferred outfielder Gabe Kapler to Encarnacion in the Gonzalez deal. Encarnacion, who turns 24 next week, has great power and tremendous speed (he's the fastest guy on the team). But his in-and-out concentration has folks comparing him to a young Manny Ramirez.

2. Vernon Wells, OF, Blue Jays. Toronto expressed its commitment to the underachieving Jose Cruz Jr. as its center fielder over the winter. However, the multitalented Wells, 21, has shown the ability to go far and fast. Last year, Wells made it to the majors after starting in Class A Dunedin. Wells, who showed up to camp bigger and stronger this year, is a tremendous natural hitter. He hit .311 in 193 games last year, including his Arizona Fall League performance. Better Still, director of player development Jim Hoff has said, "His best asset is his makeup."

3. Ramiro Mendoza, RHP, Yankees. Is he a starter, or is he a reliever? He never quite broke into the rotation, and now it appears that lefthander Ed Yarnall will be given every chance to replace Hideki Irabu as the fifth man in the Yankees' four-star rotation. Manager Joe Torte is a major believer in Mendoza, whose pitches can dart quickly, similar to Greg Maddux, and Torre's faith paid off as Mendoza was an ALCS hero against Boston last year. He could become the main trade bait, however, as the Yankees search for a replacement for Darryl Strawberry.

4. Carlos Guillen, 3B, Mariners. He was considered the key to the Randy Johnson deal in 1998, but his initial season in the northwest was wrecked by a rough slide by Tony Phillips. Guillen returns from his severe knee injury (a torn ACL), which limited him to five games in '99, to try a new position. Originally a shortstop, he was moved to second base for opening day last year and now is being shifted to third base, not an easy position to learn overnight. Guillen is such a good fielder that the bigger question will be his offense; will he hit enough for third base?

5. Todd Zeile, 1B, Mets. The Mets are banking on Zeile, primarily a third baseman since 1991, to replace steady John Olerud at first base. A lot was made about Zeile's height (6-1), but he's listed as an inch taller than Jeff Bagwell, one of the best first basemen in the game. The Mets hope to ease Zeile's transition by having fielding guru Keith Hernandez in camp. But many question whether Hernandez, being lefthanded, will have the fight perspective to guide the righthanded Zeile.

6. Kerry Ligtenberg, RHP, Braves. The man who may replace John Rocker (at least in the beginning) looks great after returning from major elbow surgery. He was raring to go early, and manager Bobby Cox had to try to slow him down. The Braves appeared to have their closer situation settled after years of trouble, and perhaps Rocker will rehabilitate himself and reassimilate back into the clubhouse better than anyone expects. But if he can't--and there still is a good chance the Braves will trade Rocker, anyway--Ligtenberg looks like he'll be ready to retake his former job.

7. Jim Edmonds, OF, Angels. Edmonds continues to be the subject of numerous trade rumors. A deal with Oakland fell through, and Seattle bowed out after Edmonds made it clear he wouldn't re-sign with the Mariners (he didn't want to be Ken Griffey Jr.'s replacement). San Diego and Colorado also have talked about Edmonds, but the Yankees are the new pursuer after Strawberry found himself out of the picture. If that happens, the Yankees would have the happy dilemma of having two Gold Glove center fielders. However, Edmonds' $4.65 million salary and the problems that would go with trying to move a veteran center fielder to left at Yankee Stadium are deterring the Yankees.

8. Deion Sanders, OF, Reds. He looks like the sixth outfielder in a five-man field. But Reds G.M. Jim Bowden is almost as big a fan of Sanders as he is of Junior (Bowden's dog is named Prime Time), so don't be surprised if another outfielder is traded, and Sanders makes the opening day team. His chances for playing time in center field are nil, however, after the Griffey deal.

9. Travis Lee, OF, Diamondbacks. The former phenom has been moved to fight field after Erubiel Durazo came out of nowhere (actually the Mexican League) to take over at first base. Lee's response to the switch and how he attempts to shake off last season's .237 average is Arizona's No. 1 concern.

10. Mike Lamb, 3B, Rangers. Sure, he hit .324 at Class AA Tulsa, with 51 doubles, 21 homers and 100 RBIs, no less. But can he forgo substantial time at Class AAA and produce at the big-league level? He's not considered a great fielder, so that's a question, as well.