Salem Sacrifices
Last season: 72-90 (2nd in NL West, missed playoffs)
Offense: 13th in NL
Pitching: 9th in NL
Key additions: C Yeico Solano (trade-Nashville)
Key losses: P Benji Stewart (FA-Mexico City)
Analysis: The buzz around Salem is about Rookie of the Year 1B Wilton Jang, but he can't win a pennant by himself. Veteran OF Melvin Taylor and Jimmie Lincoln each had a nice year and 3B Anthony Smith showed promise, but they had little help from the top or bottom of the lineup. SS Danny Wilson disappointed and 2B Tito Martin saw a dropoff in his numbers.
This might be the year that Sammy Garrido finally gets some help (hard to believe he's still only 29). The current roster holds little (save for maybe Willie Hernandez), but Salem could call up Miguel Tavarez and/or Vic Carillo at some point this season. They wouldn't put Salem in contention but would help fill in some of the pieces currently missing at the ML level. The closer is TBA
Outlook: They're starting to look like a team that could contend in a few seasons. This season? I don't see it.
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