Starting Fresh—and Fast

Here are five players whose off-season change of scenery (like Preston Wilson's) has been good for them and their new clubs (statistics through Monday).

Jos� Cruz Jr., RF, GIANTS
2002 TEAM: Blue Jays
2003 STATS: .294, 5 HRs, 11 RBIs
SKINNY: Landed on the cheap with one-year, $2.8 million deal, has played eye-catching defense and, batting fifth, supplanted Edgardo Alfonzo as Barry Bonds's protection.

Erubiel Durazo, 1B/DH, A'S
2002 TEAM: Diamondbacks
2003 STATS: .328, 4 HRs, 20 RBIs
SKINNY: Showing the discipline (4.24 pitches per plate appearance) and pop to justify Oakland G.M. Billy Beane's obsession with acquiring him.

Tom Glavine, LHP, METS
2002 TEAM: Braves
2003 STATS: 3-1, 3.14 ERA
SKINNY: Throw out Opening Day debacle, and longtime ace has been at his nibbling finest, with 3-0 record, 1.80 ERA and seven walks in 25 innings.

Hideki Matsui, LF, YANKEES
2002 TEAM: Yomiuri Giants ( Japan)
2003 STATS: .293, 2 HRs, 19 RBIs
SKINNY: Superb bat control (had put ball into play on AL-high 63% of swings) and flair for dramatic (.360 average with runners in scoring position) were expected; solid defense a pleasant bonus.

Ivan Rodriguez, C, MARLINS
2002 TEAM: Rangers
2003 STATS: .267, 3 HRs, 14 RBIs, 5 SBs
SKINNY: One-year deal at $10 million from ostensibly cost-conscious Marlins raised eyebrows, but Pudge is healthy and productive, and achieving a rapport with young Florida staff.