N.L. central

Sporting News, The, May 27, 2005

CHICAGO CUBS

Give credit for 1B Derrek Leo's hot start to his feet. This spring, hitting coach Gene Clines stressed to Lee the importance of getting the lower part of his body in proper position, which has helped his timing and rhythm. The two go over footwork each day. ... Manager Dusty Baker benched LF Todd Hollandsworth because of his hitting funk and will start Jason Dubois more. However, Dubois is not as good a fielder as Hollandsworth. He also strikes out a lot and needs to make contact to keep getting playing time. ... 2B Todd Walker (knee) doesn't want to wear a brace when he returns in late May; he feels it will limit his mobility. The Cubs hope to find a lightweight version. OVERLOOKED: RHP Michael Wuertz will continue to be tested in tight situations. However, the club must not overexpose him and his slider. If Wuertz pitches too many days in a row, he loses his effectiveness. He was a closer last year in Class AAA and might take over that role for the Cubs someday.--Carrie Muskat

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

RHP Victor Santos again is off to a solid start, but it remains to be seen whether he can hold up in the second half. Last year, his first as a full-time starter, Santos faded after the All-Star break, so he decided to skip winter ball. He says that should keep him fresher longer. ... After a quiet April, LF Carlos Leo entered the week hitting .327 in May. Lee's turnaround could be a sign he is adjusting to N.L pitching, but it's more likely due to the fact that RF Geoff Jenkins and 1B Lyle Overbay, who sandwich Lee in the order, also got hot, allowing Lee to sit on more fastballs. OVERLOOKED: The team signed RHP Matt Wise in 2004, when he was coming off elbow surgery, and pitching coach Mike Maddux tried to avoid using Wise on back-to-back days. This season, Wise had pitched in back-to-back games three times entering the week and has been moved from middle relief to late-inning situations. His changeup, one of the N.L's best, makes him a candidate to close games.--Adam McCalvy

CINCINNATI REDS

Though he traditionally has gotten off to quick starts at the plate, 1B Sean Casey took some time getting into a rhythm this season. Once Casey got going in late April and early May, the lineup began to have a little more flow, though Casey still has a penchant for grounding into double plays. ... The Reds still don't seem willing to hand the closer role to RHP Ryan Wagner, even though RHP Danny Graves has struggled to put teams away in the ninth inning. ... Given C Jason LaRue's problems at the plate, C Javier Valentin might get a lot more playing time. OVERLOOKED: 1B Jacob Cruz thrives in his role as Cincinnati's go-to pinch hitter. Cruz, 32, is a keen observer of the game, and he does a good job of working the count and delivering key hits in the clutch. He had 14 pinch hits last season and is on pace to have more this year. Unfortunately for Cruz, the Reds are set at first base, so the pinch-hit role is the only one available to him.--Anthony Castrovince

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

With Craig Wilson (hand) expected to be out up to two months, Daryle Ward will play regularly at first base. A power threat at the plate, Ward is underrated defensively. He has saved fellow infielders from several errors with his ability to pick throws out of the dirt. ... OF Michael Restovich, acquired in a trade with the Rockies, has excellent power potential but must improve his ability to make contact. He'll play mostly against lefthanded pitchers. ... RHP Salomon Torres continues to be bothered by back stiffness, forcing him to alter his mechanics. Until Tortes can regain extension on his throws, RHP Rick White will handle setup duties. OVERLOOKED: Rob Mackowiak's versatility is invaluable. He has filled in for struggling starters at third base and in center field, and he took over at second base when Jose Castillo went on the D.L. A lefthanded hitter with pop, Mackowiak has a plus arm and can hold his own defensively. He'll continue to get regular at-bats around the diamond.--Ed Eagle

HOUSTON ASTROS

RHP Mike Burns was recalled to take the place of RHP Brandon Duck-worth, who was ineffective as a starter and reliever. Burns has been the team's top relief prospect for two years; G.M. Tim Purpura calls him a strikeout machine. Burns will work the middle innings and be asked to be a bridge to RHP Chad Qualls. but Burns could replace a struggling Quails as the setup man if be has success. ... Since his hot start, RF Jason Lane's production has been almost absent. Orlando Palmeiro soon could get more playing time in place of Lane. OVERLOOKED: Palmeiro delivers in the clutch as a pinch hitter and sometimes carries the offense when he gets a rare start. A lefthanded hitter, Palmeiro is as good against lefthanders as righthanders, and he embraces the role of pinch hitter. Palmeiro is 36, but he still covers ground in the outfield and is a good defender. With the young players struggling, manager Phil Garner likely will turn to his veterans more in the coming weeks.--Alyson Footer