The Montreal Expos 2002 - On The Brink

[SrMeowMeow]

May 2-5 Montreal Expos (10-15) @ New York Mets (13-12)

May 6-8 Montreal Expos (10-15) @ Milwaukee Brewers (13-12)

May 9-11 Montreal Expos (10-15) @ 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

[SrMeowMeow]

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!

[Coach Owens]

May I ask how John Olerud is doing?

[SrMeowMeow]

[CatKnight]

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


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

[SrMeowMeow]

May 12-15 Cincinnati Reds (15-18) @ Montreal Expos (18-17)

May 17-19 Pittsburgh Pirates (13-20) @ Montreal Expos (18-17)

May 20-22 Montreal Expos (18-17) @ 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.

[SrMeowMeow]

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

[SrMeowMeow]

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

[SrMeowMeow]

May 23-25 Montreal Expos (26-19) @ Atlanta Braves (21-21)

May 27-29 Montreal Expos (26-19) @ Philadelphia Phillies (22-21)

May 31-June 2 Los Angeles Dodgers (21-22) @ 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.

[CatKnight]

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.

[RedsoxRockies]

Good Job, I am reading.

[boomboom]

Nice! I am reading as well!

[phillies999]

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

[RedsoxRockies]

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