|
 |   |
|
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Multimedia Central Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities Work in Sports
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE |  |
World of Oz Young talent allows frugal clubs to compete
Posted: Wednesday June 07, 2000 09:16 AM
Despite what you've heard, money isn't everything. Sure, rich teams like the Yankees, Dodgers and Braves are doing fine. But some frugal teams are faring OK, too. The Royals have baseball's 28th-highest payroll and the White Sox have the 26th-highest -- but both are fighting for the AL Central title. That's because they have plenty of young talent -- which comes cheap. The Oakland A's managed to keep their payroll the 25th-highest despite retaining most of last year's wild-card contender and Oakland is back in the race this year. Yes, the Reds signed Ken Griffey Jr., but with a young pitching staff and many lesser-known players, Cincinnati has the 21st-highest payroll and is still challenging the Cardinals in the NL Central. Like a bat out of HeltonEveryone knew Todd Helton was a good player entering this season, but nobody new he'd have the hottest bat in baseball. During a slump last August, Rockies coach Clint Hurdle told Helton to have a more aggressive attitude. That aggression has led to an offensive explosion despite Larry Walker missing 40 percent of Colorado's games. Projected over a full season, Helton's stats would be among the best ever for a 27-year-old. He would finish first all-time in runs (169), slugging percentage (.798) and batting average (.410), second in home runs (57) and third in RBI (165). It's unlikely Helton will hit .400, but his power numbers should stay high in hitting-friendly Coors field. Benson blossomingBefore the season, Pittsburgh's Kris Benson was a dark horse for Cy Young honors. He then got clobbered in his first four starts, going 0-3 with a 5.96 ERA. But the 25-year-old righty turned it around, going 4-2 with a 2.16 ERA in his next seven starts. The difference? Avoiding the long ball. Benson allowed seven homers in his first four starts, only three in his next seven. Sobering thoughtsThe Cubs had good intentions in curbing beer sales at Wrigley field but it probably won't make a difference. The brawl between Dodgers players and Cubs fans last month happened because of one thing -- location. Until the Cubs move the bullpens, or increase security, incidents will occur. It's unlikely the bullpens are moving, so I think security is the answer.
| ||||||||||||||||||||
