EXPOS - 5/28/02
May 28, 2002
LATEST TEAM INFO:
The Expos are continuing to surprise a lot of people around baseball as they have not fallen too far off the pace in the National League East. While much of their success can be attributed to their two superstars Vladimir Guerrero and Jose Vidro, it's the Expos' bullpen that has really performed above expectations. In fact their bullpen is so good that they have not been able to decide on a closer. Since Scott Strickland was traded to the Mets at the beginning of the season, Graeme Lloyd, Matt Herges, T.J Tucker and Scott Stewart have all taken their turn at closing out ball games. Look for Herges and Tucker to share the majority of the save opportunities for the rest of the season, although the Expos will give Tucker every opportunity to win the job.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:
Even though the Montreal Canadiens are out of this year's playoffs, attendance has not improved the way the Expos had hoped. I personally do not blame the people of Montreal though because there is little reason to go out and watch this team. It will almost certainly be their final season in the city and it's looking more and more like it will be a strike shortened season. If you recall it was the strike of 1994 that killed the Expos franchise and the fans of the team have never forgotten this.
RUMOR MILL:
With Major League Baseball owning the team, the Expos do not really have to dump any salaries, but they really cannot add any either. Unless a new owner is found, do not expect any major deals to happen involving the Expos.
INJURIES:
The only Expos injuries to report are to LHP Scott Downs who is on the 60-day DL with an injury to his left elbow and to RHP Troy Mattes who is out for the season with a shoulder injury.
ON THE FARM:
Pitching prospect Josh Karp has been promoted from the Florida State League (A) to the Eastern League (AA). He's off to a good start in AA as he is 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA. The Expos expect big things from this kid in the future.
QUICK VIEW:
Add:
RP - T.J Tucker - If you're desperate for some saves, he could do you some good.
Drop:
OF – Peter Bergeron – Has been demoted to AAA Ottawa.
RP - Graeme Lloyd - If you picked him up when he was closing, it's time to drop him because he will not be getting many more saves.
Hold:
OF – Vladimir Guerrero - Don’t even think about dropping this guy
2B - Jose Vidro - Is hitting incredibly well right now
Bench:
SS - Orlando Cabrera - He is struggling at the plate
Keep An Eye On:
OF - Brad Wilkerson - He is a former Expos minor league player of the year and is starting to swing the bat pretty well at the major league level.
