1991 WORLD SERIES : ATLANTA BRAVES VS. MINNESOTA TWINS

They’ve come a long way, but they are enjoying the ride. The Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins, last-place teams in their divisions last season, are four victories from completing the greatest turnaround in baseball history.

Here is a look at the central figures for each team.

THE LINEUPS

FIRST BASE

Atlanta--Sid Bream

Bream, a free agent who helped solidify the Brave defense, will see most of the action against the Twins’ predominantly right-handed staff.

Twins--Kent Hrbek

Underrated defensively, Hrbek struggled at the plate in the ALCS (3 for 21) but was consistent during the regular season (.284, 20 HR, 89 RBIs)

SECOND BASE

Atlanta--Jeff Treadway

Treadway, another platoon player who will be called upon against the Twins’ right-handers, is better offensively than his alternate, Mark Lemke.

Twins--Chuck Knoblauch

A candidate for American League Rookie of the Year after batting .281 and solidifying the Twins’ infield.

SHORTSTOP

Atlanta--Rafael Belliard

The Braves ask for only one thing from Belliard--defense--and he provides it. Batted .249, which is as good as he gets.

Twins--Greg Gagne

Like Belliard, more than adequate on defense and his offense (.265, 8 HR) is better than advertised.

THIRD BASE

Atlanta--Terry Pendleton

Brave turnaround started here. MVP candidate led the league with a .319 average and provided leadership.

Twins--Scott Leius

Brave left-handers will keep Mike Pagliarulo, who won Game 3 of ALCS with a home run in the 10th inning, on the bench until Game 4.

LEFT FIELD

Braves--Lonnie Smith

Playoff veteran inheritted job when Otis Nixon was suspended. Batted .250 in the NLCS.

Twins--Dan Gladden

Had an off-year at the plate (.247) but led the Twins in Game 1 of ALCS and is a proven postseason performer.

CENTER FIELD

Braves--Ron Gant

Another MVP candidate who posted second consecutive season with more than 30 home runs (32) and 30 stolen bases (34).

Twins--Kirby Puckett

Team leader on and off the field. Batted .315 and was MVP of the ALCS after batting .429 with two home runs.

RIGHT FIELD

Braves--David Justice

Struggled in the NLCS (.200 and the infamous baserunning gaffe in Game 5) but batted .279 with 25 home runs and 89 RBI in 396 at bats during regular season.

Twins--Shane Mack

Batted .310 to help get the Twins to the playoffs, and then rebounded from a mild slump to bat .333 in the ALCS.

CATCHER

Braves--Greg Olson

An All-Star last year and an invaluable workhorse this year. Had eight hits, including game-winner in Game 6, to lead Braves in NLCS.

Twins--Brian Harper

Bat is proven (.311 during regular season, .278 in ALCS), defensive skills are not. Will be tested by Brave baserunners.

STARTING PITCHING

Braves--Charlie Leibrandt, Game 1

No weak link among Leibrandt and youngsters Tom Glavine, the leading Cy Young candidate, John Smoltz and Steve Avery, who are schedule to work in that order.

Twins--Jack Morris, Game 1

Free agent was worth the investment. Pitched 246 innings and allowed Scott Erickson (20-8) and Kevin Tapani (16-9) to mature on the job.

RELIEF PITCHING

Braves--Alejandro Pena

Salvaged from the scrapheap in late-season deal with Mets and has not blown a save opportunity since his arrival. Had 3 saves in NLCS.

Twins--Rick Aguilera

Had 42 saves and 61 strikeouts in 62 innings. He is complemented by set-up man Steve Bedrosian, a former Cy Young Award winner.