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1977 Spring Training
2 March 1977
Spring Training starts today. There can be some genuine excitement among the Montreal fan base, as I think there is good chance that Montreal wins 90 games this season. Unfortunately, there is also a good chance that 90 wins would still leave us 10 games behind strong New York and Pittsburgh clubs in the NL East.
Let's take a look at the roster construction as we head into the Spring.
Batters
C - Jim Essian (.225/.312/.313)
C - Fran Healy (.230/.310/.286)
C/1B - Cliff Johnson (.249/.333/.381)
1B - Warren Cromartie (.284/.310/.433)
2B - Rick Burleson (.305/.361/.398)
3B - Roy Smalley (.310/.397/.533)
SS - Tim Foli (.234/.265/.320)
IF - Mike Eden (.251/.334/.327)
IF - Alan Bannister (.239/.292/.373)
LF - Jim Rice (.349/.401/.586)
CF - Orlando Alvarez (.303/.357/.444)
RF - Dave Collins (.331/.414/.478
OF - Gil Flores (.225/.275/.245)
OF - Ronald Roller (.247/.293/.287)
OF - Jerry White (.250/.302/.300)
At this point I would expect Eden to beat out Bannister for the utility IF job with Flores and Roller as the 4th and 5th OF. Flores is out of options and Roller is the only true CF among the trio of Flores/White/Roller. Flores can also play some 3B.
Pitchers
SP Jack Fisher (15-8, 2.72)
SP Frank Bork (12-14, 3.58)
SP Bill Stoneman (12-12, 2.98)
SP Dennis Eckersley (7-4, 2.69)
SP Dick Ruthven (13-12, 4.35)
SP Alan Griffin (injured, DNP)
RP Al McBean (6-3, 3.12)
RP Bill Connors (6-6, 5.40)
RP Douglas Barker (5-5, 5.61)
RP James Horsch (11-9, 4.16)
RP Bill Kirkpatrick (5-10, 5.45)
RP Robert Weisenberg (3-0, 3.24)
RP Charles Holle (2-6, 4.30)
This is the first time there's really been competition on the Montreal pitching staff. Barring injury, the top 5 will open the season in the rotation. Griffin didn't pitch at all last year, so he'll probably start the year in Denver. McBean/Connors/Barker are pretty set in the bullpen. So that leaves Horsch/Kirkpatrick/Weisenberg/Holle left to compete over the final 2 spots. Horsch is only one of that group with an option remaining. Both Horsch and Kirkpatrick can fill-in in the rotation when needed.
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