Montreal Expos 2004 Season Preview

Free agent Carl Everett steps into some big shoes

At the owner's meetings, Major League Baseball stated they would decide on the future home of the Expos. It's been 2 years of no decisions on the teams fate. For this season the team will again play 22 games in San Juan, Puerto Rico. G. M. Omar Minaya and manager Frank Robinson have done a good job considering the team has a beer budget. The team is in a tough division and last season won 83 games and were chasing a wild card spot, up until their last trip to Puerto Rico. In the off season the team was forced to trade Javier Vasquez and let their best player, Vlad Guerrero, sign with the Angels.

The fortunes of the Expos will be tied to their pitching staff. They will have to have another strong season from Livan Hernandez (15-10, 3.20 ERA) and Tomo Ohka (10-12, 4.16 ERA). Zach Day (9-8, 4.12 ERA) will have to improve and Tony Armas will have to bounce back from an injury. Claudio Vagas will get competition from Randy Choate acquired from the Yankees for the 5th starter spot. The bullpen is thin and could be a trouble spot as the season progresses. Keep an eye out for rookie Chad Cordero, he has the making of a good one.

The Expos middle infield is a team strong point. Shortstop Orlando Cabrera (.297, 17 HR, 80 RBI) and Jose Vidro ( .310, 15 HR, 65 RBI) form a productive unit. Both are also very good defensive players. Vidro has a wonky knee and hopefully it won't affect his play as the team hasn't much depth behind him.

Minaya signed free agent third baseman Tony Batista (26 HR, 99 RBI) and outfielder Carl Everett (23 HR, 92 RBI) to replace Guerrero's power numbers. Nick Johnson the other player acquired in the Yankee trade will be an upgrade at first base. Catching is another offensive problem area. Brian Schneider is a very good defensive catcher, but batted only .230 in a 108 games. The team will also have to find someone to back up Schneider.

This year's Expos have problems in the outfield, bullpen, catching and little in the way of a bench. They will have a tough time matching last season's win total. An injury to some key players could make for a long season. Any finish above last place in their division should be considered a success.

Adam Ulrey's
Expos Diary