11.   Even worse, they resuscitated first baseman Kevin Young into their best hitter, then lost him with a torn thumb ligament.

12.   Florida just traded its best hitter and its closer and lost a starting pitcher to expansion.

13.   For the Indians, the trade prompted instant speculation that they would not sign Albert Belle, their best hitter, who is a free agent.

14.   From the standpoint of performance, it would cost the rejuvenated Boston Red Sox their best hitter for average and power.

15.   Garciaparra begins this season as the best hitter in the American League with at least a thousand at-bats.

16.   Greg Vaughn, the best hitter on the free-agent market, signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Monday.

17.   Greer is among the best hitters in the game.

18.   Gwynn, known for his even temperament, believes he is the best contact hitter in baseball, but still not the best hitter.

19.   He has been the best hitter.

20.   He might be the best hitter in the game.