If the White Sox can get their players to understand the significance of socks, they will certainly become an instant contender.

When Henry, Werner and Larry Lucchino merged their interests, they became, in my view at the time, the instant leading contender.

If they can slip into the postseason, conventional wisdom dictates that, because of their outstanding pitching staff, the Astros would become instant contenders.

Baker's task was made easier when the Giants became an instant contender for 1993 as a result of signing outfielder Barry Bonds as a free agent.

The expansion Diamondbacks, they are certain, will flood next winter's free-agent market with greenbacks and become an instant contender in 1998, their first season.

Obviously, either/or would suffice as the Marlins try to load up to make Jim Leyland's first Florida team an instant contender.

But the reason their magazine is an instant contender for buzz is its affiliation with a fourth person: Dave Eggers.

But the arrival of Steve Nash last summer turned them into instant contenders, and the future is bright.

Persuading a young player like Anderson to play for an instant contender rather than accept a sign-and-trade deal from the Clippers to Denver was key.

And the addition of Helms and Barajas doesn't make the Phillies an instant contender.