The Montreal Expos 2002 - On The Brink

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Montreal Expos Face Contraction: Organizational Shakeup Underway
Editorial, page 13

In 2001, the Montreal Expos averaged less than 10,000 fans per game, with a total attendance of 642,000 for the year. This figure was almost exactly half of the second-worst team (the Florida Marlins came in at 1,261,000), and less than a fifth of the top-grossing Seattle Mariners.

This left the Expos as a prime target (along with the Minnesota Twins) for contraction. Major League Baseball purchased the Expos in 2002 with the aim of either eliminating or moving the team; however, legal matters kept the Twins from being contracted, so the Expos gained some breathing room (contracting only one team would have left MLB with an odd number of teams).

Still, the future did not look bright. MLB imposed a strict budget on the Expos and kept a tight rein on the team in general. Frank Robinson was installed as manager, and MLB began to comb through potential GM candidates. MLB eventually decided on Oscar Heller, an up-and-coming young executive in the Baltimore organization. He was given the unenviable task of, from MLB's point of view, shepherding the Montreal club through its last years before contraction.

I know there's already another Expos dynasty in the works, but we're far enough apart chronologically that hopefully we won't step on each other's toes for a long while.

With that said, hello! This is my first post and first dynasty attempt here, and I look forward to a long and entertaining run for the Expos, whatever should befall them. There's no guarantee or even probability that Heller will be able to stave off contraction or relocation. It should be an exciting ride.

I'd just like to start off by thanking in advance all the other dynasty-makers here who I will be shamelessly drawing inspiration from in the creation of this dynasty. I plan to draw my format and features from all the awesome dynasties that I've been reading on here. If I steal something that you want un-stolen, just PM me and I'll return it. :)

Here are my ground rules, for now, and subject to almost definitely changing:

1. Since I'm a GM, the entire game will be played in GM mode.
2. To simulate the difficulty of this endeavor, I will be playing in Mogul mode.
3. Because I'm under strict MLB control, at no time or for any reason will I be able to exceed my payroll. If I come over payroll, I will have to immediately dump salary.
4. Trades that involve a player with an annual salary of $5mil or higher coming to the Expos will be likely rejected (my discretion) by MLB, unless the trade results in an overall decrease in payroll. There is a 1 in (1 + division position) chance that the trade will be allowed (e.g. if I am in 4th, there is a 1 in 5 chance that MLB will permit the trade).
5. Free agent signings with annual salaries of $5mil or higher will be subject to the same treatment as trades.
6. I will not be allowed to renegotiate contracts except during the off-season.

This list is off the top of my head, so I will definitely be editing it as I see how well the rules simulate the situation I am in.

Here are some features I hope to include in this dynasty:

• Monthly mailbag a la ChrisJNelson's Braves dynasty. I will take any in-character questions from readers, and make up my own if I have to! So there!
• Newspaper articles detailing the progress of Heller and the Expos.
• I hope to work in a storyline when our characters become more apparent.
• I haven't decided how detailed the game reports will be, but big games will get their own posts and box scores, at least.
• More to come!

I look forward to the coming season, and to hearing from all of you.

Good luck, Meow!

Yeah, I see no real possibility of our Expo dynasties stepping on each other. I'm eight years behind you, and the baseball gods alone know what my league will look like when I finally make it to 2002.

You have a difficult task ahead of you, especially with those rules. It'll probably take the pennant (or at least winning the NL East) to convince the ... gentlemen ... at MLB to back off and leave the Expos alone.

Thanks - I don't expect it to be easy. If I can get attendance up to reasonable levels, I have hopes of MLB backing off a bit, but no guarantees.

Also, when I saw your Mariners dynasty got corrupted, I died a little inside. It was awesome and you have my sympathy.

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Montreal Expos Announce 2002 Roster
Editorial, page 14

The Montreal Expos, under new GM Oscar Heller, announced their roster for the 2002 season. The Expos are widely rumored to be a target for relocation by Major League Baseball due to financial shortcomings, but local opposition to the plan has been muted.

Starting Lineup

• CF Peter Bergeron
• SS Orlando Cabrera
• 2B Jose Vidro
• RF Vladimir Guerrero
• 1B Andres Galarraga
• LF Troy O'Leary
• 3B Fernando Tatis
• C Michael Barrett

Bench

• C Brian Schneider
• IF Jamey Carroll
• OF Ryan Church
• OF/1B Brad Wilkerson
• IF Mike Mordecai
• 3B Chris Truby

Starting Rotation

• SP Javier Vasquez
• SP Tony Armas
• SP Carl Pavano
• SP Tomokazu Ohka
• SP Shawn Hill

Bullpen

• RP Scott Stewart
• RP Zach Day
• RP Joey Eischen
• RP Luis Ayala
• RP Scott Strickland
• CL Chad Cordero

Sounds very interesting. I look forward to it!

--Pet

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Olympic Stadium Opens For Public Viewing
Season Begins Tomorrow
Op-Ed Article, page 10

Olympic Stadium, home of the Montreal Expos, opened today for a full day of public viewing, tours, and giveaways to celebrate the start of the 2002 baseball season, and hopefully to drum up a little hometown support for the beleaguered franchise.

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Olympic Stadium, originally commissioned for the 1976 Olympics, was once one of the most beautiful and innovative baseball stadiums in the world. However, in what seem like a grim metaphor for the fate of Montreal baseball, the once-proud stadium has become plagued with technical issues, as well as cosmetic concerns. If the Expos do in fact leave Montreal, Olympic Stadium, once a symbol of Canadian pride and ingenuity to the entire world, may be demolished for fiscal reasons.

However, today Olympic Stadium gleams in the spring sunlight, as fans of all ages explore the stadium, taking free tours around the field itself, participating in raffles and giveaways, and taking pictures with a few members of the Expos who volunteered to participate for the day.

They say baseball in Montreal is dying, but watching six thousand people mill happily around in Olympic Stadium, youngsters fully decked out in Expos hats and jerseys, it's truly hard to believe. Hope may be what hits us remaining Expos fans the hardest, but it's also what makes the game so magical, and is, in the end, what baseball is all about.

See you at opening day, Montreal!

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Opening Day For The Expos
Expos Drop A Heartbreaker In 10 Innings
Main section, page 3

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The crack of the bat, the smell of the cool spring afternoon, the calls of the vendor selling poutine in the aisles - everything was picture perfect for the Montreal Expos today, on Opening Day. Everything was there...except the win.

Expos ace Javier Vasquez pitched seven shutout innings against the Florida Marlins, striking out seven, and letting just four men on base, but the Expos were held to just two hits by A.J. Burnett and two relievers, who combined for a ten inning shutout of the home team. Zach Day took the loss for the Expos after giving up two runs in the top of the tenth.

The Marlins pitchers were wild, walking a whopping eight batters, but the Expos were unable to capitalize, leaving the bases loaded twice. The Expos also made the Marlins' job a lot easier by grounding into two rally-killing double plays.

A bright note amidst the disappointment over the hard-luck loss was the attendance: 43,738 came to watch their team. While Opening Day is not a good barometer for the rest of the season, it was still an encouraging sign.

Box Score

Code:

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Marlins        AB        H        BB        R        HR        RBI        K        SB        AVG
Luis Castillo 2B        4        0        1        1        0        0        0        0        .000
Preston Wilson CF        5        3        0        0        0        1        0        0        .600
Cliff Floyd LF        5        2        0        0        0        1        1        0        .400
  Eric Owens LF        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        .000
Derrek Lee 1B        5        0        0        0        0        0        3        0        .000
Kevin Millar RF        3        2        1        0        0        0        1        0        .667
Mike Lowell 3B        3        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        .000
Charles Johnson C        4        1        0        1        0        0        0        0        .250
Alex Gonzalez SS        3        0        0        0        0        0        2        0        .000
A.J. Burnett P        2        0        0        0        0        0        1        0        .000
  Tim Raines PH        1        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        .000
  Braden Looper P        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        .000
  Miguel Cabrera PH        1        0        0        0        0        0        1        0        .000
  Armando Almanza P        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        .000
Totals        36        8        2        2        0        2        9        0         

2B: Kevin Millar (1)

DP: Derrek Lee, Luis Castillo 2, Alex Gonzalez 2, Braden Looper
       
Expos        AB        H        BB        R        HR        RBI        K        SB        AVG
Peter Bergeron CF        3        0        2        0        0        0        0        0        .000
Orlando Cabrera SS        5        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        .000
Jose Vidro 2B        3        1        1        0        0        0        1        0        .333
Vladimir Guerrero RF        3        0        1        0        0        0        1        0        .000
Andres Galarraga 1B        3        0        1        0        0        0        2        0        .000
Troy O'Leary LF        3        0        1        0        0        0        1        0        .000
Fernando Tatis 3B        3        1        1        0        0        0        1        0        .333
Michael Barrett C        3        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        .000
Javier Vazquez P        2        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        .000
  Brad Wilkerson PH        0        0        1        0        0        0        0        0        .000
  Zach Day P        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        .000
  Jamey Carroll PH        1        0        0        0        0        0        0        0        .000
Totals        29        2        8        0        0        0        6        0         

GDP: Michael Barrett, Vladimir Guerrero


Marlins        IP        H        BB        HR        R        ER        K        PIT        ERA
A.J. Burnett        7.0        1        8        0        0        0        4        115        0.00
Braden Looper        2.0        1        0        0        0        0        2        19        0.00
Armando Almanza        1.0        0        0        0        0        0        0        12        0.00
Totals        10.0        2        8        0        0        0        6        146         
       
Expos        IP        H        BB        HR        R        ER        K        PIT        ERA
Javier Vazquez        7.0        4        1        0        0        0        7        108        0.00
Zach Day        3.0        4        1        0        2        2        2        50        6.00
Totals        10.0        8        2        0        2        2        9        158         

WP: Braden Looper (1-0)
LP: Zach Day (0-1)
SV: Armando Almanza (1)

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Expos Deal Lee Stevens To Pittsburgh
Sports Column, page 11

The Montreal Expos made their first move of the season, sending veteran first baseman Lee Stevens and cash considerations to the Pittsburgh Pirates for center fielder Adrian Brown. While the Montreal front office has been unusually tight-lipped about policy this season, the common feeling is that Stevens' salary of $2,350,000 played a large role in this move. However, this correspondent must question the wisdom of including cash in a deal designed to cut salary. While the figure included was not named, the Expos are rumored to have cash reserves totaling less than $5mil. Any substantial reduction of those reserves would put the Expos at even more risk.

Stevens, 34, hit .245 for the Expos in 2001, with 25 homers and 95 RBI, making him a solid contributor. However, he has struggled so far in limited at-bats in AAA, perhaps having trouble adjusting to his diminished role.

Brown, 28, hit only .194 in 31 at-bats for the Pirates in 2001. His fielding skills and speed on the basepaths may win him a bench role in Montreal. His contract lasts until the end of the season, and he will be paid $275,000.

Ryan Church was optioned to AA Harrisburg to make room for Brown.

April 6-7 Florida Marlins (1-0) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...arlinslogo.jpg @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png Montreal Expos (0-1)

April 8-10 Montreal Expos (0-1) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...sburghlogo.png Pittsburgh Pirates (0-0)

April 11-13 Montreal Expos (0-1) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...braveslogo.png Atlanta Braves (0-0)

Projected Starters
April 6: Brad Penny (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Tony Armas (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
April 7: Julian Tavarez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Carl Pavano (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
April 8: Tomokazu Ohka (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Zach Duke (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
April 9: Shawn Hill (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Jimmy Anderson (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
April 10: Javier Vasquez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Dave Williams (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
April 11: Tony Armas (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Tom Glavine (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
April 12: Carl Pavano (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Kevin Millwood (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
April 13: Tomohazu Ohka (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. John Smoltz (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Game Recaps
April 6: The Expos lost another heartbreaker as starter Tony Armas imploded, giving up eight runs in two innings pitched. The relief corps cobbled together seven scoreless innings, including a huge four from Zach Day, as the Expos tried to make up the deficit. Powered by Vladimir Guerrero's first hit of the season, a grand slam in the third, the Expos fell just short with Troy O'Leary grounding out with the tying run in scoring position to end the game. Marlins 9, Expos 8.

April 7: Julian Tavarez threw eight innings of shutout ball and Braden Looper pitched a scoreless ninth to humble the Expos offense. Expos starter Carl Pavano was solid, giving up three runs in seven innings, but took the loss. Preston Wilson and Cliff Floyd went back-to-back in the fifth inning for the Marlins. Marlins 4, Expos 0.

April 8: Needing a change of momentum after being swept at home, the Expos had another starting pitcher collapse, as Tomokazu Ohka gave up four runs in the sixth after pitching in and out of trouble for the entire game. The Expos were unable to get much offense going until the ninth inning, but their rally fell short. Vladimir Guerrero had three hits and new acquisition Adrian Brown had two in the lead-off spot. The Expos also learned that starter Tony Armas had a stress fracture in his hip and would miss one start. He would be replaced by Masato Yoshii. Expos 4, Pirates 7.

April 9: The Expos wasted another excellent start by Vasquez, who pitched all eight innings and only gave up two earned runs. However, they were only able to eke out two runs of their own, on a suicide squeeze and a bases-loaded walk. The Expos also made one error, which came around to score the deciding run. Expos 2, Pirates 3.

April 10: Another disappointing loss by the Expos, who are beginning to look simply out-matched. Spot starter Masato Yoshii pitched well, allowing three earned runs in six innings, but another costly error allowed an unearned run and extended the fifth inning. The Expos continue to struggle with runners in scoring position, leaving the bases loaded yet again tonight. In particular, Andres Galarraga, hitting out of the five hole, has struck out a whopping nine times in twenty-five at-bats. Adrian Brown continues to get things done at the top of the order, with five hits and three walks in fourteen plate appearances. Expos 3, Pirates 6.

April 11: The Expos drop their seventh straight after the Braves came back from a 6-1 deficit to win, 8-6. Carl Pavano pitched well, striking out nine in six innings, but was tagged for a three run homer by Darren Bragg that brought the Braves within two. He was lifted for Scott Stewart, who gave up four runs without recording an out to keep the Expos winless so far. Andres Galarraga hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot in the second on the first pitch he saw. Expos 6, Braves 8.

April 12: Today saw Tomokazu Ohka and the Expos manhandled by a potent Braves offense and a stellar Kevin Millwood. The Expos again struggled in the clutch, leaving the bases loaded twice, including in the ninth inning. Their lone run came on a bases-loaded walk in the ninth. After the game, an insider confirmed that Carl Pavano would miss one start with an unspecified health condition. Expos 1, Braves 8.

April 13: The Expos turned on the offense today and finally managed to string some hits together. Tony Armas pitched into the eighth inning after being out for a week, allowed two runs, and led the Expos to their first win of 2002. The offense combined for a balanced assault, smashing 12 hits against a beleaguered John Smoltz. Peter Bergeron, batting leadoff, went 3 for 4. Chad Cordero got the save despite a shaky ninth. Expos 5, Braves 2.

Expos News
Montreal has averaged 35,140 fans per game despite a disastrously poor start, an encouraging sign.
The Expos have been plagued by minor injuries so far, with SP Carl Pavano and RP Scott Stewart both currently out for under a week.
LF prospect Matt Cepicky will return from a finger injury this week.

Down on the Farm
AAA New Orleans: 34-year-old LF Henry Rodriguez was sent up to the majors today after slugging .531 with three homers in 12 games with the Zephyrs. 3B Chris Truby was optioned to AAA.
AA Harrisburg: Ryan Church is absolutely demolishing AA pitching, with an OPS of 1.248. If he keeps up this pace, he could move to AAA in a month or two.
A Potomac: RP Joe Horgan is dominating, with a 0.79 ERA in over 11 innings.
R Savannah: Relief prospect Bill Bray has an ERA under 2 and seven strikeouts in 4.2 innings at Savannah. We'll keep an eye on this young pitcher.

N.L. East Standings
2. Florida Marlins (6-3)
2. Philadelphia Phillies (6-3)
3. Atlanta Braves (5-4)
4. New York Mets (3-5)
5. Montreal Expos (1-8)

Division Leaders
AL East: Toronto (8-0)
AL Central: Kansas City (6-2)
AL West: Seattle (7-2)
AL Wild Card: Boston (6-2)

NL East: Florida (6-3) tied Philadelphia (6-3)
NL Central: Cincinnati (6-2)
NL West: Arizona (6-3)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (6-3) tied Philadelphia (6-3)

League Leaders
Batting Average: 4 tied with .500
Hits: CIN Aaron Boone (17) tied FLA Preston Wilson (17)
Home Runs: CHW Paul Konerko (6)
ERA: Five tied with 0.00
Wins: Many tied with 2
Strikeouts: ARI Randy Johnson (21)
Saves: FLA Armando Almanza (4)

MLB News
ARI Randy Johnson struck out eleven Brewers in only 5 2/3 innings.
ATL Tom Glavine pitched his 22nd career shutout against the Phillies.
CHW Paul Konerko hit four home runs in one game to trounce Minnesota.
Montreal loses eight straight to start the season. :(
TRADE: Montreal sends 1B Lee Stevens and $1,000,000 to Pittsburgh for CF Adrian Brown.
TRADE: Oakland sends RP Santiago Casilla, SP Mike Wood, and LF Eric Byrnes to Detroit for LF Dmitri Young.

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Montreal Expos End Television Blackout
Editorial, page 13

The Montreal Expos front office issued a statement today saying that as of immediately, Expos games would be televised on public TV stations. This ends the two-year policy of a complete TV blackout designed to get more fans in the park. In a selection from the official statement, the Expos spokesman, John Dee, explained the move:

"The Montreal Expos feel that it is more important to make sure that baseball is available to everyone than to attempt to coerce fans to attend games. We are confident that once Montreal baseball is more readily visible to the public, they will come to love the game and the team as much as we do."

The Expos have not been given a set attendance target by Major League Baseball as of yet, but such a move has been mentioned by MLB and Expos insiders several times over the past several months. However, Expos attendance is well up from last year. Hopefully this move pays off for our team.

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Expos Send Graeme Lloyd to Atlanta
Sports Column, page 12

The Expos made another cost-cutting move today, sending relief pitcher Graeme Lloyd and his $1,100,000 salary to Atlanta for reliever Aaron Small. Small makes $240,000 through the 2002 season. Small will start at AAA and give Montreal even more depth in veteran relief pitching at that level.

I happened to run into Expos' GM Oscar Heller at a restaurant on St. Laurent, and asked him about the move. While a little put off at first, he unbent to answer a few questions.

Me: Well, first, why make this move?

Heller: Lloyd and Small are very similar pitchers on paper. Both rely on a heavy sinker and get ground-ball outs. Small is five years younger, $800,000 cheaper, and my scouts tell me still has room to improve.

Me: The money was a major consideration, then?

Heller: Well, yes. When you're in a position like this franchise is, you can't pass up any chance to keep the budget down. However, I think there's a very good chance Small will be able to contribute to the team. Veteran depth in the minors is a strength of ours, and is something I plan to continue, since we don't have the resources to replace injured or struggling players with free agents.

Me: The team is in an awkward position, isn't it? You don't have the luxury of rebuilding completely, but you have to try to contend with a small budget.

Heller: It's definitely a challenge, but one that I relish. And I can tell the players do too. People may say baseball isn't accorded the same respect in Montreal, but these guys - Vlad [Guerrero], Vasquez, they're heroes to this city. Montrealers know what these guys are up against, and they trust that we're going to pull through.

Me: Well, I know you'll give it your best shot, and I want you to know that the Gazette is pulling for you too.

Heller: Thank you. It means a lot.

Me: Thanks for taking the time to talk to me.

Heller: Not at all.

April 15-17 Montreal Expos (1-8) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...arlinslogo.jpg Philadelphia Phillies (6-3)

April 18-19 New York Mets (4-5) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...s/metslogo.jpg @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png Montreal Expos (1-8)
April 20-21 Colorado Rockies (3-5) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ockieslogo.gif @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png Montreal Expos (1-8)

Projected Starters
April 15: Vincente Padilla vs Shawn Hill
April 16: Randy Wolf vs Zach Day
April 17: Robert Person vs Javier Vasquez
April 18: Pedro Astacio vs Tony Armas
April 19: Jeremy Griffiths vs Tomokazu Ohka
April 20: Denny Neagle vs Shawn Hill
April 21: Mike Hampton vs Bobby Jones

Game Recaps
April 15: 20-year-old Shawn Hill was overpowered by a dominating Phillies lineup, giving up seven runs in five innings. Chad Cordero came on in the ninth and gave up two more runs in a non-save situation to put the game out of reach. Phillies 10, Expos 4.

April 16: Neither Zach Day or Phillies starter Randy Wolf were at the top of their game, Day walking four straight batters to lead off a three-run Phillies fourth that gave the Phillies a 3-2 lead. In the bottom of the seventh, Vladimir Guerrero jacked a 3-0 fastball over the left-field fence to tie the game, but Doug Glanville answered right back with a homer on Day's second pitch of the eighth to make it 4-3 Phillies. In the bottom of the ninth, Brian Schneider led off with a single, was bunted over, and scored on a two-out single by Jose Vidro to send it to extras. Finally, in the bottom of the 11th, Vladimir Guerrero squeezed in the winning run with a walk-off infield single. Phillies 4, Expos 5.

INSIDER REPORT: Zach Day placed on 15-day DL. RP Ed Vosberg and RP Matt Herges traded to NYM for SP Bobby Jones.

April 17: The Expos wasted yet another strong start by Javier Vasquez, unable to muster more than an RBI sac fly against Robert Person and two Phillies relievers. The Expos also made two costly errors. Phillies 3, Expos 1.

April 18: The Mets only managed four hits against Tony Armas, but three were home runs. Armas also gave up two walks which came around to score on the home run parade consisting of Joe McEwing, David Wright, and Jeromy Burnitz. The Expos could manage nothing against Pedro Astacio, despite out-hitting the Mets 9-8. Mets 6, Expos 0.

INSIDER REPORT: 1B Andres Galarraga and LF Troy O'Leary traded to NYM for RP Tyler Yates, 2B Marco Scutaro, and cash.

April 19: Another Expos starter was roughed up, as Tomokazu Ohka gave up five runs and was pulled after six. The Expos scored three, but were unable to complete the comeback despite giving recently traded reliever Ed Vosberg a warm Montreal welcome by scoring two runs off him in the eighth and chasing him after two outs. Mets 5, Expos 3.

INSIDER REPORT: 2B Jose Vidro traded to PHI for 1B Ryan Howard and significant cash considerations. 3B Fernando Tatis traded to SFG for 3B Pedro Feliz. 2B Jamey Carroll optioned to AAA, 2B Henry Mateo promoted. Henry Mateo will start at 2B, Pedro Feliz will start at 3B.

April 20: Four doubles and a gutsy performance by Shawn Hill (6IP, 4ER, 7BB, 6K) guided the Expos to a turbulent 6-4 win. Recent acquisition Pedro Feliz hit a two-run single in the first. Rockies 4, Expos 6.

April 21: Neither starter was perfect, with Bobby Jones giving up three runs in five innings and Rockies pitcher Mike Hampton giving up three in seven. Pedro Feliz scored the third run off Hampton after he hit a leadoff triple in the seventh and Henry Mateo pulled off the suicide squeeze. The game went to extras, and in the bottom of the eleventh Michael Barrett led off with a single and quickly stole second. Ryan Church squared up and laid down a perfect sacrifice, bringing up Feliz. He watched a ball sail high, then laced a hanging curve into right-center for a walk-off single. Rockies 3, Expos 4.

Expos News
Zach Day will be out for 20 days with a dislocated shoulder.
Montreal is only six games out despite having a .250 winning percentage. Gotta love the NL east!

Down on the Farm
AAA New Orleans: RP Britt Reames seems to be finally putting some pieces together at 28. His ERA is under 4, his K/9 is 9.64, and his BB/9 is a respectable 5.14. He may earn a callup to Montreal's injury-troubled relief corps.
AA Harrisburg: Although it's too soon to be sure, Termel Sledge seems to have no problem adapting to AA pitching after his promotion from A. His OPS has actually risen from 1.072 in A to 1.280 in AA. Ryan Howard, just arrived from the Phillies, has three homers in 13 at-bats and is slugging .769. He's expected to move quickly.
A Potomac: Reliever Joe Horgan continues to dominate, with a 0.52 ERA in 17.1 innings. If he keeps this up, he'll be in Harrisburg next month.
R Savannah: Lefty Bill Bray's ERA is slightly higher, at 2.35, but his opposing batting average is a measly .148, a very encouraging sign.

N.L. East Standings
1. Philadelphia Phillies (10-6)
2. Atlanta Braves (9-7)
3. Florida Marlins (8-8)
4. New York Mets (8-8)
5. Montreal Expos (4-12)

Division Leaders
AL East: Boston (13-3)
AL Central: Kansas City (9-7)
AL West: Seattle (11-6)
AL Wild Card: Toronto (10-6)

NL East: Philadelphia (10-6)
NL Central: Cincinnati (10-5)
NL West: Arizona (10-6)
NL Wild Card: Milwaukee (10-6) tied San Francisco (10-6)

League Leaders
Batting Average: CIN Aaron Boone (.450)
Hits: CIN Aaron Boone (27)
Home Runs: Three tied with 8
ERA: TOR A.J. Burnett (0.93)
Wins: Four tied with 3
Strikeouts: ARI Randy Johnson (28)
Saves: Three tied with 6

MLB News
Zach Day will miss three weeks
TRADE: Expos send Vidro to Philles for Howard and cash

April 22-24 Montreal Expos (4-12) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...s/metslogo.jpg New York Mets (8-8)

April 25-27 Montreal Expos (4-12) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...illieslogo.jpg Philidelphia Phillies (10-6)

April 29-31 Atlanta Braves (9-7) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...braveslogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png Montreal Expos (4-12)

Projected Starters
April 22: Javier Vasquez vs Robert Person
April 23: Carl Pavano vs Vicente Padilla
April 24: Tomokazu Ohka vs Brett Myers
April 25: Bobby Jones vs Josh Beckett
April 26: Tony Armas vs Dontrelle Willis
April 27: Tomokazu Ohka vs A.J. Burnett
April 29: Tom Glavine vs John Thomson
April 30: Kevin Millwood vs Carl Pavano
April 31: Greg Maddux vs Javier Vasquez

Game Recaps
April 22: Javier Vasquez finally got the support he deserved to pick up his first win of the season. Vasquez has a 1-2 record despite posting a 2.48 ERA with 35 strikeouts in three games. Ryan Church and Brad Wilkerson both homered in the win. Expos 9, Phillies 4.

April 23: Carl Pavano only lasted three innings, giving up five earned runs. Despite Orlando Cabrera's first home run of the season, the Expos were unable to come back against a shaky Phillies bullpen. Expos 5, Phillies 7.

April 24: Tomokazu Ohka pitched eight innings of three hit ball, giving up one run on Pat Burrell's home run. Despite the stellar results, Ohka looked shaky on the mound, with the Phillies making contact early in the count and driving the ball to all fields. Great defensive plays kept Ohka's gem alive. The Expos' offense put together five runs in a convincing defeat of the Phillies to win the series. Expos 5, Phillies 1.

April 25: This game was one for the ages, lasting five hours and forty-eight minutes and fifteen innings. Josh Beckett threw eight shutout innings, and Bobby Jones and the lights-out Expos bullpun kept the Marlins within one run through eight. With one out in the top ninth, Pedro Feliz took Armando Almanza deep to tie the game and quiet the riotous Florida crowd. The Expos took the lead in the thirteenth, sparked by Michael Barrett's leadoff triple, but Charles Johnson tied it back up in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single. Finally, Vladimir Guerrero singled home the winning run in the fifteenth, and starter Carl Pavano struck out Charles Johnson to win the game with Marlins on first and third. Expos 3, Marlins 2.

April 26: Tony Armas was solid over eight innings, and the Expos got to Dontrelle Willis early and often, chasing him after five. Chad Cordero sent the Marlins down in order in the ninth for his second save. Expos 4, Marlins 1.

INSIDER REPORT: IF Henry Mateo and SP Roy Corcoran traded to CIN for 2B Todd Walker and cash.

April 27: Tomokazu Ohka left after five innings and three earned runs, and Shawn Hill couldn't keep the lid on in long relief as the Expos couldn't complete a comeback in the ninth, only managing one run. Expos 5, Marlins 6.

INSIDER REPORT: SP Tomokazu Ohka traded to COL for SP John Thomson.

April 29: New arrival John Thomson gave up two home runs in the first to Andruw Jones and Gary Sheffield, but settled down to throw seven shutout innings after the first. The Expos took a 3-2 lead into the ninth, but Chad Cordero blew the save when Adam LaRoche tied the game at 3 with a single to right. The Expos couldn't win it in the bottom of the ninth, and the Braves took the lead in the tenth on a Julio Franco double. Backs against the wall in the bottom of the tenth, Tim Spoonybarger walked Todd Walker and Ryan Church on full counts, then gave up a game-tying single to Brad Wilkerson before Pedro Feliz ended the game with a single. Braves 4, Expos 5.

April 30: Carl Pavano rebounded from his April 23 implosion to strike out seven over eight innings, giving up only one run. Kevin Millwood got battered and left after four, and the Expos coasted to the win. Chad Cordero struggled in the ninth, giving up two walks, but Scott Stewart restored order and collected a two-out save. Braves 2, Expos 6.

April 31: The Braves offense unloaded on Javier Vasquez and the Expos, led by home runs by Andruw Jones and Javy Lopez. Greg Maddux pitched eight solid innings and kept the Expos guessing. Braves 13, Expos 2.

Expos News
Zach Day will miss at least two more starts, but should be back in the rotation within two weeks.
Montreal's surge brought them within four games of first.

Down on the Farm
AAA New Orleans: Reliever Britt Reames continues to post impressive strikeout numbers (25 K in 21 IP, 10 BB).
AA Harrisburg: Termel Sledge will stay at Harrisburg or possibly move to AAA, seeing as Sledge hit .389 with a 1.143 OPS in AA.
A Potomac: LF Matt Cepicky has a batting average, OBP and SLG all over .400 (.529 SLG) with Potomac. He may take his time in the minors due to the quality of the Expos' starting outfield.
R Savannah: 3B prospect Maicer Izturis is demolishing rookie ball, with a .441/.513/.735 line.

N.L. East Standings
1. Philadelphia Phillies (14-10)
3. Atlanta Braves (13-12)
3. New York Mets (12-12)
4. Florida Marlins (11-13)
5. Montreal Expos (10-15)

Division Leaders
AL East: Boston (19-5)
AL Central: Cleveland (13-11)
AL West: Anaheim (15-9)
AL Wild Card: Seattle (15-10)

NL East: Philadelphia (14-10)
NL Central: Houston (14-9)
NL West: Arizona (14-10) tied San Francisco (14-10)
NL Wild Card: Arizona (14-10) tied San Francisco (14-10)

League Leaders
Batting Average: NYM Jay Payton (.418) tied SFG Barry Bonds (.418)
Hits: NYM Jay Payton (41)
Home Runs: CLE Russell Branyon (11)
ERA: SFG Kirk Reuter (1.73)
Wins: Five tied with 4
Strikeouts: ARI Randy Johnson (38)
Saves: COL Todd Jones (9) tied HOU Billy Wagner (9)

MLB News
Marlins beat Mets in a 25-run slugfest
TRADE: Devil Rays send Randy Winn to Boston for Lenny DiNardo, Andy Dominique, and Kevin Youkilis

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Lively Time For Montreal Expos Front Office
Sports Column, page 12

GM Oscar Heller has been busy the past several weeks, making six trades in that time. These trades have also coincided with a dramatic upswing in the fortunes of the Expos, going 9-6 after a 1-8 start. Here at the Gazette, our sports analysts have provided the following report and critique of Heller's moves (grades are given on benefit to the Expos):

April 17
Trade: RP Ed Vosberg and RP Matt Herges traded to the New York Mets for SP Bobby Jones.

Analysis:
From the Expos' point of view, this trade makes perfect sense. Bobby Jones fills in as a #5 starter as Zach Day goes on the DL. The Expos also shed $400k in salary. Vosberg is 40 years old, and both relievers were cooling their heels in AAA.

From the Mets' side, immediately apparent is that both of these relievers have gone straight to the bullpen, showing that the Mets were clearly hurting for bullpen arms. Vosberg has been awful in the setup role, but Herges has posted very solid numbers coming out of long relief. Also, the Mets are $40mil under budget and have three times the budget of the Expos, so $400k is irrelevant.

Final grade: B. Nothing earthshaking, but a solid trade to shore up the rotation and cut some dead wood off the roster without adding salary.

April 19
Trade: 1B Andres Galarraga and LF Troy O'Leary traded to the New York Mets for prospects RP Tyler Yates, 2B Marco Scutaro, and $500K in cash.

Analysis: For the Expos, this was a straight-up salary dump. They shed more than $3mil in salary. Galarraga had a terrible start and O'Leary had been unspectacular. Both players were aging and costing a lot for very little production. However, neither Scutaro nor Yates are more than mid-level prospects, so the immediate return for the Expos is minimal.

The Mets plugged Galarraga in to replace an injured Mo Vaughn, and got results. In 33 at-bats, Galarraga has doubled his production, with 4 homers and a 1.082 OPS. O'Leary has also posted similar numbers (1.010 OPS). If these numbers do not regress towards career numbers, the Expos may look very silly indeed.

Final Grade: C. The Expos offloaded the salary as they intended, but Galarraga and O'Leary are now putting up huge numbers for a division rival. This trade will depend on how the Expos new prospects fare, and how long Galarraga and O'Leary can keep up this punishing pace.

April 20
Trade: Montreal sends 2B Jose Vidro to the Phillies for 1B Ryan Howard and $3mil cash.

Analysis: Amazing pickup for the Expos. Vidro's production was immediately missed, as replacement Henry Mateo was practically an automatic out near the bottom of the order, but Ryan Howard came up to the ML club almost immediately and has been setting the table for Vladimir Guerrero very competently. A 3-4 of Howard/Guerrero could make the Expos a powerful force for years.

Philidelphia's gains are less apparent, and may in fact be nonexistant. Vidro will doubtless put up decent numbers, and already has. But Howard is a high-quality, ML-ready prospect who is only 22. This trade may haunt the Phillies for years.

Final Grade: A+. The Expos dumped a lot of salary, bolstered their cash reserves, and secured the 1B position for years to come while still getting an immediate upgrade at the #3 spot.


Trade: Montreal trades 3B Fernando Tatis to the Giants for 3B Pedro Feliz.

Analysis: This is a very bizarre trade for both sides. Tatis and Feliz are amazingly similar players - decent fielders at 3B, some line-drive and gap power but mostly contact hitting, no speed to write home about, both 27, both making within $10,000 of each other. This trade is basically a non-entity, both teams hoping to spark some production with a mix-up.

Final Grade: B. Tatis was no loss, and Feliz has certainly produced better. The only question is if he'll maintain his production. Feliz has also sparked several rallies and comebacks, but intangibles like that are almost impossible to predict over the course of a season.

April 27
Trade: Montreal sends pitching prospect Roy Corcoran and 2B Henry Mateo to Cincinnati for 2B Todd Walker and $500k.

Analysis: Montreal's move makes sense. With the pressure the Expos are under, they don't have time to wait for prospects to mature, making their farm system their most valuable trading chip. Mateo was a black hole at the bottom of the order, and Todd Walker is an excellent offensive upgrade. The defense will suffer a bit, and Walker is a moderate salary increase.

Final grade: B+. If Walker produces to potential, he gives a huge boost to Montreal's offense. Corcoran will be missed in years to come, however.

April 28
Trade: SP Tomokazu Ohka to the Rockies for SP John Thomson.

Analysis: Ohka's numbers are good on paper and he goes deep into games regularly. We turned to our resident pitching guru at the Gazette:

Quote:

---

Ohka tends to go deep into games because hitters are swinging and making contact on the first few pitches in the count. With a strong defense behind him, Ohka has the potential to put up a complete game shutout, but he's much more likely than other starters to melt down unexpectedly. If balls start dropping for hits, he will give up a lot of runs, and fast.

---

Apparently the Expos FO thought that that risk was not worth Ohka's generally consistent production. John Thomson replaces Ohka as the #3 starter, and so far has produced well, with the kind of consistency Ohka lacked.

Final grade: C+. We'll have to see if Ohka's production is offset by Thomson's consistency, as well as how Ohka performs with the Rockies, before we can really grade this trade.


The Gazette's review is in, so let's hear from some readers about what you think about the performance of Heller and his staff.

May 2-5 Montreal Expos (10-15) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...s/metslogo.jpg New York Mets (13-12)

May 6-8 Montreal Expos (10-15) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...rewerslogo.jpg Milwaukee Brewers (13-12)

May 9-11 Montreal Expos (10-15) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...s/cubslogo.jpg Chicaco Cubs (12-12)

Projected Starters
May 2: Tony Armas vs Steve Trachsel
May 3: John Thomson vs Shawn Estes
May 4: Carl Pavano vs Jeff D'Amico
May 5: Bobby Jones vs Jason Roach
May 6: Javier Vasquez vs Ben Sheets
May 7: Tony Armas vs Jamey Wright
May 8: John Thomson vs Glendon Rusch
May 9: Carl Pavano vs Donovan Osbourne
May 10: Bobby Jones vs Matt Clement
May 11: Javier Vasquez vs Jason Bere

Game Recaps
May 2: Tony Armas went seven strong innings, the offense put together four runs against Steve Trachsel and Jaime Cerda, and Scott Stewart and Scott Strickland pitched a scoreless inning apiece in a solid win. Expos 4, Mets 2.

May 3: Neither Bobby Jones nor Jason Roach could get out of the sixth inning as both teams put on an offensive show. The game went to extra innings after the Expos scored two in the eighth to tie the game, and Todd Walker's RBI double in the top of the tenth was the game-winner. Expos 7, Mets 6.

May 4: The Expos romped all over Shawn Estes, led by Pedro Feliz' three-run blast. Javier Vasquez went seven innings to get the win, and Aaron Small, recently called up from AAA, hurled two scoreless frames to finish out the game. Expos 8, Mets 2.

May 5: The Mets avoided a sweep as both teams scored all their runs in the first three innings. A shaky Tony Armas, pitching on short rest, gave up all five runs in three innings. The bullpen kept the Expos in the game with five scoreless innings, but the offense couldn't get anything done and the game ended with the bases loaded in the ninth. Expos 4, Mets 5.

May 6: John Thomson took an undeserved loss as he was outduelled by Ben Diggins, who combined with the Milwaukee bullpen to throw a seven-hit shutout. Aaron Small gave up one hit over two more innings in long relief, but the offense stayed quiet. Expos 0, Brewers 1.

May 7: Vladimir Guerrero powered the Expos to a comeback win with two home runs, his fourth and fifth of the season. Michael Barrett also contributed an RBI double, and hopefully is showing signs of breaking out of his slump. Aaron Small contributed yet another shutout two innings to back up Carl Pavano's six innings. Chad Cordero got his fourth save of the season despite giving up a run in the ninth. Expos 6, Brewers 5.

May 8: Vladimir Guerrero and Michael Barrett again came through in a big way for the Expos, each hitting a home run in an 8-7 squeaker. Aaron Small finally got touched for two earned runs and may be showing signs of over-use, but the offense was able to bail him out. Chad Cordero got his fifth save. Expos 8, Brewers 7.

May 9: Javier Vasquez won his third straight start with a masterful eight innings of one-run ball. Henry Rodriguez, starting at first in place of the injured Ryan Howard, hit his first home run of the season. Cordero worked his third straight game and earned his third straight save. Expos 3, Cubs 1.

May 10: Ryan Howard came back with a bang, pounding out three hits in his return from the DL, including a pair of doubles. Tony Armas went eight innings and gave up three runs to get the win as the Expos scored three runs in the eighth to win the game. Expos 6, Cubs 4.

May 11: John Thomson topped his previous start with eight shutout innings, striking out seven, to earn the win. Chad Cordero preserved the shutout with a perfect ninth. Orlando Cabrera finally had a big game, having dropped to eighth in the order. Cabrera doubled and scored two runs. The win gave the Expos their first sweep of a three-game series, and put them one game out of first place. Expos 3, Cubs 0.

Expos News
Zach Day was activated from the 15-day DL, but started at AA because of the success of Montreal's stopgap starters, and to give Day a chance to work out some kinks.
The Expos are one game over .500 and only one game out of first!

Down on the Farm
AAA New Orleans: Reliever Britt Reames has started six of the nine games he's appeared in, posting a 2.89 ERA and a 10.285 K/9.
AA Harrisburg: Terrmel Sledge kept up his blistering pace, with a 1.235 OPS. He will probably be the first minor league callup in the event of an outfield injury.
A Potomac: Right-fielder Val Pascucci has hit three homers and has a .414 OBP after his promotion to Potomac.
R Savannah: Macier Izturis continues to mash, with a 1.352 OPS in 50 at-bats.

N.L. East Standings
1. Philadelphia Phillies (19-15)
3. Atlanta Braves (17-16)
3. Montreal Expos (18-17)
4. New York Mets (17-18)
5. Florida Marlins (13-21)

Division Leaders
AL East: Boston (25-10)
AL Central: Cleveland (18-16)
AL West: Anaheim (23-11)
AL Wild Card: Seattle (20-15)

NL East: Philadelphia (19-15)
NL Central: Houston (21-13)
NL West: Arizona (20-15) tied San Francisco (20-15)
NL Wild Card: Arizona (20-15) tied San Francisco (20-15)

League Leaders
Batting Average: NYM Jay Payton (.406)
Hits: BOS Johnny Damon (58)
Home Runs: CLE Russell Branyan (14)
ERA: SFG Kirk Reuter (2.09)
Wins: Three tied with 5
Strikeouts: MON Javier Vasquez (53) tied ARI Randy Johnson (53)
Saves: Three tied with 11

MLB News
Diamondbacks' Rick Helling K's 12 in 11-1 win over the Cardinals
Manny Ramirez is out for three months with a broken hip
TRADE: Tampa Bay sends CF Joey Gathright and 2B Russ Johnson to the Athletics for RP Mike Venafro and RP Mike Fyhrie

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Montreal GM Heller Continues To Deal
Sports Column, page 11

In another series of moves, Montreal's general manager Oscar Heller has sent elite pitching prospect Bill Bray and new second baseman Todd Walker to the New York Yankees for up-and-coming second baseman Alfonso Soriano. Reports indicate that a minor amount of cash was sent to the Yankees as well to offset Walker's salary.

On the same day, starting pitcher Bobby Jones, reserve Jamey Carroll and outfield prospect Brandon Watson were dealt to the Pirates for starter Dave Williams and cash considerations.

Montreal has put together quite the run recently, and Heller seems to be moving decisively to shore up the team's success. It's exciting and encouraging to finally have a GM who is not afraid to make some waves. Let's just hope it doesn't come too late for Montreal baseball!

May I ask how John Olerud is doing?

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...pos/olerud.jpg

Sorry I haven't commented lately Meow. Life's been....eh.


You're doing well! 1.5 out is damned good!

May 12-15 Cincinnati Reds (15-18) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...s/redslogo.gif @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png Montreal Expos (18-17)

May 17-19 Pittsburgh Pirates (13-20) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...sburghlogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png Montreal Expos (18-17)

May 20-22 Montreal Expos (18-17) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...rioleslogo.jpg Baltimore Orioles (18-16)

Projected Starters
May 12: Chris Reitsma vs Carl Pavano
May 13: Jose Rijo vs Javier Vasquez
May 14: Elmer Dessens vs Tony Armas
May 15: Joey Hamilton vs John Thomson
May 17: Kris Benson vs Dave Williams
May 18: Zach Duke vs Carl Pavano
May 19: Jimmy Anderson vs Javier Vasquez
May 20: Tony Armas vs Daniel Cabrera
May 21: John Thomson vs Scott Erickson
May 22: Dave Williams vs Erik Bedard

Game Recaps
May 12: Neither team's offense showed up to the game, but Carl Pavano's steady seven innings and three runs on scattered hits by Montreal's lineup were enough to put this uneventful game to bed. Expos 3, Reds 2.

INSIDER REPORT: Closer prospect Bryan Hebson was sent to Colorado for SS Omar Quintanilla. Shortstop Orlando Cabrera was traded to the Houston Astros for cash, prospects RP Brandon Puffer and 3B Morgan Ensberg. Omar Quintanilla will start at short for the Expos.

May 13: Newcomer Omar Quintanilla had four hits and Brad Wilkerson homered twice as the offense squeaked past the Reds in 11 despite Javier Vasquez being slightly off his game. Quintanilla hit a walkoff hit in the 11th. Expos 4, Reds 3.

May 14: Alfonso Soriano went 3 for 4 with a home run and a double as the Expos rolled over Jose Acevedo in a convincing win. Expos 7, Reds 4.

INSIDER REPORT: Starter Carl Pavano severed a ligament in his elbow while base-jumping in the Grand Canyon. He will be out for a year. Manager Frank Robinson made no attempt to hide his displeasure at the news of Pavano's carelessness and injury. The rumor in the organization is that Pavano will be moved at any cost.

May 15: Jose Rijo shut down the Expos over seven innings, and John Thomson took a loss despite a solid performance (3 ER, 3 K, 4 hits, 3 BB, 7 IP). Aaron Boone homered for the Reds as they avoided a four-game sweep. Expos 1, Reds 3.

May 17: The Expos hit three straight two-out singles in the eighth to retake the lead, and Chad Cordero put the lid on it in the ninth for yet another save. Brad Wilkerson had two RBIs and raised his batting average to .314. Pirates 4, Expos 5.

May 18: Javier Vasquez mowed down seven Pirates over eight innings and the Expos scraped out three runs against Zach Duke to take the first two from the Pirates. Chad Cordero gave up a run on two hits in the ninth, but struck out three for his twelfth save. Pirates 1, Expos 3.

May 19: The Expos torched the Pirates for eleven runs and a three-game sweep. Ryan Howard and Alfonso Soriano homered in the win, bailing out a shaky Shawn Hill, making a spot-start for injured Carl Pavano. Aaron Small pitched two innings and gave up one run to mop up Pittsburgh. Pirates 6, Expos 11.

May 20: John Thomson was in and out of trouble all night, but pitched into the eighth to give the bullpen some rest. The Expos kept pace with the Orioles' offense, as the two teams combined for five home runs in cozy Camden Yards. The middle of Montreal's lineup blew the game open with two runs in the ninth, and Chad Cordero struck out two in a perfect ninth. Expos 6, Orioles 4.

May 21: Dave Williams, making his first start with the Expos, went six innings and gave up two runs. His counterpart Scott Erickson was chased in the fourth, giving up five runs. Despite letting a run score in the ninth, Chad Cordero made the lead stand up with another save. Expos 5, Orioles 3.

May 22: The five-game winning streak came to an end as the Expos couldn't solve Pat Hentgen, and call-up Zach Day couldn't make it through four innings, giving up seven runs. Home runs by Brad Wilkerson and Vladimir Guerrero were not enough to make up the deficit. Expos 3, Orioles 7.

Expos News
The Montreal Expos are in FIRST PLACE!
Carl Pavano is being actively shopped and should be moved before the series with the Braves opens.
Several players were sent down to the minors following rumored trade activity during the O's series. More details should be released soon.

Down on the Farm
AAA New Orleans: New acquisition Morgan Ensberg has been crushing AAA pitching. Hopefully he keeps it up for the Zephyrs.
AA Harrisburg: RHP Saul Rivera has been dominant in 42 IP at Harrisburg, with a 1.93 ERA.
A Potomac: Joe Horgan continues to shine as a lefty reliever for the Cannons, with a 1.27 ERA and .146 BAA.
R Savannah: Maicer Izturis...what more can we say? He's batting almost .500 in 57 at-bats.

N.L. East Standings
1. Montreal Expos (26-19)
3. Philadelphia Philles (22-21)
3. Atlanta Braves (21-21)
4. New York Mets (20-24)
5. Florida Marlins (18-26)

Division Leaders
AL East: Boston (28-16)
AL Central: Cleveland (24-19)
AL West: Anaheim (27-16)
AL Wild Card: Seattle (24-20)

NL East: Montreal (26-19)
NL Central: Houston (25-19)
NL West: San Francisco (26-18)
NL Wild Card: Arizona (24-21)

League Leaders
Batting Average: SFG Barry Bonds (.385)
Hits: BOS Johnny Damon (72)
Home Runs: CLE Russell Branyan (15)
ERA: BOS Pedro Martinez (2.32)
Wins: Many tied with 5
Strikeouts: MON Javier Vasquez (68)
Saves: MON Chad Cordero (14)

MLB News
Cincinnati scores fifteen runs against the hapless Mets.

Thanks, CatKnight, and looking even better recently. If only stupid Carl Pavano wasn't so injury-prone...

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The Montreal Expos Are In First Place
Pavano, prospects moved; line-up reshuffled
Main section, page 2

Under the steady hand of general manager Oscar Heller, the Montreal Expos have recovered from an eight-game losing streak starting the season and now sit in first place atop the National League East division. Heller has made a series of controversial but effective moves to guide the Expos to success. The team has become much younger and much cheaper under Heller's leadership, and apparently better as well. This feat is especially impressive when you consider the payrolls of the Expos' division rivals:

Montreal Expos: $22,826,600 payroll, first place.
Atlanta Braves: $55,500,400 payroll, third place.
Philadelphia Philles: $45,166,700 payroll, second place.
Florida Marlins: $31,138,700 payroll, fifth place.
New York Mets: $58,851,100 payroll, fourth place.

In other news, rumor becomes reality as insider sources reveal that Carl Pavano has finally been traded after his season-ending injury on Tuesday. Pavano was dealt, along with minor league third baseman Chris Truby, to the Baltimore Orioles for young starter Josh Towers. Towers will start at AA Harrisburg.

Two more deals have also materialized, with Montreal sending charismatic young pitcher Jay Bergmann to the Red Sox for veteran first baseman Brian Daubach and an unnamed amount of cash. In the second deal, Montreal sent prospect Gary Majewski to the Twins for veteran starter Eric Milton.

Following these deals, several of Montreal's best young players were optioned down to the minor leagues, in an apparent attempt to give them more time to develop. This is a different direction for Heller, who until now has been marketing Montreal's youth in an attempt to remain competitive. Hopefully it pays off. The roster moves were: C Michael Barrett optioned to AAA New Orleans, and 1B Ryan Howard, SP Zach Day and CF Ryan Church optioned to AA Harrisburg. The new line-up is as follows:

Starting lineup
CF Adrian Brown/CF Peter Bergeron (lefty/righty platoon)
LF Brad Wilkerson
2B Alfonso Soriano
RF Vladimir Guerrero
1B Brian Daubach
C Brian Schneider
3B Mike Mordecai (subbing for injured 3B Pedro Feliz, 6 days remaining)
SS Omar Quintanilla
Pitcher

Bench
C Brandon Harper
OF Peter Bergeron/Adrian Brown
3B Mike Mordecai/Pedro Feliz
OF Endy Chavez
LF Henry Rodriguez
IF Marco Scutaro

Starting Rotation
RHP Javier Vasquez
LHP Eric Milton
RHP Tony Armas
RHP John Thomson
LHP Dave Williams

Bullpen
SR Scott Stewart
SR Joey Eischen
MR Luis Ayala
LR Aaron Small
SU Scott Strickland
CL Chad Cordero

May 23-25 Montreal Expos (26-19) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...braveslogo.png Atlanta Braves (21-21)

May 27-29 Montreal Expos (26-19) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...illieslogo.jpg Philadelphia Phillies (22-21)

May 31-June 2 Los Angeles Dodgers (21-22) http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...odgerslogo.jpg @ http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/e...ntreallogo.png Montreal Expos (26-19)

Projected Starters
May 23: Javier Vasquez vs John Smoltz
May 24: Tony Armas vs Damian Moss
May 25: Eric Milton vs Greg Maddux
May 27: John Thomson vs Vicente Padilla
May 28: Dave Williams vs Robert Person
May 29: Javier Vasquez vs Brett Myers
May 31: Kazuhisa Ishii vs Eric Milton
June 1: Robert Ellis vs Tony Armas
June 2: Hideo Nomo vs John Thomson

Game Recaps
May 23: Chad Cordero blew a two-run lead as he gave up a walk-off three run home run to Andruw Jones in the ninth inning, wasting a strong effort by Javier Vasquez. Expos 6, Braves 7.

May 24: The Expos bullpen blew another one as Scott Stewart gave up four runs in a five-run Braves seventh that put the game out of reach. The Braves' powerful offense hit three home runs to power them to the win. Expos 2, Braves 8.

May 25: The Expos could not solve Greg Maddux, wasting a strong effort by Eric Milton (4ER in 7IP) and a homer by Alfonso Soriano. The Expos were swept in a three-game series for the first time since the second series of the season. Expos 2, Braves 4.

May 27: John Thomson put Montreal back on track, going one out short of a complete-game shutout. The offense romped all over Vicente Padilla, led by Soriano's second home run in two games. Expos 7, Phillies 0.

May 28: Dave Williams was hit hard in his Expos debut and Robert Person was almost untouchable, as the Expos were held to just five hits. They scored their lone run on an Alfonso Soriano sacrifice fly in the eighth. Expos 1, Phillies 6.

May 29: Javier Vasquez was steady, but Brett Myers was steadier, and Rheal Cormier pitched a six-out save to nail the game down for the Phillies. The Expos scored two in the first on Alfonso Soriano's tenth homer of the season, a two-run blast, but were unable to muster anything more. Expos 2, Phillies 6.

May 31: Looking to turn things around, the Expos knocked out Kazuhisa Ishii in the third, and Eric Milton pitched a complete game in a blow-out. Vladimir Guerrero went 4 for 5 and was a triple short of the cycle. Dodgers 1, Expos 9.

June 1: The offense stayed hot, with six Expos hitting a two-bagger, and Soriano contributing yet another home run. Hideo Nomo was also unable to make it out of the third for the Dodgers. Dodgers 3, Expos 10.

June 2: Looking for the sweep, the Expos gave up three runs in the first - none earned, on FOUR errors. However, John Thomson kept it together and pitched five more shutout innings, and Vladimir Guerrero hit a three-run shot in the fifth to give the Expos the lead for good. Dodgers 3, Expos 5.

Expos News
Despite a sub-par stretch, the Expos remain in first by one game.

Down on the Farm
AAA New Orleans: Brandon Puffer has a 2.41 ERA in 52.1 innings pitched.
AA Harrisburg: Ryan Howard has been embarassing AA pitching with 14 home runs in 21 games, and a slugging percentage of 1.024.
A Potomac: Prospects Joe Horgan, Anthony Ferrari, and Santiago Ramirez have been lights-out for the Cannons. Horgan is the best of the bunch at the moment with a 1.55 ERA.
R Savannah: Maicer Izturis continues to leave his mark at Savannah.

N.L. East Standings
1. Montreal Expos (30-24)
3. Philadelphia Philles (28-25)
3. Atlanta Braves (27-26)
4. Florida Marlins (25-29)
5. New York Mets (22-32)

Division Leaders
AL East: Boston (32-21)
AL Central: Cleveland (29-24)
AL West: Anaheim (32-21)
AL Wild Card: Baltimore (29-24) tied Texas (29-24)

NL East: Montreal (30-24)
NL Central: Houston (31-22)
NL West: San Francisco (33-21)
NL Wild Card: St. Louis (31-23)

League Leaders
Batting Average: SFG Barry Bonds (.362)
Hits: BOS Johnny Damon (84)
Home Runs: CLE Russell Branyan (19)
ERA: FLA A.J. Burnett (1.91)
Wins: Three tied with 7
Strikeouts: MON Javier Vasquez (80)
Saves: SFG Robb Nen (17)

MLB News
Odalis Perez fans 10 Padres.
Angel Ramon Ortiz four-hits the Tigers.
Horacio Ramirez shuts out the Mets.

Well, except for Barry "Fount of All Evil" Bonds leading in batting, you're still doing well. Your team needs to snap out of this mediocre streak soon though - the NL East won't stay dead for long.

Good Job, I am reading.

Nice! I am reading as well! :)

I'm reading this too, very intresting and detalic. I like it!

By the way, with it out that Barry was on steroids, how are they helping him in your dynasty?