San Diego - Andy Ashny and Sterling Hitchcock will have to carry a questionable rotation that has lost Kevin Brown. But the bullpen looks great with closer supreme Trevor Hoffman leading the way. Boston - Pedro J. Martinez gives this team's rating a big boost. Tim Wakefield and Bret Saberhagen are very competitive, and Tom Gordon has quickly become a premier closer. Baltimore - Scott Erickson and Mike Mussina are proven winners, and Juan Guzman may be ready for a big year.
Middle relief is good, but there are major questions at the closer spot.
Good seasons from Jaret Wright and Bartolo Colon will help greatly. Mike Jackson has the look of a fine closer, and newcomer Ricardo Rincon may help middle relief. The rotation looks good with David Wells, Pat Hentgen and possibly Cris Carpenter capable of having productive seasons. There are holes in the bullpen, and only time will tell if Robert Person can be a closer. Pittsburgh - This team always puts up solid pitching numbers, and improving starters such as Jason Schmidt and Jose Silva will help the Pirates maintain a quiet aura of respectability.