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Back in black White Sox, Expos return to respectability
Posted: Tuesday May 23, 2000 03:02 AM
The Chicago White Sox and Montreal Expos were leading their divisions when the strike hit in 1994. It took them the rest of the '90's, but both teams are contending for a postseason berth again. Most people know about White Sox relievers Keith Foulke, Bobby Howry and Bill Simas, but manager Jerry Manuel told me guys like 28-year-old rookie Kelly Wunsch and Sean Lowe have come through to give him a pen that goes five deep, something most teams don't have. Meantime, shortstop Jose Valentin has been even better than advertised, helping to steady a young Sox infield. And the comeback of Frank Thomas has helped make the offense fourth in the AL in runs scored. Manuel credits James Baldwin's 7-0 start to a decision over the winter to place him in the rotation so he would see other team's fourth starters rather than their aces. Baldwin has responded by becoming Chicago's ace with the AL's second-best ERA, and an improved attitude has made him a vocal leader in the young Sox clubhouse. Manuel says experience is all his team needs to go along with their abundance of talent. Expo-nential growthFelipe Alou told me that the willingness of Dustin Hermanson to stay in the closer spot until Ugueth Urbina can make it back from elbow surgery has been a key to the Expos' early success. Another factor is the duo of Vladimir Guerrero and Jose Vidro. Alou says Guerrero gets better with each at-bat, and that he may have the strongest and most accurate outfield arm in baseball. Through the weekend, Vidro already had 16 doubles and was second in the league in hitting. These two have helped the Expos hit an incredible .329 with two outs and runners in scoring position. Alou told me that there has been interest in Rondell White, but the team doesn't plan to trade him. He does say the Expos will have to solve problems in center field and the bullpen if they hope to contend for the entire season. Having an owner like Jeffrey Loria, who is willing to spend money, has helped with the Expos confidence. In the end, it may also help them get a player who will keep them in the race.
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