Series of changes await Braves and Sox

Sporting News, The, Oct 25, 1993 by Peter Pascarelli

In another generation of major league baseball, you could basically count on teams, especially successful ones, remaining the same from one year to the next.

But in this era when roster stability seems defined by monthly payroll increments, even champions can undergo massive offseason changes. For example, the World Champion Blue jays dropped 12 players -- virtually half their roster -- between the end of last season's World Series and the opening of this season.

With that in mind, it's interesting to speculate on what will happen to the Braves and White Sox, who proved their estimable worth over the six-month, regular-season grind only to come up empty in the playoffs.

First of all, dismiss out of hand the buffoons and front-runners who suggest the Braves "can't win the big one." They won two consecutive months of "big ones" this season, maintaining remarkable focus under incredible daily pressure. And to the end, this was a class act that never made excuses, never bad-mouthed anyone else and conducted itself with professional dignity.

Also remember that the foundation of this club, namely its starting pitching, is locked in for at least another three years. That's a big reason why General Manager John Schuerholz, who with Manager Bobby Cox sets the tone for this "class act," can say with conviction, "We've built a championship-caliber team that will maintain that status for years to come. I'd be happy to take our chances with the same club next spring."

That said, Atlanta almost certainly faces some offseason moves. Remember, this is a franchise that after two consecutive National League pennants last winter added Greg Maddux and then Fred McGriff during the season.

The Braves first of all have an embarrassment of riches in its farm system, valuable commodities such as first baseman Ryan Klesko, infielder Chipper Jones, catcher Javier Lopez and outfielder Tony Tarasco, who are all ready for the majors and could inject some new ingredients into the Braves' mix. Either by trading some for other needs or by whatever way they are worked into the Braves' roster, that group of rookies will represent change for Atlanta.

If Atlanta needs anything, it is an established bullpen closer. The Braves got a lot of mileage out of Greg McMichael after Mike Stanton flamed out last season. But neither is an automatic kind of closer.

So look for the Braves to shop for a prime-time reliever rather than settle for an aging free agent such as Lee Smith or Jeff Russell or someone else's problem such as Cincinnati's Rob Dibble.

A very likely first target is Florida's Bryan Harvey, whom Atlanta pursued early last season. Other possibilities could include Minnesota's Rick Aguilera, whom the Twins would at least have to consider dealing as they look for ways to cut payroll, and Oakland's Dennis Eckersley, with whom the A's are in similar position as are the Twins with Aguilera.

With their payroll getting up past the 40-million level, the Braves are likely to at least entertain offers for such veterans as Ron Gant, David Justice, Terry Pendleton and Otis Nixon. And any club would have to look seriously at a deal in which they might be able to get an established star player, plus an expendable pitcher such as Pete Smith or some treasure from the Braves' farm system, for a relief pitcher.

Atlanta is also likely to cut its payroll by not keeping veteran reserves Sid Bream and Rafael Belliard, one of their veteran catchers and retooling the bullpen reserves.

Meanwhile, the White Sox will be just as interesting to watch in the coming months. They have some obvious needs such as a quality lefthanded hitter and upgrading themselves at second base. And they must quickly decide whether to re-sign leadoff hitter Tim Raines.

They began to reshape their roster within hours of the playoffs' conclusion by releasing George Bell, who talked his way out of town. But that's just the beginning. For one thing, even with Bell gone, the White Sox have a glut of D.H.-types including Bo Jackson, Ivan Calderon and Dan Pasqua that needs to be sorted out.

Like the Braves, the White Sox have a nucleus of young pitchers -- Jack McDowell, Alex Fernandez, Jason Bere and Wilson Alvarez along with great prospects such as James Baldwin and Scott Ruffcorn -- that they likely will not disturb. However, several club executives predict that given Owner Jerry Reinsodrf's eye for the bottom line, the White Sox will at least explore the possibility of dealing McDowell, who can be a free agent after next season.

That could open a whole range of possibilities. For example, the Cardinals, who have been looking at San Diego's Andy Benes with a possible offer of Ray Lankford and Luis Alicea, could possibly make a similar offer for McDowell, an offer that would seem to fit exactly some of the White Sox's needs. Of course, with McDowell already making $4 million, the spendthrift St. Louis ownership might decide he is too high-priced.

The days of standing pat are obviously long gone, even for division champions. But with changes in the offing, Chicago and Atlanta appear well-positioned for years of continuous success.