| Ozzie Smith's Spring Rankings |
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| Rank |
Team |
Analysis |
1 |
 |
Five out of six? The addition of Mike Mussina gives the champs a staff of aces. Questions linger about age and injuries, but the Yankees will add a bat if necessary.
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2 |
 |
The NL East can't keep up with the Joneses. How far the Braves go in October will depend on the return to health of several key players, especially John Smoltz.
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3 |
 |
Mark McGwire is back at full strength, and the Cards rotation is plenty deep with or without Rick Ankiel. The Redbirds are poised for another postseason run.
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4 |
 |
The offense is potent and David Wells gives Chicago a legitimate staff ace, but hopes could hinge on the health of right-handers James Baldwin and Cal Eldred.
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5 |
 |
If Nomar Garciaparra's right wrist is healthy -- and that's a big if -- the Red Sox have lethal 3-4-5 combination and the best pitcher on the planet in Pedro Martinez.
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6 |
 |
Leadoff hitter Johnny Damon, who led the AL in stolen bases, joins a lineup that ranked third in the league in runs. Tim Hudson and Barry Zito are unhittable.
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7 |
 |
The Tribe may have the steal of the offseason if Juan Gonzalez, signed for one year, returns to MVP form. Ace Bartolo Colon anchors a banged-up rotation.
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8 |
 |
Two years removed from a 100-win season, the veteran D'backs are posied for a postseason run. Manager Bob Brenly knows his first chance may be his best chance.
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9 |
 |
It will be hard to duplicate last season, especially without Ellis Burks. Barry Bonds and MVP Jeff Kent still provide the power and the pitching staff is deep.
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10 |
 |
The pressure will be on Kevin Appier to replace Mike Hampton's 15 wins and toughness. A big year from Mike Piazza is again essential to their NL East hopes.
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11 |
 |
Colorado shelled out $172 million to see if left-handers Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle can conquer Coors. What the Rockies need is a healthy Larry Walker.
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12 |
 |
Craig Biggio and Billy Wagner return from season-ending surgeries, while the fences at Enron Field have been raised to neutralize the home-field disadvantage.
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13 |
 |
A-Rod teams with Ivan Rodriguez for potent one-two punch in the lineup, but Texas still hasn't addressed a pitching staff that had the highest ERA in the majors.
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14 |
 |
Like the payroll, expectations are high for new manager Jim Tracy and the dysfunctional Dodgers. The back end of a impressive rotation will be the key to contending.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
15 |
 |
Unless Ichiro Suzuki exceeds expectations, the loss of A-Rod will cripple the offense. However, the rotation is deep and the bullpen could be the best in the majors.
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16 |
 |
Charles Johnson returns to lead the Marlins, who hope to become only the third team in history to improve by 10 or more games in three consecutive seasons.
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17 |
 |
Buck Martinez is moving from the broadcast booth to the manager's office. He inherits seven players who hit at least 20 home runs last season -- but no ace.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
18 |
 |
With Ken Griffey Jr. settled in after last season's slow start, new manager Bob Boone still could have one of the NL's more potent lineups. But who's gonna pitch?
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
19 |
 |
New manager Larry Bowa, fiery as a player, was brought in to get more out of an underachieving team that produced the fewest runs in the majors last year.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
20 |
 |
There's plenty of offense in Kansas City depite the departure of leadoff hitter Johnny Damon, and Jose Rosado returns to anchor the Royals' rotation.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
21 |
 |
Without Mo Vaughn, Anaheim is counting on Wally Joyner and Jose Canseco. Ismael Valdes and Pat Rapp were the only additions to a suspect rotation.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
22 |
 |
Fernado Tatis' bat will be sandwiched between All-Stars Vladimir Guerrero and Jose Vidro. However, a winning season may depend on Ugueth Urbina's elbow.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
23 |
 |
Adding OF Roger Cedeno and C Mitch Meluskey, two high on-base percentage players, might produce enough runs to offset the loss of Juan Gonzalez.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
24 |
 |
Sammy will be Sammy. Kerry Wood finished strong in 2000 and is expected to regain ace status. Tom Gordon's effectiveness closing games will be the key.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
25 |
 |
Miller Park opens a year late, and the Brewers are no closer to playoffs. But Geoff Jenkins, Richie Sexson and Jeromy Burnitz should provide some fireworks.
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26 |
 |
A new ballpark, a new skipper and a new attitude won't translate into a winning record until Brian Giles and Jason Kendall get some protection in the lineup.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
27 |
 |
For a change, manager Tom Kelly enters camp with a set lineup and solid staff featuring one of the better righty-lefty combos in Brad Radke and Eric Milton.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
28 |
 |
Trevor Hoffman's save opportunities will be few and far between. And that's too bad for Tony Gwynn, whose final campaign won't be much of a "victory" tour.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
29 |
 |
Believe it or not, the starting rotation is serviceable. But who will close? Estaban Yan? Ben Grieve is a career .307 hitter away from Oakland Coliseum.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
30 |
 |
Mike Mussina is history. Cal Ripken is 40. Albert Belle's ailing hip could force him into retirement. The forecast for Baltimore: a long, long summer.
Ozzie's take | CNNSI.com team preview |
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