Content provided in partnership with

N.L. West

Sporting News, The, April 15, 2005

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

RHP Brandon Lyon parlayed his surprising spring performance into the opening day closer job, supplanting RHP Greg Aquino. Lyon, who missed last season because of elbow surgery, allowed one earned run in 13 spring innings, and Aquino has been slowed by elbow soreness. Manager Bob Melvin says Aquino might regain the job later in the season. ... RHP Brian Bruney showed this spring that he could throw his breaking ball in fastball counts. Melvin wants all his pitchers to do that, but it's important for Bruney because relying too much on his fastball hurt him last year. SCOUTING REPORT." 1B Chad Tracy has a quick bat, which allows him to let the ball travel deep into the strike zone. He is a hard-nosed player who earned the respect of veterans with his all-out effort in 2004.Though he doesn't have the power of a prototypical first baseman, he's a good gap hitter who will drive in runs. Tracy played mostly third base last season but is more comfortable at first because he doesn't have to make so many throws.--Steve Gilbert

Most Popular Articles in Sports: The first family: Archie, Peyton and Eli are incredibly famous, immensely ...; The growing gap: driving distances are skyrocketing on the PGA Tour. So why ...; Which pistol caliber for self defense? Four different people come to four ...; Drag racing - National Hot Rod Association; The world's most popular .22: the Marlin Model 60 just keeps on ticking; More »

COLORADO ROCKIES

There are questions about RHP Byung-Hyun Kim's velocity, which was 87 mph at most in Red Sox camp, and his psyche. Plus, he'll be playing in a park where faltering in either area could undo a pitcher. But the club is counting on pitching coach Bob Apodaca to help. Under Apodaca, LHP Shawn Estes overcame similar problems to win 15 games in 2004. ... The bullpen set a major league record for relief losses in '04, but more efficient work by the starters this year could leave fewer innings for relievers. The starters will be more aggressive in putting their fastballs in the strike zone early in games and won't attempt to hit exact spots until the later innings. That strategy should lower pitch counts and keep starters in games longer. SCOUTING REPORT: SS Clint Barmes might be best-suited to bat leadoff, but he'll have to prove he can handle his defensive responsibilities before moving to the top of the order. To reduce pressure on him early, the club is batting him seventh and eighth.--Thomas Harding

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

G.M. Paul DePodesta says RHP Yhency Brazoban, who has two months of major league experience, would be the most likely replacement for closer Eric Gagne because of his "pure stuff." Gagne is on the D.L. because of a strained elbow. DePodesta added that RHP Giovanni Carram has experience closing (particularly in winter ball) and that RHP Duaner Sanchez is another candidate. ... C Jason Phillips hasn't provided much more offense than his predecessors after arriving in the LHP Kazuhisa Ishli trade, but pitchers have praised how Phillips works games. Paul Bako is the backup, and Dioner Navarro and Russell Martin are in the minors, so there is catching depth. SCOUTING REPORT: 3B Jose Valentin has been exactly as advertised: a lefthanded batter with power but low average. He has played defense better than expected for a shortstop out of position. He might play some against lefthanded pitching because utility IF Antonio Perez has been shaky learning to play third.--Ken Gurnick

SAN DIEGO PADRES

CF Dave Roberts' legs are his game. That's why he started the season on the D.L, delaying the much-anticipated hometown debut of the Padres' new leadoff man. Roberts didn't bunt or steal in Cactus League play after a groin injury March 11. A return by mid-April is possible. ... The silver lining to Roberts' injury is it gave Xavier Nady a place in the lineup. He had earned one with his huge spring. Nady's power bat, combined with his smooth transition into a utility role, has the club thinking he could get about 400 at-bats this year. SCOUTING REPORT: Healthy and with more than 100 starts under his belt, RHP Adam Eaton, 27, needs to take the next step this season. A mechanical adjustment he has made could do the trick. This spring, he worked to straighten his delivery and tighten his curveball, and the results could elevate his game and lower his ERA. In the past, he had a tendency to throw across his body, which caused his curve to loop rather than break sharply.--John Schlegel

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

The team has drawn criticism for its lack of minor league position players who are ready to be promoted. Not anymore. OF Jason Ellison has made the jump with his electrifying defense and basestealing smarts, and OF Tony Torcato should be a plus with his strong bat. ... OF Todd Linden's experiments at the plate weren't successful, and he's back in the minors, where he might revert to the basics to revitalize his power stroke. ... OF Molses Alou traditionally has been a hot starter in his 14-year career, batting .361 in the first month. He began hitting with gusto late in spring training and says he's excited to be playing for his father again. SCOUTING REPORT: RHP Scott Munter had an extended spring camp, which served as a valuable opportunity to learn the trade with veteran pitchers. He has a stunning sinker, and his quick motion was one reason he pitched 92/3 shutout innings in the Cactus League.--Rich Draper

N.L. West

Sporting News, The, April 15, 2005

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Arts

Most Popular Articles in Sports

Most Popular Publications in Sports