This article is going to address the preseason for the 1990 Edition of the Montreal Expos.
During the last month of the 1989 season, the Expos changed management and hopefully started a change in the teams recent fortunes.
Regardless of what happens from this point foward, the current management of the Expos owes a debt of thanks and gratitude to the previous manangement for providing a very solid foundation.
End of 1989
The Expos put together a winning September in 1989. However the cost of winning was sliding from the #2 to the #3 pick in the draft. It was worthwhile because it showed that the team could win with the players it had available and perhaps instead of an overhaul, some tinkering could get the team in a position to contend in 1990.
1990 Offseason
Coming into the 1990 Season, the Expos had the following needs to address:
1. Shortstop
2. Second Base
3. Bullpen
4. Bench including reliable pinch hitters and a quality backup catcher.
5. First Base
Free Agents Julio Cruz, Craig Reynolds and Jerry Willard quickly signed with the Expos. In an attempt to deal from surplus and shore up a deficit, the Expos dealt away reigning NL Home Run King Mike Marshall and 1989's starting 2B Jeff Treadway to the Cubs in return for crafty reliever Salome Barojas.
Relievers Rawley Eastwick, Mike Rowland, Outfielders Tito Landrum, Bobby Brown, Ron Kittle, Chet Lemon, Bruce Boisclair and first baseman Willie Aikens highlighted the rest of the free agent signings.
Overall, the Expos were able to address 4 of their 5 needs coming into Free Agency. Mike Marshall would have been used at first if he was not traded to help shore up the bullpen. Hopefully someone between Willie Aikens and Keith Hernandez will step up and win the job or at least a platoon role in Spring Training.
1990 Amateur Draft
As part of the Mike Marshall trade, the Expos held 2 picks in the first round, #3 and #15. As predicted, Frank Thomas went first, followed by Luis Gonzalez.
First Round
At #3 the Expos chose to go with talented CF Ray Lankford. The pick shouldn't be seen as a message to current Expos Lenny Dykstra who's shockingly poor 1989 raised many questions about his future. Instead the Expos chose to draft the best available player. There's always room for talent.
Due to a fortunate turn of events, infielder Tim Naehring was available at #15. Projected as a top 6 pick, the Expos did little scouting of Naehring, instead focusing their efforts on players such as Travis Fryman, Rich Garces and Steve Chitren. Depending on the rate of his development, Naehring may get an opportunity to play 2B or SS for the Expos as soon as 1991.
Second Round
Firstbaseman David Segui addresses a future need. Hopefully Keith Hernandez can hang on until he's ready.
The Rest
Reliever Al Osuna was seen as having first round talent, he was taken in the 3rd round and converted to a starting pitcher during Spring Training.
Pitchers Reggie Harris, Steve Wapnick, John Hoover and infielder Paul Faries will serve in various organizational soldier roles. If things break right, they have a chance to reach the big league club.
Overall the draft turned out very promising and hopefully all of the players drafted will have long productive careers with the Expos.
If you made it this far, thanks!