EXPOS - 04/04/03
April 04, 2003
LATEST TEAM INFO:
The Expos started off 2003 with a bang by sweeping the powerful Atlanta Braves in a three game series. The Expos' pitching was particularly strong during this series with Tony Armas Jr., young Zack Day, and ace Javier Vazquez all pitching quite well. They also won the first two games without superstar Vladimir Guerrero, as he was serving his two game suspension for charging the mound in a pre-season game versus the Florida Marlins. Jose Vidro and Brad Wilkerson are both off to good offensive starts, a trend that will hopefully continue.
LINEUP:
SP: Javier Vazquez
SP: Tony Armas Jr.
SP: Livan Hernandez
SP: Tomo Ohka
SP: Zack Day
CL: Scott Stewart
RP: T.J. Tucker
RP: Joey Eischen
RP: Rocky Biddle
RP: Luis Ayala
RP: Dan Smith
RF: Vladimir Guerrero
CF: Endy Chavez
LF: Brad Wilkerson
3B: Fernando Tatis
SS: Orlando Cabrera
2B: Jose Vidro
1B: Still undecided
C: Michael Barrett
Wil Cordero won the starting first base job in spring training, but Liefer was very strong in a pinch hitting role in the first two games and started the third game. If Liefer continues to hit well, look for him to get the job full time.
INJURIES:
Orlando Hernandez has a slight tear in the rotator cuff of his pitching arm and won't be back until sometime in May. When he returns he will be given a shot to take Zack Day's spot in the rotation.
OVERVIEW:
The Expos are off to a good start and the month of April will be a good test for this team. Not only do they play another series with the Braves, two with the Mets, and one each with the Astros and Diamondbacks, but they also play their first 10 home games in Puerto Rico. Their first game in Montreal this season will be April 22 against Arizona. The odds are stacked against this team once again, but if they continue to play the way they have at the beginning of this season, they could contend for a playoff spot. Also, expect attendance numbers at the Big O to be decent once the Expos finally return to their home city. The NHL's Montreal Canadiens did not make the playoffs this season and the CFL regular season does not start until the middle of June. This is a sports crazy city so if the Expos are winning, there's a good chance the city will finally support them. There's also a chance that they won't. Only time will tell.
