The Philadelphia Phillies were surprise winners of the East Division, then surprise winners of the pennant, and came close to being surprise winners of the World Series. The West was won by the Atlanta Braves, who won 104 games. The San Francisco Giants won 103 games — and missed the playoffs. At one point, Atlanta was 10 games behind the Giants, but a big trade for Fred McGriff sparked an incredible streak that saw the Braves victorious on the final weekend. Then they flamed out against the Phillies.

         Okay, I'm going to say a few off-the-cuff comments about Barry Bonds. He was the MVP this year, his first with the Giants, leading them to a great but heartbreaking season.
        1) This season by Bonds was the best by any player in the 1990's. Yes, I know Mark McGwire hit 70 home runs in a season. But compare Bonds' numbers to the other players this year. Bonds led the league in RBI, despite being intentionally walked 43 times.
        2) Barry Bonds is the best player of his generation. Better than Griffey, Thomas, Piazza, whoever. He is the best player of the 1990's. I have been watching baseball closely since 1985, and he is the best player I have ever seen.
        3) Barry Bonds ranks with Mays and Aaron among the greatest outfielders ever. He has everything that Mays had... actually, Barry is more like Mickey Mantle, maybe not as good as Mickey, but healthier. Barry's best seasons are as good as any Mays or Aaron ever had.
        4) Okay, Barry isn't the most likable guy in the world, but he's an incredibly smart ballplayer. He's a guy I would want kids to emulate in how they play the game; the way he plays the outfield, or his approach at the plate... it's tremendous stuff. Of course, growing up with Papa Bobby and Godfather Willie surely helped.
        ADDENDUM: Three years later, the above comments already seem like ancient history. Since they were written, Bonds has hit 73 home runs in a season and set new records for on-base and slugging percentage. I can't imagine that there is any remaining doubt that he is the best player of his generation, and ranks among the best outfielders ever.
        Lenny Dykstra was a terrific centre fielder for the Phillies who got hurt every year. But this year he was healthy, and was better than anyone in the league except Bonds. Dykstra began his career as a platoon player with the Mets; he made a name for himself by hitting a game-winning home run in the playoffs against Houston, and hit two more against Boston in the World Series. This year, Dykstra performed brilliantly in the postseason against both Atlanta and Toronto, almost carrying the Phillies to victory. After this season, Dykstra was never healthy again.
      This was Mike Piazza's rookie season. I'm not sure what is more amazing: that Piazza hit .318 with 35 home runs, or that this season pales in comparison with some others that he's had.
     Piazza wasn't the only good catcher in the league. Darren Daulton had his second straight outstanding season, helping the Phillies win the pennant. He didn't start hitting until he was in his thirties, and as a result his prime was very short. But for a couple of years he was a great player, and he lasted long enough to win a championship with Florida in 1997. Rick Wilkins' prime was even shorter; this was his only good year.
     I think Piazza was the best infielder in the league; after him, it's a close call between Daulton and Matt Williams. Daulton helped the Phillies win their division, Williams helped the Giants win 100 games...it's very close, but I'll go with Williams, who had tremendous power numbers, and was an outstanding defensive player.