Ben McDonald
What he would be doing if there were no strike: McDonald would be in camp looking to follow up on a solid 1994 season. McDonald went 14-7 with a 4.06 ERA. He won his last two starts, allowing six hits in 16 1/3 innings, striking out 11.
Where he is instead: At his home in Denham Springs, La., about a 20-minute drive from Baton Rouge.
How he's filling his time: McDonald drives to Louisiana State every other day to throw and work out, following the same regimen as if he were in training camp. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, McDonald works out at a local health club, swimming, running and golfing.
What he's doing when he's not working out: "I got married this off-season, so I'm spending a lot of time with my wife."
The last time he wasn't playing baseball in spring: "Oh, gosh. Heck, you'd have to go way back to when I was in the eighth grade. That's 12, 13 years ago. At Southside Junior High. I was playing hoops."
How he's handling the wait: "Overall, it's kind of frustrating. I think the players are and the owners are. I think everyone wants a deal soon. I try to keep my mind off it. I try to concentrate on working out."
When he thinks the strike will end: "My gut feeling is in the next two weeks. I think the owners are seeing that the replacement player stuff isn't going to work. No one is going to see any of the workouts. No one is going to see the Yankees, one of the most popular teams. You always try to stay optimistic about this thing."