3/30/03
The New Haven Traffic Cones announced their opening week lineup 
today.  There were few surprises with the exception of the pitching 
staff, which has already been plagued by preseason injuries.  Keeper 
closer Mariano Rivera has found himself on the 15-day DL after 
straining his groin trying to dance like Traffic Cones mascot Coney.  
The closer staff is further hindered by the questionable status of 
3rd round pick Rob Nen, who has been recovering from injury.  Cones 
coach Jeff Stanley decided to let Nen sit the first week out to rest 
him and then introduce him into the lineup next week, when he will be 
strong enough to pitch consecutive games.
Other lineup developments include the benching of outfielder Hideki 
Matsui.  While this move was questioned by some, Coach Stanley 
apparently felt Matsui needed to first prove himself before earning 
a starting position.  Taking Matsui's place at utility is surprise 
starter Fred McGriff.  When asked about this move, Stanley responded, 
"Fred's been playing well in the preseason.  Despite his 39 years of 
oldness, I think Fred has the potential to produce early in the 
season (before he gets tired and has to take a nap in about mid-May) 
and we want to take advantage of that.  We have 3 first baseman on 
this team and I don't see him getting a starting role there, but he 
did hit 30+ homeruns the past two seasons, so I figured I'd give him 
a chance at utility for the first week and see how it goes."

The complete opening week roster and predictions are as follows:
C - A.J. Pierzynski: His starting role is about as secure as money 
in the Bank of Bagdad
1B - Rafael Palmerio: Franchise 1B who hit 43 out last season; He's 
not going anywhere 
2B - Jeff Kent: #1 draft pick has secured a new home
3B - Edgardo Alfonso: If he produces like he should, this roster spot 
is taken
SS - Derek Jeter: Franchise short stop, 'nuf said
OF - Chipper Jones: Originally a 3B keeper, but his numbers secured 
him an OF spot
OF - Jim Edmonds: Note to Edmonds...Want this spot?  Hit homeruns
OF - Shannon Stewart: Could produce big in the runs and singles 
categories
OF - Randy Winn: Run quickly!
CI - Derrek Lee: Has big number potential...but so does McGriff
MI - Rafael Furcal: Jeter and Kent aren't going anywhere, so he's 
gotta compete with 2B Adam Kennedy
Util - Mike Cameron: Basically 5th OF; don't read anything into Util 
spot
Util - Fred McGriff: Produce and the spot is yours, if not, 5 other 
guys want it
SP - Randy Johnson: A no-brainer
SP - Al Leiter: Finally, a Met
SP - Randy Wolf: Three starters?  An uncharacteristic move for Stanley
RP - John Smoltz: Expect him to be here all season
RP - Keith Foulke: Like Smoltz, consider this roster spot taken
RP - Jose Jimenez: Beneficiary of Nen and Rivera's injuries; likely 
gone next week