LATEST TEAM INFO:
Surprise, surprise the Expos are in first place in the NL east after the first 2 weeks of the season. While it is a forgone conclusion that they will not win the division, they definitely want to make their final season in Montreal a good one. Michael Barrett is off the best start of his career and Tomo Ohka has an ERA under 2. Vladimir Guererro has become a much more patient hitter over the winter and is taking a lot more walks. The Expos are hoping that the emergence of Barrett will provide Vlady with some much need protection.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE:
Despite the good play of the Expos, attendance, or lack thereof, is once again a big story for the team. The home opener, which always gets good attendance, drew close to 35,000 spectators. The game the following night, however, was only watched by just over 4,000 fans. The Expos fans have pretty much given up on baseball in this city and it is doubtful that attendance will pick up anytime soon, especially with the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL playoffs.
RUMOR MILL:
The biggest rumour involving the Expos is the interest that has been shown by a number of groups of investors who want to move a team to the Washington D.C. area. The Expos are a leading candidate for relocation and would be a good fit in the D.C. area. Major League Baseball has said that Washington is a “prime candidate” for relocation and would definitely like to move the Expos, rather than fold them.
INJURIES:
Fernando Tatis is still recovering from off season knee surgery and is on the 15 day DL.
Jose Vidro is day-to-day with a strained left groin. Add to that the fractured shoulder blade that he has been playing through all year, Vidro could end up on the DL shortly.
ON THE FARM:
Shortstop Brandon Phillips is the Expos’ top prospect, but the best he will do this season is a late season call up. Watch him in the future. Ex Red Sock Troy O’Leary is with the Expos’ AAA team in Ottawa and could end up with the big club playing left field if rookie Brad Wilkerson continues to falter at the plate.
QUICK VIEW:
Add:
SP – Tomo Ohka - He leads the team with a 1.64 ERA
C – Michael Barrett: - .441 BA with 4 HR and 15 RBI
RP – Graeme Lloyd - Has taken over as the team’s closer since Scott Strickland was traded.
Drop:
SP - Tony Armas Jr. - Has not performed up to expectations so far
OF – Peter Bergeron – He could have been a good sleeper but has struggled at the plate thus far.
Hold:
OF – Vladimir Guerrero - Don’t even think about dropping this guy
SP – Javier Vazquez - He will pick it up soon
Bench:
2B – Jose Vidro - Injury troubles make him a risky fantasy start right now
Keep An Eye On:
SP – Carl Pavano – He has the talent, it’s just a matter of putting it all together on a consistent basis.
