N.L

Sporting News, The, Feb 11, 2002

N.L. East

ATLANTA BRAVES: Pitching coach Leo Mazzone says his early throwing program has played an integral role in the team's pitching success by building arm strength, which helps prevent soreness and injuries. More than a dozen pitchers--with the notable exception of RHP Greg Maddux, who never has taken part--will participate this year. All will throw from a mound at least five times before pitchers and catcher report February 14. Mazzone is eager to work with RHP Albie Lopez, a 19-game loser last season with Tampa Bay and Arizona. Soon after Lopez signed, Mazzone telephoned him to start selling Lopez on the club's pitching philosophy.... RHP Darren Holmes, who has pitched in just 18 games since 1999, signed a minor league deal with the team and was invited to spring training. Holmes, 35, missed all of last season following back surgery. He is 32-29 with a 4.47 ERA and 58 saves in the majors. --Bill Zack

FLORIDA MARLINS; The team has no bona fide backup infielder to replace Dave Berg and no solid candidate for the backup outfield job vacated by John Mabry. Eric Owens and Jeff Abbott will be among those competing for the outfield job, with top prospect Abraham Nunez a dark horse. The team would prefer a lefthanded bat with pop. Nunez is a switch hitter who lacks power. The other two hit righthanded. In the infield, Pablo Ozuna has the early edge to join Andy Fox off the bench.... Several players have hinted they will take it upon themselves to provide leadership this year. Last year, manager Tony Perez blamed the team's collapse in part on a lack of leadership. The players disagreed, but the mood seems to have changed. Candidates include C Charles Johnson, RF Kevin Millar and 3B Mike Lowell. All are respected, with Millar the most colorful and outspoken. --Joe Capozzi

MONTREAL EXPOS: The lack of off-field moves this winter means rookie Brad Wilkerson will have a great shot at the starting left fielder's job. However, he won't be at 100 percent until the club breaks camp. Wilkerson, 24, missed 2001 camp after shoulder surgery, then needed more surgery in November after re-injuring the shoulder. He has been swinging the bat for a few weeks and recently began throwing at the club's training complex in Jupiter, Fla. ... Wilkerson isn't alone in getting an early start. OF Peter Bergeron, coming off two disappointing seasons, is in Jupiter. So is 3B Andy Tracy, who made the club last spring but later was demoted. He, too, could get a shot at that left-field job. C Brian Schneider is on hand, as are OFs Matt Cepicky and Ben Calloway. --Stephanie Myles

NEW YORK METS: with the improved starting lineup and the injury history of key starters, this year's reserves should get fewer starts but perhaps have greater impact late in games. John Valentin signed a minor league contract but could emerge as the primary left-side infield backup while providing needed righthanded power off the bench. He also will try out a new position, left field, in spring training. Lou Collier, obtained with OF Jeromy Burnitz in a trade, has played second, third and the outfield. He could emerge as the other primary backup infielder. Joe McEwing can play almost anywhere, and either incumbent Mark Johnson or newcomer Mark Sweeney should become the primary lefthanded pinch hitter and backup first baseman/outfielder. Gary Matthews Jr. and Timo Perez are the main reserve outfielders. Matthews could get 400 at-bats and serve as a defensive replacement. --Pete Caldera

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES: The acquisitions of IF/OF John Mabry and OF Ricky Ledee should heighten competition for reserve roles during spring training. Mabry's arrival suggests IF Kevin Jordan could be in trouble. Jordan's production has dropped sharply, and Mabry offers the same versatility. Ledee has shown flashes of power but has been hampered by injuries. He will be given every chance to fill the void created by OF Brian L. Hunter's departure via free agency.... G.M. Ed Wade says 3B Scott Rolen no longer is "untouchable." Seattle and Colorado remain the most likely possibilities for a swap.... RHP Turk Wendell, who was shut down in the final months of last season with tendinitis, told team officials his right elbow is close to 100 percent. --Chris Edwards

N.L. Central

CHICAGO CUBS: RHP Pat Mahomes, signed to a minor league deal, joins a crowded field fighting for a middle-relief job. Mahomes went 7-6 with a 5.70 ERA in 56 games for the Rangers last year. Also in the mix to set up LHP Jeff Fassero and RHPs Kyle Farnsworth and Tom Gordon are RHPs Will Cunnane and Alan Benes, both non-roster invitees; RHP Julian Tavarez, who was mostly a starter last year but could return to the bullpen; and RHP Courtney Duncan and LHP Ron Mahay. Prospects Carlos Zambrano and Scott Chiasson, both righthanders, also could be factors in the competition.... The club is getting good reports on Zambrano, 20. He had trouble last year when his arm dropped and his pitches flattened out, but his arm slot is back up high. The hard-throwing Zambrano has been a starter and a closer in the minors. His long-term projection is to be a starter because his stuff and velocity are as good late in games as early on, but he could win a bullpen job this spring and then slide into the rotation late this season or in 2003. --Bruce Miles