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N.L. Central

Sporting News, The, May 13, 2005

CHICAGO CUBS

SS Neifi Perez worked during the winter on hitting the bail to the opposite field, which is part of the reason for his early success. He says the cold weather also helps because it makes him concentrate on hitting the ball on the sweet spot of the bat. If he doesn't, it hurls his hands. ... RHP Chad Fox (elbow) was replaced on the roster by LHP Will Ohman. Ohman was a closer over the winter in the Mexican Pacific League and could help in the ninth. RHP Michael Wuertz also could close, but his slider isn't as effective if he pitches too many days in a row. RHP LaTroy Hawkins might not be the people's choice, but he is back as the closer for now. HOT PROSPECT: With RHP Roberto Novoa and Ohman recently called up to the majors, RHP Jermaine Van Buren likely will get more save chances at Class AAA. Van Buren was a closer last year at Class AA, saving 21 games with a 1.87 ERA. If he does that at Class AAA, he'll be promoted in September, if not sooner.--Carrie Muskat

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MILWAUKEE BREWERS

2B Junior Spivey was dropped from second to sixth in the order after struggling to make contact--he struck out once every 3.0 at-bats in April. Spivey is coming off shoulder surgery and might be "cheating" to catch up to inside pitches, which leaves him unable to reach low, outside pitches. ... C Damian Miller was moved to the No. 2 spot to replace Spivey. Though Miller was surprised by the move, it makes sense. Not only is Miller off to a good start with the bat, he also fits in at No. 2 because he consistently hits the ball to the right side and can move runners along. HOT PROSPECT: OF Corey Hart is off to a slow start at Class AAA and still must work on his plate discipline, He is built like Richie Sexson but is more of a doubles hitter than a 40-home run guy. A converted corner infielder, Hart is raw defensively. Though fellow Brewers prospects 1B Prince Fielder and 2B Richie Weeks are more heralded, Hart might be the closest to the majors.--Adam McCalvy

CINCINNATI REDS

LF Adam Dunn has come alive at the plate. He says he is feeling comfortable in all four of his at-bats each day rather than one or two. He also has been able to hit the ball to right-center and left-center instead of strictly pulling it. ... The early results from LHP Brandon Claussen and RHP Aaron Harang have been a pleasant surprise, but RHP Paul Wilson and LHP Eric Milton have been somewhat disappointing at the front end of the rotation. Despite working a sinker into his repertoire, Milton just can't seem to shake problems with the long ball. HOT PROSPECT: 1F William Bergolla still is at least a year away from the big leagues, but he's a polished player. In the field, he has shown the ability to bounce back and forth between shortstop and second base--and he excels at both spots. A righthanded hitter, he has displayed power to left field and the ability to turn on inside fastballs. He needs to mature physically and work on bunting and advancing runners.--Anthony Castrovince

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

After being among the steadiest setup men in the N.L. last season, RHP Salomon Torres was hit hard in several early appearances. Torres' sinker lacked downward movement because a stiff neck forced him to shorten his delivery. The team believes he will get back on track once his mechanics are corrected. ... 1F Freddy Sanchez will continue to receive increased playing time because of his approach at the plate. Unlike most of the team's young hitters, Sanchez does a good job of working the count to his favor. He also is adept at hitting with two strikes. HOT PROSPECT: LHP Zach Duke has been impressive at Class AAA after being dominant at the lower levels last season. Duke, 22, has above-average stuff, good command and a mound presence that belies his age and lack of experience. One of the final cuts during spring training, Duke will be the first pitcher called up if a starter is injured or if the team needs a spot starter for a doubleheader.--Ed Eagle

HOUSTON ASTROS

Raul Chavez, who is RHP Roy Oswalt's personal catcher, now will catch at least twice a week. That will give the team a better offensive option than Brad Ausmus, who has been in a slump since the season began. Though Ausmus never has been expected to produce much offensively, the club needs to inject life into the lineup wherever it can, and Chavez could provide some pop at the bottom of the order. ... RHP Chad Quails has emerged as the Astros' most reliable setup man and provides a hard-throwing complement to RHP Brad Lidge, the closer. HOT PROSPECT: When LHP Wandy Rodriguez was sent to the minors this spring, manager Phil Garner asked him to work on a changeup that could complement his breaking pitches. Rodriguez did just that, and his solid numbers early could get him a midseason call-up, possibly to be the fifth starter. Rodriguez also could join the bullpen, probably as a lefthanded specialist.--Alyson Footer

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

RHP Matt Morris is throwing a cut fastball with a different look this year. Morris' cutter has more movement than many pitchers' cut fastballs, approaching the break of a slider. ... The added responsibility given to LHPs Randy Floras and Carmen Call and RHP Jimmy Journell while closer RHP Jason Isringhausen (oblique) has been out shows manager Tony La Russa is confident in his bullpen. ... RHP Kevin Jarvis' call-up from Class AAA fills the hole for a long reliever/swingman. The starters have been eating up innings, but it's important to have insurance. HOT PROSPECT: RHP Anthony Reyes' performance has excited the Cardinals, and scouts are excited because of the way he achieves his success. The hard-throwing Reyes brings heat with a smooth and easy motion, and he complements it with a tight curveball and a deceptive changeup. He probably is a year away from the majors because of the team's deep rotation, but once be arrives, he'll be a keeper.--Matthew Leach

N.L. Central

Sporting News, The, May 13, 2005

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