The #3 overall pick will solve one problem: a top young hitter, a fantastic young leadoff-hitting shortstop, or an impressive young starting pitcher.  Whichever one dons the Switzer red and white, the team will address a problem area and will get younger in the process.

Pitching

Will be marginal in 2001, but has the potential to be very good in 2002.  The staff is generally young, and holds the potential for taking a big step forward.  In addition, several pitchers are returning from injury and could add a tremendous boost to the 2002 staff: Billy Wagner, Tom Gordon, Sterling Hitchcock, Wilson Alvarez, and Odalis Perez.  Mainstays in 2001 will be Andy Benes, Ponson, possibly Zito, and relievers Armando Benitez, Byung-Hyun Kim, and Juan Acevedo.  Possibilities for 2002 include all of the above plus Kip Wells, Tomo Ohka and the rapidly-fading former staff ace Ismael Valdes.

Catching

Will be something of a patchwork affair in 2001 due to the injury to Ivan Rodriguez, which will limit him to less than 400 at-bats.  Bill Haselman was acquired to assist Tom Lampkin with backup duties.

Infield

Solid on the corners (though less so with the injury problems of Robin Ventura) and suspect in the middle, due to the injury to Quilvio Veras and the omnipresent shortstop problem.  It won't be long before long-term answers will be necessary at all four positions.  The return to form of Frank Thomas was a most welcome development.

Outfield

Depth was weakened with the departures of Gonzalez and Rickey Henderson, but there is still some talent here in the corps of Benny Agbayani, Lance Berkman, Brian Giles, Ray Lankford, and the declining Matt Stairs.

Bench

Kevin Millar supplies a solid right-handed bat and versatility.  Improvement from Jeremy Giambi would be a very positive development and provide a boost to the offense from the left side.  Felipe Crespo is versatile and a useful bat.  Scott Sheldon provides pop and versatility as well.

Realignment will provide the Switzers with a stout challenge as they seek their seventh consecutive division crown in 2001.  Hannibal, Harlingen, and the ever-improving Tempe Angels will ensure that the club will lose their share of contests during the upcoming SWBA season, but provided the offense performs as expected and the pitching is at least decent, the outlook remains positive for 2001.