N.L. reports

Sporting News, The, March 15, 2004

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS The club has been impressed with Shea Hillenbrand's play at third base early in camp. Hillenbrand worked on his defense in the offseason, focusing on footwork and mechanics. Manager Bob Brenly says Hillenbrand looks much more relaxed and in rhythm taking ground balls.... 2B prospect Scott Hairston asked to take fly balls in the outfield. He hopes increased versatility will help him make the club in spring training or improve his chances of getting a call-up during the season. Hairston is a major league-ready hitter, but his defense at second is in question. FUNDAMENTAL FLAW: Pitchers struggled to move runners and get bunts down last season. New hitting coach Rick Schu has implemented a situational hitting program, consisting of bunting down the first and third base lines, hitting behind runners and using the "slash" (fake bunt) play. SCOUTING REPORT:. 1B Richie Sexson's long swing produces prodigious home runs and lots of strikeouts. He has learned to foul off tough pitches and force pitchers into more mistakes. His walk totals have increased. Sexson, who is 6-8, is a good defender with surprising agility and footwork. His first-step quickness and long reach are assets.--Steve Gilbert

ATLANTA BRAVES RHP Kevin Gryboski (shoulder) is making great progress, and all indications are the reliever will be ready for opening day. If Gryboski is healthy, manager Bobby Cox will be more confident about moving RHP Jaret Wright from the bullpen to the rotation. ... Hitting coach Terry Pandleton is trying to get IF/OF Russell Branyan to use his hands more and his body less in his powerful swing. Branyan could make the team as the backup to 3B Mark DeRosa. FUNDAMENTAL FLAW: With so many power hitters in the lineup the past two seasons, the Braves didn't bunt much. But they will need to manufacture runs in 2004, and Cox says he won't hesitate to have RF J.D. Drew, who will bat fourth or fifth, bunt in certain situations. SCOUTING REPORT: Johnny Estrada will be the team's best defensive catcher in more than a decade. Pitchers love his game-calling ability, the big target he provides and his strong arm. He also is a master at framing pitches. Estrada might hit for a high average but likely won't hit more than 15 homers.--Mark Bowman

CHICAGO CUBS RHP Mark Prior likes to run between starts, but an inflamed right Achilles' tendon could limit him to the stationary bike or the treadmill in the near future. Because of his huge calves, Prior requires intense stretching between starts and might need to ride a stationary bike between innings to stay loose when he pitches. FUNDAMENTAL FLAW: The Cubs lack speed. Manager Dusty Baker brought in former Cardinals base stealer Vince Coleman as a spring instructor. Coleman will try to help the Cubs be more aggressive on the bases and potentially more productive. SCOUTING REPORT: The biggest knock on 3B Aramis Ramirez is a lack of concentration, resulting in botched routine plays. If he's sound mechanically, the errors should decrease. Spring drills have been designed to improve his footwork. His throwing also should improve if he maintains a solid base and doesn't rush throws.--Carrie Muskat

CINCINNATI REDS Coaches have been preaching situational hitting throughout camp, and LF Adam Dunn is getting the message. Dunn twice drove in runners from third during intrasquad games by pulling the ball to the right side.... Non-roster OF/1B Jacob Cruz has been driving the ball consistently to all fields and is making a serious push for a reserve role. FUNDAMENTAL FLAW: One of the biggest problems last season was the inability to manufacture runs. The team now plays a daily 15-minute pepper game to help both pitchers and position players with bat control, hitting to the opposite field and keeping the ball on the ground. SCOUTING REPORT: SS Ray Olmedo has the potential to be a productive top-of-the-lineup hitter. He idolizes the Indians' Omar Vizquel and has modeled his game after Vizquel's. Olmedo (5-11,155) makes up for a lack of size and power with soft hands, great range and an accurate arm that is surprisingly strong. He also displays a good eye at the plate, makes contact and has good speed.--Todd Lorenzo

COLORADO ROCKIES Walks have put LHP Shawn Estes' career on the ropes, and he knows wildness can be a knockout blow at Coors Field. Estes has allowed just three homers in 41 career innings at his new home, but 23 walks have contributed to a 2-3 record and an 8.41 ERA in eight starts at Coors. FUNDAMENTAL FLAW: The pitching staff repeatedly was burned last season by unnecessarily challenging power hitters. The club wants better communication between players and coaches, and pitching coach Bob Apodaca is doing his part by allowing pitchers more input. The more pitchers talk, the theory goes, the more they'll think; the more they think, the fewer mistakes they'll make. SCOUTING REPORT: Damian Jackson has a shortstop's arm and tremendous quickness. At the plate, he has a tendency to pull off pitches. Jackson is trying to shed his utilityman image and beat out Aaron Miles at second base.--Thomas Harding