The '97 versions of the Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles are much different from 1996. The constant of this playoff series is Alomar vs. Alomar.
Last year, talk of Roberto's spitting incident dominated the first-round series, when Baltimore beat Cleveland in four games. This time, it's Sandy's bat that's getting the attention as the Indians and Orioles prepare for tonight's opener in the AL championship series.One Alomar definitely is going to the World Series. Their family hasn't told them which one it's rooting for.
"Ask my mom and dad that when they're here tomorrow," Sandy said as the Indians worked out Tuesday at Camden Yards. "And I want to know what the answer is. Tell me the truth."
It's hard to go wrong with either. Roberto's an eight-time All-Star, Sandy's a five-timer.
But ever since Sept. 27, 1996, the night Roberto spit at umpire John Hirschbeck in Toronto, the Alomars' accomplishments have been overshadowed by the Alomar expectoration.
"There's been all kind of stuff, good and bad," Sandy said after hitting the game-winning homer at the All-Star game and winning the MVP award. "We're a good family. We're a baseball family. We do the best we can do to put baseball up there."
It's been a season of role reversal. Sandy was healthy, catching 100 games in consecutive seasons for the first time and setting career highs with a .324 average, 21 homers and 83 RBIs. And then there was that game-tying, eighth-inning homer in Game 4 against the New York Yankees on Sunday night, saving the Indians from elimination.
"You tend to look at his offensive statistics, but the way he has developed and helped our pitching staff and his game-calling has helped us win ballgames as much as his offense," Indians manager Mike Hargrove said.
Roberto was limited to 112 games by the five-game suspension from the Hirschbeck incident, a sprained left ankle, a pulled right groin and a right shoulder strain. Usually a switch-hitter, injuries have prevented him from hitting right-handed since May 31.
He hit .333 with 14 homers and 60 RBIs, down from career bests of 22 homers and 94 RBIs the previous year.
"The only reason this season is fun is because we're winning," Roberto said. "From my personal view, it hasn't been fun because I haven't been able to be out there the way I want every day. It's just something you have to deal with. Injuries come playing the game. It's part of the game. Maybe it's sending me a message to prepare myself stronger next year."
The two took some time to talk during Tuesday's workouts. But there will be no friendly wagers on the series.
"You can't bet in baseball," Sandy said, laughing.
Their teams have changed around them. Cleveland jettisoned Albert Belle and his frosty demeanor, bringing in Matt Williams to supply power. The Indians sent Kenny Lofton to Atlanta for Marquis Grissom.
Baltimore dismantled the bashers who hit a record 257 homers last year. The team total dropped to 196, but the team ERA fell from 5.14 to 3.91.
"We're much more focused than last year," Orioles manager Davey Johnson said.
Baltimore, favored to beat the Indians after winning in an upset last year, starts Scott Erickson (16-7) in the opener against Chad Ogea (8-9).