Vidro pointed out that he had a 21-game streak in '98 -- not in the majors, but one that the man being called 'hit master' these days says was a turning point in his career.

Vidro struggled badly during stints with the Expos in '97 and '98. He determined to concentrate on offense during Winter Ball in his native Puerto Rico.

--Before allowing season highs in hits (10) and walks (3) in 6.2 innings Sunday (May 26), RHP Javier Vazquez went 8 innings or more in seven of eight starts.

--Veteran free agent spring pickup Troy O'Leary has earned the cleanup spot by going six for his first 11 with runners in scoring position.

--After RHP Carl Pavano's weak outing Saturday (May 25), when he allowed five runs on five hits in three innings, the Expos appeared to be facing a rotation problem. On Sunday (May 26) Expos couldn't name their starters for the week.

Speculation ran the gamut from the possibility someone will be called up from the farm to the thought that the team has a trade in the works.

Manager Frank Robinson did squash suggestions that LHP Bruce Chen might be called on to make one of the starts in question. After a couple of excellent relief outings, Chen failed to impress in three starts.

--1B Andres Galarraga was activated Sunday (May 26) from the DL (back) and could start at Atlanta on Monday and Tuesday against lefties.

--RHP T.J. Tucker, 23, a career starter, is close to winning the closer job.

--After coming from behind with a four-run seventh inning Sunday (May 26), the Expos are 16-2 when they have an inning of four runs or better.

BY THE NUMBERS
20 -- 2B Jose Vidro's hitting streak, best in the majors this season.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I told myself, 'Be calm. Just meet the ball.' " -- 2B Jose Vidro on his approach to a 10th-inning at-bat Saturday (May 25) when he hit the first grand slam of his career.

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