Montreal Expos 2003 Season Preview

Can Frank do it again?

Will it be the Oregon Expos, Washington Expos or perhaps the San Juan Expos? You can bet that after this season the team will be someplace other than Montreal. To cut the team's losses this season, the team will play 22 "home" games in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It's tough being owned by the other major league clubs and the team has to be competitive to interest a new buyer.

G.M. Omar Minaya has done a good job considering the payroll restraints. There are a lot of worse teams in baseball than the Expos. Some baseball writers have been critical of Minaya and think he gave away too many prospects in the Colon deal. At the time the Expos were only 6 games back in the wild card chase. If they would have made the playoffs, these writers would have been singing a different tune. No matter what city the Expos end up in, Minaya deserves a chance to remain as the G.M. This season Minaya has again had to reduce payroll. Colon is gone, traded for a cheaper Orlando Hernandez. He was acquired in a three way deal with the Yankees and White Sox. He will join a pitching staff that had a 3.91 ERA., and the Expos a counting on him to return to his old form.

Javier Vasquez (10-13, 3.91 ERA) is the ace of the staff. Tomokazu Ohka (13-8, 3.18 ERA) and Tony Armas Jr. (12-12, 4.44 ERA.) should be the number 3 and 4 starters. The fifth spot could be a battle between Sun Woo Kim, Zach Day and Tim Drew.

First and Third base could be trouble spots. Gone is first baseman Andres Galarraga and replaced by Jeff Liefer acquired from the White Sox. This is not much of an upgrade and the Expos are still waiting for Fernando Tatis to return to the form he displayed with the Cardinals. Up the middle they are in good hands with Jose Vidro (.315) and Orlando Cabrera (.263).

Vladmir Guerrero (.336, 39 HR., 111 RBI's) is their offensive catalyst. He, along with Brad Wilkerson will man two outfield spots. Endy Chavez could win the remaining spot based on his 36 game performance last season.

It would be interesting to see the reaction by the owners if the Expos were to make the playoffs. Everything would have to go right and I don't think that will happen, but they will give trouble to a lot of teams.

Does MLB value the French-speaking fan?

Adam Ulrey's
Expos Diary