Getting out of Coors Field should help Veres, but the set-up men are journeymen such as Garrett Stephenson, Mark Thompson and spring training invitee John Hudek. The Cards got the leadoff man they needed in second baseman Fernando Vina, whom they acquired from Milwaukee. Plus, McGwire has been healthy for three years. The Bucs have a great young owner, Kevin McClatchy, who sits in the stands. The Pirates have rising stars in catcher Jason Kendall, outfielder Brian Giles and pitcher Kris Benson.
Trouble is, they have holes, too.
He'll play right field. But the bullpen is a mess, although it does contain good arms. The Cubs may be the most improved team in the division. Trouble is, they start 30 games off the pace. Veterans Gary Gaetti and Mickey Morandini are gone, and Don Baylor is the new manager.