The Atlanta Braves surprised nobody by dominating the league during the season. They had an awesome pitching staff; their top three pitchers were Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz, who in their careers had combined for six Cy Young Awards. They also had Denny Neagle, who chipped in with 20 wins.
        But in the playoffs, the Braves' woes continued. They were eliminated by the upstart Florida Marlins, an expansion team in only their fifth season. The Marlins were the first wild-card team to win the pennant, and then went on to defeat the Cleveland Indians in the World Series.

         As good as things were in Florida, they weren't so hot in Montreal. The Expos had been the league's best team in 1994, but now struggled after being significantly dismembered and disembowled. But they still had Pedro Martinez, who had a masterful season, and established himself among the best in the game. Martinez won the Cy Young Award, despite winning only 17 games. But as good as Pedro was, there were better things to come; Martinez was even more brilliant in 1999, and at this writing is the best pitcher in baseball.
        Greg Maddux wasn't too shabby, either. Maddux pitched about as well as Pedro did, and a case could be made that he was the best pitcher in the league. But with a lower ERA and more strikeouts, Pedro is a good choice. For another pitcher, this type of season would be a stunning and glorious achievement; for Maddux, it was just business as usual.
        And there were some other good years. Darryl Kile had his best year. Kile's development as a pitcher had been slow, but he was gradually improving. Aided by great teammates and a great pitchers' park, Kile put it all together, and had a great year himself. After the season, he signed a rich deal with the Rockies; what followed was a disaster. Kile was hammered in the thin air of Colorado, and the team didn't help him much. Kile led the NL in losses in 1998, and is still trying to recover his career. For years to come, Kile's signing will surely be remembered as one of the worst decisions a player has ever made.
        As mentioned, Denny Neagle also had a great year, although Curt Schilling was likely a little better. Schilling's career was almost ended when he required surgery on his arm. But the days of the old Tommy John surgery are over; not only did Schilling come back, but he came back stronger than before. He struck out over 300 batters, and won 17 games with a weak Philadelphia team. At this writing, Schilling remains one of the best and most durable pitchers in baseball, and a great tribute to modern medicine.
        Incidentally, the Expos are not the only team to have been dismembered and disembowled. The Florida Marlins, shortly after winning the World Series, got rid of all of their best players, in an effort to cut salaries and save money. They have since sunk to the bottom of the league. Life is harsh.