All-Time Expos

The Montreal Expos baseball club has not had many great players in the franchises 35-year history. There are some middling choices here; this club hasn’t really won anything and secondly, the players stick around for only a short period of time. Once they can make big money they are traded or leave via free agency.

As a Montreal native and long-time Expo fan, I used to love to play the game of who was better Tim Foli or Wilfred Cordero? Cordero or Spike Owen? Who and how could I put together an Expos all-time team. There are so many outfielders to choose from. Do I go with the Cro-Hawk-Ellis’ outfield of the late 1970’s or a more recent incarnation? Part A is where I will pick the best starting players, plus a working bench. On the pitching staff I went with a five man rotation, one swing man and finally five relievers for a total of twenty-five players.

While the club does not keep its players there have been surprisingly few managers here, only ten to date. I will also pick the all-time best manager; the two runners-up can coach the bases.

In part B, I picked the best single season club of all-time. I feel that the 1979 squad that won 95 games deserves recognition. Going against it is the 1994, a club many felt had as good a chance as any to win it all. The strike ruined a possible happy ending and it might have been the final nail in the coffin for this franchise.

Part A- All-Time Expos by position

Catcher (2 points).

Gary Cater (1975-84, 92) is a legit Hall-of-Fame catcher and the easiest pick of all. He was the game's best for ten years from 1977-87. He averaged for the Expos more than twenty homers with 70-100 ribbies, took some walks and rarely struck out. He also slugged over .500 twice and was durable, usually catching between 140-150 games per season.

Carter was an all-star seven times in an Expos uniform, including six consecutive seasons from 1979-84. He finished second in the 1975 National League Rookie of the Year award, won three consecutive Gold Gloves (1980-2) and ranked in the top ten of the MVP vote twice, placing second in 1980 and sixth in 1981. In the clubs only playoff appearance, Carter was the star hitting two homers with six RBI’s in the series against the Phillies and hit .438 against the Dodgers in a losing cause. A case can be made for him as being the clubs best all around player and soon he should get recognition in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame, hopefully wearing an Expos cap.

Darrin Fletcher (1992-7) has the thankless job of backingup Carter. He usually was good for 10-12 homers and 55 RBIs, slugging in the low .400’s. He was the main catcher for the club in a productive period (1992-4) usually toiling against righties. He now catches for the Toronto Blue Jays.

Infield (4 starters, 2 backups).

Andres Galarraga (1986-91) was the best first baseman the Expos ever produced, sad but true. He was marginally better than Tony Perez, Mike Jorgensen and David Segui. ‘The Big Cat’ did have power; his best season was 1988 when he went 29-92 .302-.354-.540 (.894 OPS). This was not a hitter friendly season and Olympic Stadium was and is not a hitter friendly park. His solid season allowed him to finish seventh in that year’s MVP vote.

Andres ran well enough to steal about ten bases per season and was a good fielder. He won the Gold Glove in both 1989 and ’90. His downfall in Montreal was the hole in his swing; He lacked discipline and was an easy mark when opposing pitchers got ahead in the count. Still, this is the best we got.
Jose Vidro (1997-) barely, and I mean barely, beats out Delino DeShields (1990-3) at second. Vidro started slowly, but came on in 1999 when he went 12-59 .304. 2000 was even better: 24-97 .330-.379-.540 (.919). While injuries kept him out of almost 40 games in 2001 he still produced a .856 OPS. The switch-hitter is a threat from both sides of the plate and decent in the field.

DeShields was a sparkplug and an important part of the mostly good clubs from 1990-3. He was a better fielder than Vidro but lacked his power, despite a good batting average and generally good walk totals. I am willing to give up some defense here for pop so Vidro is my man.

There is new blood at short; Orlando Cabrera (1997-) barely beats out Tim Foli. Cabrera has always had the glove but added hitting to his repitoire in 2001 (14-96 .276-.324-.428 (.752). He also won his first Gold Glove in 2001. While it remains to be seen whether his 2001 season is a fluke his defense has been legit for a long time.

Tim Wallach (1980-92) was an easy choice to play third. ‘Eli’ was originally an outfielder but made himself into a good third baseman and won three Gold Gloves (85,88,90). He was inconsistent with the bat but did have a few good seasons, his best being 1987 (26-123 .298-.347-.514 (.861). On average he was good for 15-20 homers and 70 RBI. He was also hindered by the Stadium, he would have averaged 25 homers and closer to 100 RBI’s had he played in a better park. The five-time all-star is a welcomed addition to this club.

I bet you did not think I would pick Bob Bailey (1969-75) over Larry Parrish to be one of the infield backups. Bailey was lousy with the glove but was a much more consistent and better hitter than Parrish was and we can be sure than Parrish was not a Gold Glove fielder.

Bailey had his best season in 1970 when he put up an incredible 1.001 OPS and was solid in 1973 (.878) Generally he out-hit Parrish who normally slugged in the low .400’s without the walks. Even taking park-effects into consideration that favour Bailey I have to say that I want this slugger on my bench to play the infield corners.

Despite Mike Lansing's ability to play all infield positions I will go with Delino as my other sub. He came up through the minors as a shortstop and can fill in there in a pinch. He lacks the versatility of Lansing but was the better player, much more important to his team.

Outfield (3 starters, 3 backups).

Tim Raines (1979-90, 2001) is a stone-cold lock for left field. In his prime he was as good and often at times a better leadoff hitter than Rickey Henderson. He stole 634 bases with the Expos, 50 or more from 1981-7 while rarely getting caught. He hit over .300 five times including a league leading .330 mark in 1986. He scored 100 or more runs four times, leading the league in 1984 and 1987. Last but not least he took walks and once led the league in OBA.

Raines exploded on to the scene in 1981 and finished second in the Rookie of the Year vote. He was a member of the all-star team for seven straight seasons from his rookie year until 1987. While he had some power he was best used as a leadoff hitter and not in the third or fourth spots. His weakness was his poor arm and average range; despite all of his speed he was best off in left field.

Andre Dawson (1976-86) won six consecutive Gold Gloves from 1980-6 and was a very good hitter. He hit over .300 three times, mashed twenty homers and stole twenty bases seven times. He was easily the best outfielder ever and only weak knees moved him to rightfield after the 1984 season. He was a menacing presence at the plate, waving his black bat back and forth, ready to strike. This is an image that stands out to me and probably many Expos fans older than 25. He did not take many walks but was above average in the rest of his game. His 32 homers and 100 run scored 1983 season gave him a second place vote for that seasons MVP. He also finished second in 1981 and seventh in 1980. He left the club in a bad way (collusion) and responded with a solid season in his new home of Chicago, managing a MVP award in 1987 on the strength of 49 home runs.

Vladimir Guerrero (1996-) has blown by Larry Walker for the right field spot. In such a short time ‘Vlad’ has become the clubs best all around hitter. There is literally nothing that this man cannot hit. Throw a ball on a bounce and he hits it. Put it over his head and he wacks it. He is one of the few players who does not have to be patient at the plate.

Vlad has enough power to consistently hit over 30 homers, including 44 in 200 and steal 30 plus bases. He rarely strikes out and generally hustles. He has an amazing arm but still makes too many bonehead mistakes in right field and probably tries to showcase his arm too often. Still, as of 2002 he is only 27 and is just now reaching his peak!

Larry Walker, Rusty Staub and Moises Alou are the clubs three backup outfielders. Walker (1989-94) was the club’s starting right fielder from 1990-4. He lacks the power stats of Guerrero but was a better outfielder. He took enough walks and hit fourth on good Expo clubs. He was probably the second best right fielder in club history behind Ellis Valentine and won Gold Gloves. He could also play first base.

Staub (1969-71, 1979) was an early fan favourite and a better hitter than Walker. He was patient, with a .402 OBA in his time with the Expos. His best season was 1970 when he smacked 30 homers, scored 98 runs, drew 112 walks and stole 12 bases. While Jarry Park was a much better park in which to hit than Olympic Stadium Staub did not have the luxury of playing in a hitter-friendly era like Walker did, at least post 1992. Staub does not match Walker on defense but was at least decent. He is a welcomed power bat on the bench and can play first in a pinch.

Moises Alou (1990,92-96) occupies the clubs remaining backup slot. He was capable of playing all three-outfield positions but was best off on either corner. He lacked Staub’s patience but his Expos OBA of .349 trails Walker’s by only .008. He generally slugged in the high .400’s and stole around fifteen bases per season until his horrific ankle break late in the 1993 season. He rebounded in a big way in 1994 slugging .592 with a .401 OBA and finished third in the MVP vote. He trails Walker in terms of defense along with his inability to stay healthy.

What about Ellis Valentine? No one had the arm and natural talent as he but he squandered it. Ellis was a good player but still hit only .268 with the club and his .329 Expo OBA is not impressive. Hitting era’s aside he falls short. Had he stayed healthy….

Pitching (five starters, a swingman and five relievers to make up the staff).

Steve Rogers (1973-85) holds most of the clubs career pitching records; ranking first in innings pitched, wins, losses, starts, complete games, shutouts and strikeouts. He placed third with a sparkling 3.17 ERA. He started his career in 1973 posting a 1.54 ERA in half a season which was good enough to place second in that years Rookie of the Year award vote. He finished in the top of the Cy Young award three times, placing second in 1982 and started that seasons all-star game in Montreal.

He was very durable and despite allowing THE home run to Rick Monday he was a clutch performer (contrary to the opinion of Dick Williams). All the abuse and use finally did him in early in the 1985 season. As the ace of the usually good 1979-83 clubs Rogers goes to the hill on opening day.

Dennis Martinez (1986-93) was a great pickup from the Baltimore Orioles. After seasons of misery due to alcohol addiction and arm problems Martinez got his act together and later became the Expos ace. He ranks second to Rogers in most pitching categories and is tied with Pedro Martinez for lowest ERA. He was probably at his best in 1991 when he led the league in ERA, complete games and shutouts on a horrible 1991 club. Dennis was a likeable guy and unafraid to question management. He starts game two.

Pedro Martinez (1994-97) is the third starter for two reasons. Winning a Cy Young award in a dominating fashion for starters and posting a sub 2.00 ERA on a bad club, in a hitter’s era is exceptional. He also tied Rogers for the clubs all-time lowest ERA in a hitters ERA. His tenure was short but there is little doubt that had he continued on in Montreal it would be he and not Rogers who goes on opening day.

Like Dennis, Pedro was a gamble. He was a skinny kid who the Los Angeles Dodgers felt would hurt his arm. As it turned out trading Delino DeShields for him was one of the best trades the Expos made. This is a guy who merely K’d 9.52/9IP during his four year Expo tenure. For one season any remaining Expo fans got to see a Hall of Fame season in 1997 and only financial considerations hastened his trade.

Bill Gullickson (1979-85) is my choice for the fourth starter spot. He consistently won ten or more games a season even after losing his power stuff and becoming a finesse-type hurler. He never posted an ERA over 4.00 in Montreal. Mike Torrez (1971-4) is best known for giving up the home run to Bucky (bleeping) Dent in 1978 but outside a mediocre 1973 season was a solid contributor. He occupies the clubs final fulltime starters spot.

There is a long list of pitchers who deserve the swingman spot. Charlie Lea had serious arm problems but was solid when he could pitch. Scott Sanderson was very similar to Bill Gullickson but falls slightly short. Bryn Smith had a great 1985 season (18-5 2.91) but was generally a six inning pitcher before and after. Bill Stoneman had two great season, as did Ken Hill in the 1990’s but both really had two good seasons with the club. Woodie Fryman and Steve Renko were considered and Javier Vasquez could make this unnecessary with a good 2002 season but all fall slightly short here to Jeff Fassero (1991-96).

Fassero was both a top-flight starter and steady reliever in his Expo tenure. A free-agent pickup out of the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system Fassero was the clubs main lefty reliever until he was given a starting spot in 1993. He then teamed up with Ken Hill to give the club dual aces and after Hill’s departure became the clubs ace in 1995. He K’d 7.52/9IP with good control and only once had an ERA over 4.00 in Montreal. His versatility ensures him a spot on this club; being left-handed does not hurt him either, the Expos have always lacked quality left handed pitching.

Relievers (6).

The Expos have had six closers of note in their 30 plus year history. Most were very good albeit for a short time and most left as the result of bad trades or salary dumps. Mike Marshall (1970-3) not only saved but also won games. A case in point is his 1973 season when he went 14-11 with a league leading 31 saves in 179 innings! He finished fourth that season in the Cy Young award, helping the club contend until the last few days of the season. He then was traded to the LA Dodgers and helped them advance to the World Series and won the Cy Young.

Jeff Reardon (1981-6) lacks the raw numbers but was a durable consistent ace, He helped the club make it to the post season in 1981 and led the league with 41 saves in 1985. His 152 saves are still a club record. He had good control and a decent strike out pitch. His steadiness and longevity allow him to be the clubs chief setup man.

John Wetteland (1992-4) should be next in line to Marshall but a mediocre 1994 season when he lost the closer role sets him back .He threw smoke, K’ing 10.9/9IP in his Montreal stint.His 9-3 1.37 ERA, 43 saves season in 1993 was noted by Bill James as one of the best ever seasons by a closer. He K’d 133 men in only 85.1 innings. Like Marshall, he was traded at his peak and later helped the Yankees win their first World Series in 18 seasons.

Ugueth Urbina (1995-2001) mirrors Wetteland. He threw hard and had great control but arm woes that knocked him out of most of 2000 push him back. His club also handicapped him, the 1997-2001 Expos were generally lousy and warded him fewer save opportunities. He still was more effective than Mel Rojas (1990-6,9) was. Rojas was a top-notch setup man in 1992-3 and even replaced Wetteland as the closer in 1994. A poor 1995 pulls him down even after he rebounded in 1996 on a good Expo team. He ranks just ahead of Tim Burke (1985-91) who, like Rojas was probably better off as a setup man than closer.

Manager.

I picked Dick Williams (1977-81) to manage because he was in charge when the Expos finally turned the corner. He got the talent together and almost won with it. He was a tough guy to get along with but made stars out of Andre Dawson and Gary Carter. He believed in a light-hitting but decent defense and on base guy in Rodney Scott and got some usage. He was fired when the club got away from him in1981 but it was his foundation that set the stage for the ‘almost’ team of the ‘80’s.

Coaching third base is Felipe Alou (1992-2001) who kept the club in contention despite a low payroll in most seasons. He was not afraid to take chances. He was an expert at knowing pitcher roles. He turned reliever Dustin Hermanson into a good starter and made Urbina into a dominant reliever, first as a setup man then as the closer. He also gave playing time to Henry Rodriquez and David Segui, both of whom blossomed here. His only weakness was encouraging an aggressive approach at the plate and subsequent low walk totals that hurt the clubs offense.

Buck Rogers (1985-91) had some success, especially in 1987. After the loss of Jeff Reardon and Andre Dawson in trade and free agent respectively as well as the absence of Tim Raines for one month Rogers skippered the club to a 91 win season and contended till the last week of the season. Only in 1989, when the Expos blew a sizable lead did Buck underachieve. He coaches first base.

Part B-best Montreal single season club.

The two best ever Expos seasons were in 1979 and 1994. Under Dick Williams the ’79 club almost pulled off a miracle and in turn united the nation. They are slightly better than the 1980 club that also challenged ‘til the bitter end with the Philadelphia is (damm you Mike Schmidt!) Phillies. The ’79 club won 95 games, the 1980 club 90. The 1981 club did get to the post season but really only played well in the second half of the season when they won the second half of the strike-shortened season.

The 1994 season ended in mid August just as the Expos enjoyed a six game lead on the Atlanta Braves with a sparkling 74-40 record. They were hot and poised to blow away the rest of the league. Unfortunately the strike hit just as Montrealers could enjoy what possibly could have been a World Series parade. The club was gutted after the season as Larry Walker, Marquis Grissom, John Wetteland, Ken Hill and others left in trades or as free agents.

Catcher (2 points).
1979- Carter 22-75 .283, 1.7 points.
1994- Darrin Fletcher 10-57 .260, Lenny Webster 5-23 .273 and Tim Spehr 0-5 .250, 0.3 points.

Carter was an all-star who could do it all save steal bases. Fletch and Webster were a fine platoon and Spehr could run a bit (for a catcher) but Fletch could not throw or hit left handers and Webster was merely a backup.

First base.
1979- Tony Perez 13-73 .270, 0.6 points.
1994- Cliff Floyd 4-41 .281 and Randy Milligan 2-12 .232, 0.4 points.

Perez was aging and did not have a great season. Floyd could run a bit but lacked power. Milligan hit the odd homer and walked but did little else.

Second base.
1979- Rodney Scott 3-42 .238 and Dave Cash 2-19 .321, 0.5 points.
1994- Mike Lansing 5-35 .266, Juan Bell 2-10 .278 and Freddie Benavides 0-6 .188, 0.5 points.

Essentially even. Scott and Lansing also played some at short while both Cash and Bell provide production in lesser roles.

Shortstop.
1979- Chris Speier 7-26 .227 and Scott 0.9 points.
1994- Wil Cordero15-63 .294 and Lansing 1.1 points.

Cordero was a much better hitter than Speier and despite a high error total had better range. The backups are even.

Third base.
1979- Larry Parrish 30-82 .307 0.7 points.
1994- Sean Berry 11-41 .278 and Lansing 0.3 points.

This was Parrish’s best season in Montreal. He was also better with the glove than Berry. Berry had more speed but was never really given a chance in Montreal because Alou didn’t like him.

Right field.
1979- Ellis Valentine 21-82 .276 0.4 points.
1994- Larry Walker 19-86 .322 0.6 points.

Both were gold glove fielders. Ellis had the better arm, probably the best I ever saw. Walker was a much better hitter, even taking into consideration the different hitting era’s that favour Walker. Walker slugged .587, Ellis .454. Walker took 25 more walks and stole four more bases in only two thirds a season.

Center field.
1979- Andre Dawson 25-92 .275, 1.4 points.
1994- Marquis Grissom 11-45 .288, 0.6 points.

Both were gold glovers, Marquis lacked Dawson’s power. Both were fast runners with Grissom doing more base stealing. In short, Dawson was a star and Grissom a good player

Left field.
1979- Warren Cromartie 8-46 .275, 0.2 points.
1994- Moises Alou 22-78 .339, 0.8 points.

Cro’ is not in the same league as Alou, 1994’s best Expo. For a player at what is normally a power position Cro had no speed, few walks and below average power. Alou did it all and was also the better outfielder.

Bench
1979- Jerry White (OF) 3-18 .297, Tim Hutton (PH) 1-13 .253, Cash, Jim Mason (SS) 0-6 .183, Duffy Dyer (C) 1-8 .243, Rusty Staub (1B-PH) 3-14 .287, Tony Bernazard (2B) 1-8 .300 and Ken Macha (3B-C-PH) 0-4 .278, 0.5 points.

1994- Webster, Spehr, Lou Frazier (OF) 0-14 .271, Bell, Rondell White (OF) 2-13 .278, Benavides, and Milligan, 0.5 points.

The 1979 bench was deeper but the 1994 edition was very productive. Jerry White was a fine fourth outfielder who could play center. Staub, Macha, Bernazard, Cash and Hutton had good bats. Rondell White was ready to start but could not break through in this talented outfield. Frazier provided great speed and decent defense while Bell surprising pop for a middle infielder.

Pitching.

Ace Starter.
1979- Steve Rogers 13-12 3.00, 1.0 points.
1994- Ken Hill 16-5 3.32, 1.0 points.

Both had solid seasons; Hill’s might have been a bit better due to the different eras.

Second and third starters.
1979- Bill Lee 16-10 3.04 and Scott Sanderson 9-8 3.43, 0.4 points.
1994- Jeff Fassero 8-6 2.99 and Pedro Martinez 11-5 3.42, 0.6 points.

Lee had a very good season and helped stabilize the rotation. Sanderson was streaky and lost his spot to others at times. Fassero was much better than his record, maybe as good as Hill. Pedro was excellent in his first starting role.

Other starters and swingmen.
1979- David Palmer 10-2 2.63, Dan Schatzeder 10-5 2.83, Rudy May 10-3 2.30 and Ross Grimsley 10-9 5.36, 0.7 points.

1994- Butch Henry 8-3 2.43 and Kirk Reuter 7-3 5.17, 0.3 points.

Palmer, Schatzeder and May were amazing when they started, probably as good as Rogers. Only Henry matches up for 1994. I felt that Henry was as good as Hill and Fassero.

Closer(s).

1979- Elias Sosa 8-7 1.95, 18 Saves and Woody Fryman 3-6 2.79, 10 saves, 0.7 points.
1994- John Wetteland 4-6 2.83, 25 saves and Mel Rojas 3-2 3.32, 16 saves, 1.3 points.

When Wetteland slumped Rojas took over and no drop off in quality was experienced. Sosa and Fryman were good but I’d rather have either of the 1994’s squad closing out my game.

Long and set up relievers.
1979- All the ‘other’ starters save Grimsley and Stan Bahnsen 3-1 3.16, 0.5 points.
1994- Rojas, Tim Scott 5-2 2.70, Jeff Shaw 5-2 3.88 and Gil Heredia 6-3 3.46, 0.5 points.

Rojas’ presence brings it up a notch, enough to tie because Palmer, May et al were better than the rest of the ’94 squad.

Manager.
1979- Dick Williams, 0.5 points.
1994- Felipe Alou, .05 points.

Both were great managers. Alou had a knack for pitchers. He took two relievers (Martinez and Henry) and put them into the rotation. He gave Juan Bell, a noted troublemaker, a chance and reaped the benefits. Even without a lefty in the bullpen Alou knew enough to use Tim Scott as his de-facto lefty specialist.

Williams also knew how to handle a pitching staff. He saw that 1978 twenty game winner Ross Grimsley was toast and used young (Palmer, Schatz and Sanderson) and old (May) to fill the gap. No one on either club was burned out form abuse.

Final Total
1979- 10.7 points.
1994- 9.3 points.

I thought that the 1994 club of my late twenties was the much better club but it turns out that my early-teen 1979 edition reigns supreme. Having Gary Carter and Andre Dawson entering their peak seems to be the difference. While Larry Parrish was overrated he picked the right time to shine and easily beats out Berry.

1994’s pitching staff edged out a slight lead but this is a minimal advantage. 1994’s top end of the bullpen was much better but 1979’s depth was readily apparent. Both clubs’ benches were pretty deep.

Part C- the lineup

1. Tim Raines (S) LF
2. Jose Vidro (S) 2B
3. Andre Dawson (R) CF
4. Vladimir Guerrero (R) RF
5. Gary Carter (R) C
6. Andres Galarraga (R) 1B
7. Tim Wallach (R) 3B
8. Orlando Cabrera (R) SS
9. Steve Rogers (P)

Tim Raines was simply one of the best leadoff hitters of all time. He is a fringe Hall of Famer in waiting. Vidro can handle the bat and has power. I don’t really Like Dawson in the third spot, too few walks but where else to you hit him? Vlad is right now on a pace not only to the Hall of Fame but among the top ten, maybe five right fielders of all time! He has already surpassed Roberto Clemente, to whom Vlad was compared to early on with the bat.

Carter was baseball’s best catcher after Johnny Bench started to slip in the late 1970’s. He should be in the Hall. The rest of the lineup is not threatening; dominated by free-swinging righties. All were above-average defenders who won Gold Gloves. The club does have some lefty bats on the bench in case this squad faces a tough righty Dick Williams can put a lefty slugger like Walker, or Le Grand Orange instead of Galarraga.

Eric Bernstein – April 2002