The Sporting News articles from June 2000

The Sporting News archives from June 2000

Voice of the Fan.(Letter to the Editor)
June 5, 2000... Choice voice `Hey, Fly, I think you've put your numerous feet in your mouth this time. Rickey Henderson just might be able to play this game a little longer, don't you think?' --Todd Oki Seattle No surprises The attack on Dodgers...

Caught on the Fly.(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... Hey, didn't you used to be an N.L. West contender? * If you think playoff flameout smoke's cleared in Philly, then why, the Spies wonder, are the Sixers secretly 1) hopin' to get Grant Hill for league minimum/ settle for his endorsement...

DEFT SHOT.
June 5, 2000... "I jump rope 300 times without stopping. If I stop, I just keep going." Detroit Tigers announce Ernie Harwell, 82, on his morning workout.

Bob Hille's Starting Five.
June 5, 2000... 1 Dodgers' suspensions. What was the logic to who got what? To quote the fan Chad Kreuter went after at Wrigley: "Beats the crap out of me." 2 The NBA Finals. Nope, NBC wasn't fearing a ratings disaster. It had planned all along on using...

DUSTBIN.(Boston Celtics)(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... June 11, 1984 In a near-historic display of finishing the job, the Boston Celtics dispatch another opponent in a Game 7 of The Finals. This time the victim is the Lakers, who fall, 111-102, to Larry Bird (right, receiving his '84 title...

THE SAME ... BUT DIFFERENT.(Indiana Pacers)
June 5, 2000... Despite a second-half swoon in Game 3, the Pacers were in position to reach the Finals because of Reggie Miller, Jalen Rose, Rik Smits and a coach who has been patient enough to let his veteran ballclub evolve into a worthy challenger to the...

ALL GROWN UP.(Los Angeles Lakers)
June 5, 2000... The Lakers have matured this season, leaving recent playoff failures behind them and taking a commanding lead over the Trail Blazers in the Western Conference finals Jerry West is trying to be reassuring. He is smiling and giving his team...

UNSTOPPABLE PLAY.(Latrell Sprewell and the New York Knicks)(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... In his stint with the Knicks, Latrell Sprewell has often proved to be a prolific offensive force. Here's a play the Knicks use to capitalize on Sprewell's skills. The play: 43-thumb Personnel: PG Charlie Ward (1), SG Allan Houston (2),...

Bill Walton's Mailbag.(basketball analyses)(Questions and Answers)
June 5, 2000... NBC Sports basketball analyst Bill Walton fields questions from NBA fans on MSNBC. Bill I know you've never been a fan of the Knicks' two-headed point guard (Charlie Ward and Chris Childs), but they have proved during the playoffs...

Future of Nets hinges on making right decisions.(New Jersey Nets management)
June 5, 2000... The following exercise in creative thinking is for the benefit of the New Jersey Nets, who still are stuck in the managerial nether regions just four weeks before they have to make arguably the biggest decision in franchise history. With...

EASTERN CONFERENCE.(basketball)
June 5, 2000... Atlanta NEW BOSS: New coach Lon Kruger comes with a reputation as a hard worker whose system is controlled and not up-tempo. His teams were known for tough defense. The team's position is it wants a coach who is adept at teaching young...

WESTERN CONFERENCE.(basketball)
June 5, 2000... Dallas DECISIONS: Dallas will have four free agents on July 1--PF Gary Trent SG Hubert Davis, C Bruno Sundov and SG Greg Buckner--and coach/G.M. Don Nelson wants to bring all four back. Davis led the league in 3-point percentage (.491)....

Next Illini coach inherits core of untapped talent.(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... If it weren't for the fact the job came open in May, after coaches such as Bill Self arranged new contracts and signed new players and began serious planning for the coming season, the opportunity at Illinois could not come at a better lime....

No shooting down these Stars.(National Hockey League finals)
June 5, 2000... THE NHL FINALS Dallas has built a team to win bee one-on-one battles, and winning those fierce matchups will help it capture its second straight championship A wide smile crosses the face of Stars G.M. Bob Gainey when he is asked what...

Devils notebook.
June 5, 2000... FOLLOW THE LEADER: This postseason, Scott Stevens is finally getting his due. He set the tone with an outstanding first-round series. Then he continued to lead with some punishing hits--sidelining, at various points, Daymond Langkow and Eric...

Stars notebook.(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... OLDER, WISER: The Stars boast lots of Stanley Cup experience, with veterans Guy Carbonneau and Mike Keane leading the way with three Cup tings. Keane, who has played in five straight Western Conference finals, entered the finals having played...

On-ice restraint has Stars' Belfour playing like a saint.(Dallas Stars' Ed Belfour)
June 5, 2000... In the past, nothing Ed Belfour did was simple. He was as complex as a Rubik's Cube, both admired and feared by teammates, a perfectionist and a loner, a wild-eyed, stick-swinging rebel without a clue. There was nothing normal or in control...

Nothing unseemly ... or unseamly.(manufacture of baseballs in Costa Rica)
June 5, 2000... Inspecting the baseball-making in Costa Rica, THE SPORTING NEWS comes away with no evidence the ball is being juiced (the homer explosion to the contrary)--and an appreciation for the exacting process of turning cowhide, yarn, thread and a...

The tune never changes for trade deadline dance.(baseball trading season)
June 5, 2000... Often as exciting as the pennant races is the trading season, which starts about now. Here are my choices as most likely to be moved--and others we're likely to hear about--sometime before the July 31 trade deadline: 1. Brad Radke, Twins...

PACIFIC BELL PARK.(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... On April 11, in the first inning on opening day for San Francisco's Pacific Bell Park, Giants left fielder Barry Bonds knocked a double to right field that scored slow-footed Bill Mueller from first base. This should not happen in a park...

Lucky and loving it.(baseball player Kent Mercker)(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... What are the odds of getting struck by lightning and winning the lottery in the same day? Angels lefthander Kent Mercker has no idea, but he feels as if he experienced both on that scary evening of May 11. Lightning struck in the form of a...

`Talkin' baseball.(supersentitive umpires)(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... Rabbit Ears. A player or umpire who is supersensitive to criticism. This type of umpire usually can be seen peering into dugouts searching for the wisecrackers.

Strikeout whiz.(Scott Williamson)(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... Reds part-time closer Scott Williamson, last year's Rookie of the Year, could grab a piece of obscure baseball history. Williamson pitched in 27 of the team's first 48 games this year, totaling 41 innings and an astonishing 62 strikeouts. ...

PREVIEW: Baseball's draft.(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... When baseball's amateur draft is held June 5-6, players likely to be among the top picks include these six, three from college teams and three from high schools: Den Diggins, RHP, Arizona: Diggins was drafted 32nd overall by the Cardinals...

INSIDE THE A.L. EAST.(American League)
June 5, 2000... Who's HOT Toronto veteran Craig Grebeck. While 2B Homer Bush continues to struggle after a strong 1999 season, fill-in Grebeck has sizzled. He had 25 hits in his first 67 at-bats (.373) and was errorless in 15 starts (14 at second base,...

INSIDE THE A.L. CENTRAL.(American League Central)
June 5, 2000... Who's HOT Tigers OF Bobby Higginson may be showcasing his bat for a possible trading deadline deal. Through Saturday, he was 6-for-17 with four doubles, a homer and nine RBIs in the team's recent homestand. Still, his batting average sits...

INSIDE THE A.L. WEST.(American League West)
June 5, 2000... Who's HOT Oakland RHP Gil Heredia. Coming into the season, Heredia had barely more wins (35) than his age (34). But he has been one of the A.L.'s most consistent starters, not allowing more than four runs in any of his first 10 starts. His...

A.L. LEAGUE LEADERS STATS.(American League)(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... AVERAGE Rodriguez, Tex 380 Erstad, Ana 377 Martinez, Sea 373 Rodrignez, Sea 351 Posada, NY 349 Thomas, Chi 345 Sweeney, KC 337 Dye, KC 335 Lawton,...

INSIDE THE N.L. EAST.(National League East)
June 5, 2000... Who's HOT Montreal's young duo of RHPs Carl Pavano and Javier Vazquez quietly combined for a 10-2 record and a 2.99 ERA in their first 19 starts. The Expos have been very high on the two players the last few years, but youth and injuries...

INSIDE THE N.L. CENTRAL.(National League Central)
June 5, 2000... Who's HOT Pittsburgh RHP Kris Benson was 4-2 with a 2.15 ERA in his last six starts through Saturday. Benson is keeping his pitches down and allowing fewer homers--he has allowed just two in his last 47 2/3 innings after allowing seven in...

INSIDE THE N.L. WEST.(National League West)
June 5, 2000... Who's HOT Arizona SS Tony Womack raised his average from .236 to .293 by going 35-for-102 in a 22-game hitting streak, longest in the majors this season. Hitting from the leadoff spot, he was a key part of a franchise-record 11 -game home...

N.L. LEAGUE LEADERS STATS.(National League players)(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... AVERAGE Helton, Col 406 Vidro, Mon 386 Edmonds, Stl 381 V. Guerrero, Mon 378 Piazza, NY 374 Alfonzo, NY 360 Giles, Pit 356 Kendall, Pit 349 Green, LA...

For some good NFL news, keep an eye on these guys.(National Football League players)
June 5, 2000... Breaking out in the NFL doesn't necessarily have to do with a file and pick, although it might for some players when you consider the bad news in recent months. But soon, many young players will provide more positive story lines, offering hope...

AFC.(American Football Conference)
June 5, 2000... Baltimore HE'LL WAIT: One of the reasons LT Jonathan Ogden didn't mind not signing a contract extension earlier this year was that he wanted to see what the open market would produce. RT Willie Anderson recently signed a six-year contract...

NFC.(National Football Conference)
June 5, 2000... Arizona RICE MAKES NICE: DE Simeon Rice softened his stance regarding a possible return to the team. Rice apparently will consider returning for a one-year deal for several million above the $4.25 million franchise tender--a deal he thinks...

Spotlight shines on Vick, Hokies--and they like it.(Virginia Tech Hokies and quarterback Michael Vick)(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... Everybody wants them now. That's what happens when you go 11-1, come within a few big plays of winning the national championship and have a Heisman Trophy front-runner who is arguably the most exciting player in college football. Such is life...

OK, I'm just saying ...(basketball player Shaquille O'Neal)(Brief Article)
June 5, 2000... If Shaquille O'Neal helps the Lakers win this year's NBA championship, it's time to measure him against Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain. But nothing short of the title will do. As mighty as O'Neal is at both ends, the question remains: Does...

Voice of the Fan.
June 12, 2000... Choice voice `I wonder how amusing Pedro Zawacki (TSN, May 29) would be to his teammates if he were 7-7 with a 4.90 ERA instead of 8-2 with a 1.05 ERA.' --Dan Cunningham Albany, N.Y Promised land in sight As a happy member of the...

Caught on the Fly.(sports: rumors and observations)(Brief Article)
June 12, 2000... Hey, didn't you used to be Steve Young? * Red flags're up if yer fave NFL team's shoppin' for big-ducat players after the salcap-deadline free-agent purge. For every Carl Pickens (pssst, Jets fans, Keyshawn he ain't), there's more slim...

Bob Hille's Starting Five.(Humor)(Brief Article)
June 12, 2000... 1 The Bob Knight interview. Writers and editors complained about the hand-picked media access and ESPN's softball questions. Just imagine if there had been free food, too. 2 Late-inning beer sales. Because the cutoff has been moved up,...

DUSTBIN.(Ted Williams hit his 500th home run on June 17, 1960)(Brief Article)
June 12, 2000... June 17, 1960 Ted Williams joined Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx and Mel Ott as the only players to hit 500 home runs (the club's ranks have swelled to 16 since, with 1999 inductee Mark McGwire becoming the most recent member). The '60 season was...

Quick THINKING.(Jason Arnott of the New Jersey Devils)
June 12, 2000... Speedy Jason Arnott and Mike Modano have been made the centers of attention by their coaches as the Devils and Stars engage in a battle of the top lines The first thing you notice are his hands--hands that can palm a basketball. But that's...

A chess match doesn't have this kind of intensity.(Stanley Cup competition)
June 12, 2000... In an era in which many fans are desperately seeking more offense in hockey, we see instead the teams that are succeeding are putting up stifling defensive numbers. "There are times when I'm at home flipping through the channels, and I see...

The final scene.(NBA playoffs)
June 12, 2000... All season, the Lakers have been favored to win the NBA title. Now they have reached the last step on their journey to find Reggie Miller and the Pacers waiting. TSN breaks down The Finals with an examination of the obvious, the obscure--and...

Riley's system didn't cause Heat's playoff flameout.(Pat Riley and the Miami Heat)
June 12, 2000... Against doctor's orders, I took part in an obligatory chinwag with some radio chat show gasbag last week, and he was mouthing the dimbulb cant that Pat Riley's luster has faded. Indeed, if there is a team whose postseason crash seemed...

EASTERN CONFERENCE.(basketball team analyses)
June 12, 2000... Atlanta ODD CHOICE: The hiring of Lon Kruger as coach was not welcome news in Atlanta. The thought was the team would acquire someone of renown in rebuilding the team and its dwindling fan base. Instead, G.M. Pete Babcock went "out of the...

WESTERN CONFERENCE.(survey of Western Conference NBA teams)
June 12, 2000... Dallas DEFENSE FIRST:, C Erick Strickland started training camp at the end of the bench last fall Coach Don Nelson had grown tired of Strickland's turnovers and his out-of-control play, and there were rumors Strickland would be traded. But...

From preps to Tuscaloosa, Wallace keeps his word.(basketball player Gerald Wallace of the University of Alabama)
June 12, 2000... Gerald Wallace never said he would dash directly from high school to the NBA. Not once, at least not in public. From the first time he was asked, he insisted he planned to attend college. Later, he identified the college in question: Alabama....

Dissecting Randy Johnson.(Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher)
June 12, 2000... As the Diamondbacks embark on an important stretch against N.L. West competition, TSN senior writer Michael Knisley takes their superstar pitcher apart, piece by piece (figuratively speaking, of course), to see what makes him tick. If you're...

Working out the June bugs.(New York Yankees)
June 12, 2000... The pitching is inconsistent, the home runs lacking. The team is too young--and too old. Heck, the Yankees are struggling just to get on base. Now rumors are swirling, and even Torre is worried. But everyone just needs to relax--the Yanks are...

Rockies' Helton won't hear early talk of hitting .400.(Colorado Rockies baseball player Todd Helton)
June 12, 2000... The question is only half finished, and Todd Helton jumps all over it like it's an 85-mph fastball bisecting the plate on a day the wind's blowing a gale at Coors Field. "Four hundred?" mumbles the questioner. "Too early," Helton says, "Way...

The book on ... Gil Heredia.(Oakland Athletics pitcher)(Brief Article)
June 12, 2000... A's RHP, 6-1/221, 9th year Around the Oakland clubhouse, Gil Heredia is known as "Dr. Gil." It's a handle bestowed by radio broadcaster Ken Korach, in homage to golfer Dr. Gil Morgan and to Heredia's excellent golf game. But pitching...

INSIDE THE A.L. EAST.(professional baseball)(Statistical Data Included)
June 12, 2000... Who's HOT Blue Jays LHP David Wells has won eight of his last nine decisions and allowed two or fewer earned runs five times in that span. Since the Roger Clemens-for-Wells trade in early 1999, Wells is 26-12 for the Jays, and Clemens is...

INSIDE THE A.L. CENTRAL.(professional baseball)(Statistical Data Included)
June 12, 2000... Who's HOT Minnesota LHP Mark Redman was 3-0 with a 3.34 ERA in five starts. He has allowed 34 hits in 32 1/3 innings but walked only six and struck out 27. Redman's key has been his ability to throw inside fastballs for strikes, which has...

INSIDE THE A.L. WEST.(professional baseball)(Statistical Data Included)
June 12, 2000... Who's HOT Seattle DH Edgar Martinez was close to unstoppable in May. The steady righthanded slugger hit .441 with 10 homers and 32 RBIs during the month, hitting safely in 25 of 27 games. Unfortunately, the rest of the squad hit .252 and...

A.L. LEAGUE LEADERS STATS.(professional baseball statistics)(Statistical Data Included)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 12, 2000... AVERAGE Erstad, Ana 377 Martinez, Sea 374 Rodriguez, Tex 364 Sweeney, KC 352 Lawton, Min 335 Glaus, Ana 333 Segui, Tex 333 Delgado, Tor 330 Dye, KC 330...

INSIDE THE N.L. EAST.(professional baseball)(Statistical Data Included)
June 12, 2000... Who's HOT Atlanta RHP Greg Maddux gets overlooked because of Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez, but he still is one of the majors' top pitchers. Despite a terrible start last Saturday (seven earned runs in 5 2/3 innings), Maddux was 7-1...

INSIDE THE N.L. CENTRAL.(professional baseball)(Statistical Data Included)
June 12, 2000... Who's HOT Despite allowing four earned runs in five innings to Cleveland last Saturday, Cards RHP Garrett Stephenson has been one of the majors' biggest surprises. In his two previous starts, Stephenson (8-1,4.00 ERA) was 2-0 with a 0.50...

INSIDE THE N.L. WEST.(professional baseball)(Statistical Data Included)
June 12, 2000... Who's HOT Rockies 1B Todd Helton lifted his Coors Field batting average to .500 at the end of last week's homestand. In 25 home games, Helton has 45 hits, including 12 homers. The Rockies begin a stretch of nine more games at home this...

N.L. LEAGUE LEADERS STATS.(professional baseball statistics)(Statistical Data Included)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 12, 2000... AVERAGE Helton, Col 411 V. Guerrero, Mon 386 Vidro, Mon 363 Piazza, NY 363 Edmonds, StL 361 Castillo, Fla 357 Kendall, Pit 353 Alfonso, NY 352 Giles, Pit 340 Owens,...

Colorado has questions but still may surprise.(University of Colorado football prospects)(Brief Article)
June 12, 2000... Colorado isn't one of the favorites to win the national championship and doesn't figure to claim the Big 12 title or even its division. Yet, expectations remain high in Boulder. Big things have been expected of Colorado since it made its...

Getting some GIDDYUP.(Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
June 12, 2000... With coordinator Les Steckel and receiver Keyshawn Johnson now aboard, Tampa Bay's offense is being dragged out of the horse-and-buggy era. But don't expect new-millennium glitz quite yet. Coach Tony Dungy remains focused on the running...

Quarterbacks with a case (or not) for the Hall of Fame.
June 12, 2000... In the near future, a number of great quarterbacks--products of the greatest passing era in NFL history--will become eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Some belong without a doubt. Others will be the subject of much...

AFC.(football team analyses)
June 12, 2000... Baltimore ON THE LOOKOUT: Now that free agency has re-opened, look for the Ravens to pursue a right guard. The team is happy with Mike Flynn, but he has little experience as a starter. The Ravens would like to sign a player who would push...

NFC.(football team analyses)
June 12, 2000... Arizona NOT QUITE YET: The Cardinals didn't cut DT Eric Swann last week to lighten their cap load, but the move seems inevitable. The team is roughly $1.7 million under the cap of $62.2 million and has enough space to sign most of its...

First, Knight must find the source.(basketball coach Bobby Knight must identify source of his anger to change his behavior)(Brief Article)
June 12, 2000... After talking to Bob Knight, after hearing him say he didn't believe in psychological help, I thought of my father. On the last weekend of his life, he lay on a stretcher propped up so he could see us. I refused to join him, our family and...

Voice of the Fan.(Brief Article)
June 19, 2000... Choice voice `All the steroids that make the athletes stronger are what is sending the ball out of the park.' --Jason Weinstein Commack, N. Y. There is no question Joe Paterno runs a good, solid, clean program (TSN, June 5). However,...

Caught in the Fly.(sports news)(Brief Article)
June 19, 2000... Hey, didn't you used to be the auto-freakin'-matic closer? * Fly hears Div. I-A bottom-feeders'resuh-weatin' pending NCAA legislation that'd require 17K per home football game or else--which in this case means demotion to I-AA, where...

Bob Hille's Starting Five.(Brief Article)
June 19, 2000... 1 Steve Young. He's calling it quits, same as the rest of the 49ers did three weeks into the '99 season. 2 The T206 Honus Wagner. Starting July 5, eBay will auction off this 1909 baseball card. It'll be on the same page as the 1909 bicycle...

DUSTBIN.(basketball player Charles B. Taylor)(Brief Article)
June 19, 2000... June 24, 1901 His was a canvas masterpiece--we're talking basketball shoes, here, not just stuff that artists splatter paint on. Charles B. (Chuck) Taylor, who popularized Converse's canvas and rubber basketball shoe, was born 99 years ago...

`C' is for champion.(hockey player Scott Stevens)
June 19, 2000... Devils captain SCOTT STEVENS the heart and soul of the team that won the Stanley Cup for the second time in six finals On the night before a hockey game, Devils rookie defenseman Brian Rafalski likes to kick back and relax by watching TV,...

Winning the Cup is a little bit of heaven for Brodeur.(Stanley Cup; Martin Brodeur)
June 19, 2000... He awakens from a late Sunday-morning sleep and hears his 4-year-old son, Anthony, and 3-year-old twins, William and Jeremy, cheering a video they had just put in the VCR. "No," says Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur, "it wasn't Barney or...

Surprise ON THE South Side.(Chicago White Sox)
June 19, 2000... The close-knit White Sox show no signs of backing down form their new atop the A.L. Central The first pitch still was an hour away at Comiskey Park, but it wasn't too early to take a verbal swing. A fan, obviously of the South Side...

Father Time, Angelos conspire against Orioles.(Peter Angelos; Baltimore Orioles)
June 19, 2000... With the Orioles, it's an old story. In their case, a very old story. The average Orioles player is about 33, which might explain why the team already looks like it's running out of steam. When you go in their clubhouse, the only wonder is why...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT.(top college baseball players in 2000 draft)(Brief Article)
June 19, 2000... The College World Series attracts some of college baseball's most talented players. This year is no exception, as five of the top 55 picks from the 2000 draft are playing this week in Omaha, Neb. Justin Wayne (6-3,199), RHP, Stanford /...

Don't catch that ball.(baseball strategy)(Brief Article)
June 19, 2000... Despite the likelihood of having to hear the increased wrath of the bleacher bums or accusations of "loafing it" from the press, there actually is a time when an outfielder should not catch a fly ball he can get to. Here's the situation: ...

MICHAEL KNESLEY'S LINE DRIVES.(baseball news)(Brief Article)
June 19, 2000... * Ought to be interesting to see if the Astros are still wearing bull's-eyes on their uniforms in Houston next week (Tuesday-Thursday) when the Dodgers come to town. In six previous games this year, L.A. pitchers have plunked the `Stros 12...

Calling 'em as I see 'em.(coaching of pitcher Rick Ankiel)(Brief Article)
June 19, 2000... St. Louis manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan have come under fire for allowing the pitch counts of their 20-year-old phenom, Rick Ankiel, to occasionally exceed 100 pitches. In Ankiel's first 12 starts this season, he...

INSIDE THE A.L. EAST.(professional baseball news)(Statistical Data Included)
June 19, 2000... Boston SS Nomar Garciaparra has come back strong from his hamstring injury. In his first 14 games after coming off the disabled list, Garciaparra had 21 hits, was named A.L Payer of the Week and raised his average to .370. Unfortunately, the...

INSIDE THE A.L. CENTRAL.(professional baseball news)(Statistical Data Included)
June 19, 2000... Who's HOT OF David Justice has given the Indians some much-needed power in the middle of the lineup in Manny Ramirez's absence. Justice hit .325 with seven homers and 17 RE, Is in the team's first 11 games without the injured Ramirez...

INSIDE THE A.L. WEST.(professional baseball news)(Statistical Data Included)
June 19, 2000... Who's HOT Oakland closer Jason Isringhausen has been nearly automatic in leading the A's to the front of the A.L. West. After blowing a save May 10 at Anaheim, Isringhausen converted his next nine opportunities, allowing just one run in 13...

A.L. LEAGUE LEADERS STATS.(professional baseball)(Statistical Data Included)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
June 19, 2000... AVERAGE Erstad, Ana 382 Martinez, Sea 380 Rodriguez, Tex 367 Sweeney, KC 357 Rodriguez, Sea 346 Delgado, Tor 345 Lawton, Min 341 Jeter, NY 341...

INSIDE THE N.L. EAST.(professional baseball news)(Statistical Data Included)
June 19, 2000... Florida LF Cliff Floyd quietly is having an impressive season. He had hit safely in 12 of his past 13 games (through last Saturday) and improved his average 56 points since May 19. Floyd can hit for power (12 homers), drive in runs (41) and...

INSIDE THE N.L. CENTRAL.(professional baseball news)(Statistical Data Included)
June 19, 2000... Who's HOT Chicago RHP Jon Lieber's slider has been deadly against righthanded batters, and he has been able to pound lefties inside. Before last Friday's outing against the White Sox, he had averaged eight innings in his last five starts...