Summary
Ottawa is a team in constant struggle without enough talent to maintain much optimism for the second half.
What’s Gone Right
When It Raines. Tim Raines was probably the most egregious omission from the all-star game, hitting over .300 and leading the league in steals.
The Corners. Carlos Delgado and Anthony Rendon have been quite solid at the corners, even with a slump from Rendon towards the end of the first half.
Top Two, Eventually. Roy Halladay has been consistent from the get-go, but it took a while for the Mounties to realize what they had in veteran Jamie Moyer. Now, the two of them form a solid top of the rotation for a pitching staff that has struggled otherwise.
What’s Gone Wrong
Larry Walker. The fantastically talented outfielder has been a one man wrecking crew, with an OPS around 150 points above the next best on the team (see below). So why is Larry Walker listed here? He’s hit the DL twice, only appearing in 16 games for the Mounties so far.
Backstops. Gary Carter has improved lately, but still the backstop duo of him and Emil Gross has struggled all season.
Cutting Losses. The raw talent of Álex Rodríguez and Ken Griffey, Jr. is obvious to anyone that watches them. But they just aren’t ready for the WBL yet and it took Ottawa a long time to decide to send them to AAA. CF remains an issue for the team, although Freddy Parent has done well at SS.
Key Storylines
Tom Henke‘s injury has opened up the door for Gary Lavelle to serve as a closer for Ottawa–or for someone else.
Two players–Raines and Halladay–are on the verge of establishing themselves as true stars in the league, and with little on the line for the team, individual stories will dominate the second half for Ottawa.
Trading Outlook
SELLING. Selling, selling, selling.
The fire sale is on as the Mounties look to the future. Moyer, Lavelle, and Delgado are the biggest chips they have to cash in, but there are some others, including perhaps all-star shortstop Parent.
AAA Shuttle
Not great. Jackie Jensen did well, but this is a team with revolving doors at a lot of positions.
Midseason Changes
Gary Peters goes back to AAA as Monk Dubiel returns from the injured list.
Roy Sievers, George Cutshaw, and Rick Monday all head to AAA with John Olerud, George Van Haltren, and Roberto Alomar coming up to the big leagues.
Awards
All Stars: Freddy Parent (SS).
Offensive MVP: Tim Raines (2B)
Pitching MVP: Roy Halladay (SP)
Down on the Farm
AAA: Montréal Expos
Next to the Show: OFs Jackie Jensen, George Van Haltren, and Jesse Burkett.
Prospects: 3B Steve Garvey (20), OF Rick Monday (23).
Projects: OF George Van Haltren (26), SS Álex Rodríguez (20), OF Ken Griffey, Jr. (19), OF Jackie Jensen (31), P Randy Johnson (25).
Suspects: C Brad Ausmus (35), OF Spud Johnson (33), C Jeff Reed (21), P Kirk McCaskill (31), RP Juan Cruz (33).
AA: Edmonton Trappers
Prospects: OF Lloyd Moseby (20), 1B John Mayberry (19)
Projects: OF Otto Briggs (26), 1B Tino Martinez (24), RP Joel Hanrahan (30).
Suspects: P Chuck Crim (29), 3B Glenn Williams (27), P Andy Lapihuska (19), RP Doug Henry (28).