NEW YORK (AP) - Once again, the road to the Weaver Series runs through New York.

After a one year hiatus, the New York Nukes have returned to the top of the Lockwood Division and will face the Honolulu Volcanos in a rematch of the 1997 ILCS. Fans of the Nukes are hoping for a results similar to those of that series. After being swept in the regular season by Honolulu, the Nukes smoked the Volcanos in 4 games, outscoring them 38-15 in the series. Of course that was then and this is now, and unfortunately now for the Nukes means facing the Volcanos without their leadoff and number three hitters. Lost to injuries for the series are Ray Durham (torn back muscle) and IL RBI Champ and MVP candidate Gary Sheffield (broken foot). On the bright side for the Nukes is that Ty Cobb will be playing this time around. Cobb missed the '97 ILCS due to injury, and should be extra motivated playing against bitter rival Nap Lajoie.

The Volcanos would seem to have a double motivation going into this series. They'll seek revenge against the Nukes for the '97 humiliation and they'll seek redemption throughout the playoffs for the loss last season to the Belfast Bombers in the Weaver Series. Both times they were heavy favorites going in, only to be unceremoniously swept by the underdogs. Much like the Havana Cigars they are feeling the pressure of having great regular seasons but not being able to bring the Weaver Cup back to Hawaii. But the Volcanos are motivated, and although the road to the Weaver Series may run through New York, the Volcanos are hoping they can run through the Nukes.

Positional Analysis

Catcher - Honolulu catcher Javy Lopez is banged up going into the playoffs, and may miss a few games because of a bruised heel. New York's Ivan Rodriguez is among the best defensive backstops in the Weaver League. EVEN

First Base - Normally a power position, first base isn't particuarly strong for either team. Jeff Conine of the Volcanos hits for a higher average than the Nukes Andres Galarraga, but Galarraga hits for a little more power. EVEN

Second Base - Ray Durham of the Nukes is out for the series with a torn back muscle, so Pete Rose will move from the outfield to play second. It doesn't matter, neither comes close to Honolulu's Nap Lajoie. HONOLULU

Shortstop - After riding the bench for most of the season, Andy Fox will get the nod at short for the Nukes. The Volcanos tandem of Rich Aurilia and Royce Clayton isn't too much better. HONOLULU

Third Base - Jim Thome is one of the more solid third basemen in the league, but New York's Chipper Jones is an All-Star who hit 31 HR and 100 RBI this year. NEW YORK

Left Field - Young Andruw Jones will play left to fill in for Pete Rose, who is playing second for the injured Ray Durham. Barry Bonds has had better years but still outplays Jones. HONOLULU

Center Field - Jim Edmonds is good, Ty Cobb is All-World. Besides, do you really want to argue with Mr. Cobb? NEW YORK

Right Field - New York is in disarray in right after Gary Sheffield suffered a broken foot with a week to play in the season. New York cannot hope to replace him, they can only hope the rest of their powerful lineup can take up the slack. Their playoff starter is still a mystery. Jose Canseco is solid in right for the Volcanos. HONOLULU

Starting Pitching - New York's starting staff starts off strong with Randy Johnson, after that it gets a little shaky. Jack McDowell and Orel Hershiser have their moments, and the Nukes had better hope that some of them come in the next month. Honolulu is strong with David Cone, Steve Avery, and Curt Schilling, all with sub three ERA's. HONOLULU

Bullpen - Honolulu's 'pen is solid, anchored by 29 save man Mark Wohlers. New York also has a deep bullpen that was solidified by a mid-season trade for Randy Myers and Roger McDowell. Their closer is Troy Percival. EVEN

Manager - Both King Kamehameha of Honolulu and Don Baylor of New York have led their respective teams to three division championships in four seasons. But Baylor get the nod here. He has a Weaver Cup to show for his efforts. Besides, he holds the record for number of times being hit by a pitch in his playing career. What did Kamehameha ever do? NEW YORK

Overall - These teams have always matched fairly well over the years, but New York is coming into the playoffs with key injuries to their leadoff and number three hitters, which will make it easier for Honolulu's stronger pitching staff. Don't count out the Nukes, but the Volcanos seem to have a bit of an edge going into the post-season. HONOLULU