2001 Record: 68-94, 5th in NL East 2001 Results | 2002 Schedule | 2002 Roster | 2001 Statistics: Batting | Pitching Offense (NL rank) Defense (NL rank) 670 runs (14th) Home: 359 runs (9th) Road: 311 (16th) 812 runs allowed (tied for 12th) Home: 4.82 ERA (15th) Road: 4.54 ERA (9th) 2001 Stats Leaders   Average: Jose Vidro, .319 Runs: Guerrero, 107 On-base pct: Guerrero, .377 Stolen bases: Guerrero, 37 Wins: Javier Vazquez, 16 Saves: Ugueth Urbina, 15 Home runs: Vladimir Guerrero, 34 RBI: Guerrero, 108 Slugging pct.: Guerrero, .566 OPS: Guerrero, 943 ERA: Vazquez, 3.42 Strikeouts: Vazquez, 208

ESPN's Take Q: Will the "us-against-the-world" mentality be enough to keep the Expos in the race? It's doubtful. In Jose Vidro, Vladimir Guerrero and Javier Vazquez, the Expos have a couple of very legitimate players -- but beyond those guys, they don't have much. Even beyond the looming threat of contraction and new manager Frank Robinson, the Expos just don't have enough talent to make any sort of splash. -- Dave Campbell  Jayson Stark's Crystal Ball June 19: History is made. The Expos and Royals play a game in Stade Olympique featuring more players than spectators. He failed as an offensive third baseman and hasn't been much better as a catcher, but Michael Barrett did take a step forward last year. The Expos think his 33 doubles should lead to more than his 6 HRs. Few starting pitchers had as much bad luck as Tony Armas Jr. last season. However, considering his strikeout total and a palatable ERA and ratio, Armas can't help but improve on his single-digit win total. -- Eric Karabell Batting order Peter Bergeron, CF Jose Vidro, 2B Vladimir Guerrero, RF Lee Stevens, 1B Orlando Cabrera, SS Chris Truby / Fernando Tatis, 3B Brad Wilkerson, LF Michael Barrett, C Bench Andres Galarraga, Mike Mordecai, Brian Schneider, Lou Collier Rotation Javier Vazquez, Tony Armas, Tomo Okha, Carl Pavano, Masato Yoshii Bullpen Scott Strickland, Britt Reames, Troy Mattes, Graeme Lloyd, Matt Herges Donnie Bridges, RHP Was limited to 81 innings in 2001 due to a shoulder injury. If healthy, could develop into a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Catcher: Michael Barrett Returns for the second straight year as the starting backstop after splitting time in prior seasons between catcher and third base. Considered above average defensively, but needs to improve offensively. NL Position Ranking: 14th First Base: Lee Stevens Struck out an obscene 157 times in 2001 (seventh-most in the majors). Could get traded at any time as he's in the final year of his contract. NL Position Ranking: 13th Second Base: Jose Vidro Hit over .300 (.319) for the third straight year in 2001 and also had a .371 on-base percentage. Ranks among the NL's best all-around second basemen. NL Position Ranking: 5th Third Base: Chris Truby / Fernando Tatis Truby was acquired from the Astros last week and will likely begin the year as the starter as Tatis continues to recover from knee surgery he underwent last season. When healthy, it's expected Tatis will regain his starting spot. NL Position Ranking: 16th Shortstop: Orlando Cabrera Perhaps the most underrated position player in the game. Was recognized with his first Gold Glove last season, but also was an offensive force, finishing with 96 RBI. Had had back problems this spring. NL Position Ranking: 4th Left Field: Brad Wilkerson Wilkerson is likely to get the majority of the at-bats out of this spot. He's played well in the minors, but usually takes a little time to adjust to each new level, so don't expect big production this year. NL Position Ranking: 16th Center Field: Peter Bergeron Former top prospect Bergeron needs to improve dramatically on offense or face the possibility of losing his job. Ron Calloway, who impressed last season at three levels in the minor leagues, could get the call if Bergeron continues to flounder. NL Position Ranking: 16th Right Field: Vladimir Guerrero Had 108 RBI, the fourth straight year he's gone over the 100-RBI plateau. Stole a career high 37 bases while also having 15 outfield assists. Remains one of the game's best all-around players. NL Position Ranking: 2nd No. 1 Starter: Javier Vazquez Established career highs in wins (16), ERA (3.42), innings pitched (223.2) and strikeouts (208) last season. Was also dominant in the second half, compiling a 9-2 record with a 1.60 ERA over his final 13 starts. NL Ranking among starters: 7th No. 2 Starter: Tony Armas Had a disappointing second half last year, going 2-6 with a 4.18 ERA. But overall his first full season in the majors had to be considered a success as he was a workhorse (196.2 IP). NL Ranking among starters: 19th No. 3 Starter: Tomo Ohka Nothing more than a back-of-the-rotation starter, but if he reverts to his form of 2000 while with the Red Sox (3.12 ERA) could be a real sleeper. NL Ranking among starters: 57th No. 4 Starter: Carl Pavano Suffered through an injury-plagued season (elbow) and had only eight starts. A huge question mark to make it through the year both healthy and successful. NL Ranking among starters: 62nd Bullpen: Britt Reames, Troy Mattes, Graeme Lloyd Reames came to the Expos last year in a trade with the Cardinals with high expectations, but hit the skids in a hurry in a starting role, going 2-7 in his first 11 starts. After that, wasn't much better in a relief role. Lloyd remains a dependable lefty, but that's about it for this group. NL Position Ranking: 15th Closer: Scott Strickland Took over the closer's role after Ugueth Urbina was dealt at the trade deadline. Was effective both as a middle man (3.71 ERA in 49 games) and as a closer (nine of 11 in save opportunities). NL Position Ranking: 10th

Overall Power Index Rankings (NL rank):
Position: 10.75 (16th) | Pitching: 10.83 (11th)

-- Matt Szefc