Return of the Mac?

Don't count on it -- McGwire is done with baseball

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Since the Cardinals are so desperate for run production and a right-handed bat, what are the chances that Tony LaRussa would pay a visit to Mark McGwire and ask him to come back? Big Mac left the game with some unfinished business and he could be productive after straightening out his personal life and getting his knee healthy. Money's not an issue with McGwire and the impact of his return could be like a blockbuster trade-deadline deal.
--Stephen, Chesterfield, Mo.

No chance. Friends of McGwire's tell me that he has never been happier than he is now. He left the game with peace of mind, knowing there was no way he could get his knee fully rehabbed. You're right, he doesn't need the money, but McGwire also is a well-rounded guy who doesn't need baseball, either.

The Mets have struggled for the past two weeks, and even when they were atop the NL East, it was clear they had some serious issues to tackle (poor defense, lack of offense, no threat at the top of the lineup). In what areas do you think New York needs to retool in order to become a force in the NL and get back to the World Series?
--Uday, Flushing, N.Y.

I don't think the Mets have much wiggle room when it comes to changing this team. What they need is Mo Vaughn, Roberto Alomar, Jeromy Burnitz and Mike Piazza to hit the way they have throughout their careers. New York has been looking to upgrade on Jay Payton in center field, but there are very few options. The Mets' defense is the puzzling part. I can't understand why it's been this bad.

Tom, the Angels have turned their season around. Do you think they have enough pitching to compete for the wild card? Would they add payroll if they needed another starting pitcher? Do you think they'll finish the season over .500?
--Shawn, Beverly Hills, Calif.

I think it's going to be very hard for the Angels to win the wild card because it looks as if the Yankees and Red Sox will win at least 95 games each. I can't see Anaheim getting that many. However, I do think the Angels can play winning baseball over a full season. That means they should enter September in contention for a playoff spot. That actually happened last year -- before they totally collapsed -- and I think they're a better team this time around. As for adding payroll, that's never been their M.O. and I don't see that changing, at least not in a major way.

What do you see the Astros doing about their bullpen woes? Will they just wait for some of their injured players to come back or will they go out and make a move to add depth. Also, do you see the Astros trading one of their star outfielders for a true center fielder?
--Brian Miller, Oxon Hill, Md.

The Houston bullpen seems to be settling down, with Octavio Dotel getting his arm strength back after his first spring in which he did not train as a starter. He's the key. I don't see Houston making a move for a true center fielder. Just ask the Mets, Dodgers and Indians, all of whom have had a hard time finding one.

What do you think the odds are of Barry Bonds hitting .400? If teams continue to shift him like last year, he'll have the opportunity for numerous base hits. Also, Bonds has mentioned many times that he'll do whatever it takes to win, even if that means giving up home runs for base hits. Any thoughts?
--Chris, Pittsburgh

I thought in April about that possibility, largely because Bonds was hitting everything right on the screws and because he will be walked so much this year. Yes, I think it's possible, but not probable. But if he does it, I don't think it will be because he's dropping bunts or slashing singles to left field. Bonds is going to have to hit over and through the shift. National League teams would be happy to see him hit .400 if it meant he gave in to the shift and hit only 30 home runs.

Everybody claims that the Cincinnati Reds are overachieving and that their lack of starting pitching will come back to haunt them. Are you of this same opinion? If you were the Reds' GM, would you dangle one of their many productive outfielders and/or relievers to acquire a quality starter?
--Joel Fowler, Alexandria, Va.

Yes, I would trade Juan Encarnacion for a decent pitcher, say, Sidney Ponson. The Orioles are not eager to trade Ponson, so you'd have to knock them out with a deal. A healthy Chris Carpenter would help, too. I'm still not convinced the Reds' starters will hold up through the second half. But give them credit. They've exceeded expectations so far and pitching coach Don Gullett does a great job getting the most out of what he has to work with.

Last year, I wrote in to ask if John Franco could make the Hall of Fame and you said no. I'm hearing the same thing from most baseball experts. Is it because other guys in the majors, like Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman, will catch up to Franco in saves? Is it because he didn't dominate hitters? I'm confused. Unless the numbers lie, Franco had one of the best pitching careers in baseball, in addition to being a real stand-up guy.
--Richard C. Stillwell, Fountain Valley, Calif.

Total number of saves has little meaning, which is why Lee Smith, Jeff Reardon and Randy Myers stand little chance of getting into the Hall. The save itself is too much of a watered-down stat. Franco didn't dominate his position very often, but his consistency and his heart were outstanding. I think he's a strong borderline candidate, but I doubt he has enough to get in.

While the Twins have played the Tigers, Royals, Devil Rays and Indians with success, what does it say about them when they get swept by the Yankees? Nobody seems to want to run away with the NL Central, but will Minnesota be able to compete with the White Sox if Chicago gets its act together and the Twins remain injury prone?
--Nate Behlen, Minneapolis

The Twins definitely need to get healthy and stay healthy. Brad Radke going down with a groin injury really hurts them. So, no, if they continue to have guys hurt like this they can't keep up with the White Sox. But assuming the Twins have nearly a full complement of players, I expect them to hang with Chicago all year. I still believe the Sox are the better team, but I don't have enough confidence in Chicago's pitching to think that it's going to run away with the division.

I have seen several first-quarter reviews of this year's rookies, but have noticed one glaring omission: Corey Patterson. While this is not his first time in the bigs, it is the first time he doesn't have to worry about being pulled if he makes a mistake or two. Plus, he's putting up good numbers. Other than Sammy, he is the only regular hitting over .300 for the Cubs. How about giving the kid some credit?
--Jason, Moscow, Idaho

Patterson has played very well for the Cubs. One problem: He is not a rookie. To qualify as a rookie, a player must not have had more than 130 at-bats, 50 innings pitched or 45 days of service time during the 25-player limit. Patterson does not qualify.

Sports Illustrated senior writer Tom Verducci covers the baseball beat for the magazine and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com. Click here to send a question to his mailbag.

 

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