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EVENTS AD PARTNERS
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1999 Recap: With their future in Montreal in doubt, the Expos endured another season of rebuilding with a young but promising team. Vladimir Guerrero had an MVP-type year while Ugueth Urbina led the league in saves. Infielders Orlando Cabrera, Jose Vidro and Michael Barrett each showed promise in their first full seasons in the majors. 1999 Highlight: Vladimir Guerrero had an incredible year (.316-42-131) that featured a 31-game hitting streak. At age 23, he finished among the NL's top 10 in 11 offensive categories and set seven club single-season records. 1999 Lowlight: Attendance lagged as the Expos were the only team that was unable to draw at least 1 million fans. Montreal averaged just 9,546 fans per game. Manager: Felipe Alou (603-590 in 8 seasons with Montreal) Coaches: Pat Roessler (hitting), Bobby Cuellar (pitching), Perry Hill (first), Pete Mackanin (third), Brad Arnsberg, bullpen, Pierre Arsenault (bullpen), Luis Pujols (bench) Camp Site: Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla. Reporting Dates: Pitchers and catchers on Feb. 17; full squads on Feb. 22 Additions: RHP Hideki Irabu, LHP Graeme Lloyd, 2B Mickey Morandini, C Charlie O'Brien Subtractions: OF James Mouton, OF Orlando Merced Spring Cleaning: As is the case every spring, Felipe Alou has his hands full as young prospects fight for jobs. Fernando Seguignol and Brad Fullmer will battle for time at first base. The club needs to decide whether to deal Rondell White while evaluating rookie outfielders Peter Bergeron and Milton Bradley. Michael Barrett saw action at catcher and third base last season. It's time to make a decision on where to use him.
Key Acquisition: The fact that the Expos gave lefty specialist Graeme Lloyd a $9 million contract over three years proves that management is serious about contending in the near term. Lloyd will work primarily in the 8th innings and provide a bridge to closer Ugueth Urbina. Pivitol Player: RHP Carl Pavano, who came over in the Pedro Martinez trade, is penciled in at the front of the rotation. Still only 24, Pavano has shown spots of brilliance, but has lacked consistency. In 1999, Pavano was just 6-8, but the record wasn't what concerned the Expos, it was the 104 innings pitched. Pavano must stay healthy and contribute 200 innings, thus stabilizing the rotation. The Future is Now: First baseman Brad Fullmer looked like the real deal when he set rookie records for doubles in 1998, but after shaky beginning to 1999 he was demoted to the minors -- more for his lack of defense, than offense. Fullmer has been working with defensive coaches this winter, in an effort to be a solid target for the Expos young infielders, but if he is unable to handle first base, perennial prospect Fernando Seguinol, of second baseman Jose Vidro could take over the job. Opportunity Knocks: Rookie Peter Bergeron has the chance to win the center field job outright from spring training, and projects as the team's leadoff hitter. If Bergeron falters, phenom Milton Bradley could step in (yes, he has game and he is already a household name). Prospects to Watch: RHP Tony Armas Jr., OF Peter Bergeron, OF Milton Bradley, LHP Ted Lilly, 1B Fernando Seguignol, RHP T.J. Tucker, RHP
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