SCOUTING REPORTS

The hitters may be exceptional nowadays, but those in the National League still have to face the pitcher at the left, Dwight Gooden. Once again, SI's baseball staff has gone out on a limb to rank all 26 teams, and its opinion is that Doctor K will lead the New York Mets into the World Series, where they will meet the defending world champion Kansas City Royals. Which brings up the intriguing possibility of Gooden pitching to George Brett. Think of it, seventh game, ninth inning, score tied 1-1, a man on, the count is full and....

PROJECTED ORDER OF FINISH
Our intrepid staff also chooses the major award recipients for the upcoming season (below), players such as Murray (above left), Petry (center) and Strawberry (right).

AMERICAN LEAGUE

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER—Eddie Murray, Baltimore
CY YOUNG AWARD—Dan Petry, Detroit
BATTING CHAMPION—Wade Boggs, Boston
HOME RUN CHAMPION—Tom Brunansky, Minnesota
RBI CHAMPION—Eddie Murray, Baltimore
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR—Jose Canseco, Oakland
COMEBACK PLAYER—Rick Burleson, California

NATIONAL LEAGUE

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER—Darryl Strawberry, New York
CY YOUNG AWARD—Dwight Gooden, New York
BATTING CHAMPION—Tony Gwynn, San Diego
HOME RUN CHAMPION—Darryl Strawberry, New York
RBI CHAMPION—Dave Parker, Cincinnati
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR—Will Clark, San Francisco
COMEBACK PLAYER—Steve Carlton, Philadelphia

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TWO PHOTOS

CHUCK SOLOMON

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MICHAEL O'BRYON

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JERRY WACHTER

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