Around the NL

Sporting News, The, June 25, 2001

TSNumbers

3.31 Pitches per batter--the fewest in the N.L.--thrown by the Braves' Grog Maddux. The Cubs' Kerry Wood throws the most, 4.2.

24.92 ERA of Padre Carlton Loewer in two recent starts. He gave up 12 earned runs in 4 1/3 innings.

34 Multi-hit games for the Diamondbacks' Luis Gonzalez, the most in baseball.

46 Years since a Dodgers pitcher stole home before Darren Dreifort did so on a double steal June 12.

10,000 Dollar value of items stolen from the Kansas City hotel rooms of nine Cardinals.

Coming attractions

The surprising Phillies might prove to be a thimble trying to hold a gallon of Braves, but against the Marlins (series starts Friday in Florida), expect Philly's pitching to breeze. In five previous games against Florida, Phils hurlers had 39 strikeouts and a 3.12 ERA.... With the Big Three (well, two for now) in the A.L. hogging all the attention, it's hard for an N.L shortstop to get noticed. Giants SS Rich Aurilia isn't getting much hype (at least not compared with teammate LF Barry Bonds, who's doing something or another with homers, have you heard?) But Aurilia's hitting 60 points higher than his career average. That's good enough for second in the league. Expect him to post solid numbers in a visit from the Dodgers starting Monday. He hit .315 against L.A. over the last three seasons.

Prospect watch

Tim Redding, RHP, Astros

If Houston's starting pitching continues to struggle, the Astros could become more tempted to bring up Redding. In 14 starts this season at Class AA Round Rock, Redding established himself as the top pitcher in the hitter-friendly Texas League. Redding was leading the league in wins (10), ERA (2.18) and strikeouts (113). In 90 2/3 innings, he allowed only 64 hits and 25 walks. Redding's best pitch is a mid-90s fastball that sometimes reaches 98 mph. He also has two other above-average pitches--a power curveball and a changeup--and is developing a slider. He could move up to Class AAA later this season and make his major league debut before September.

Doghouse

Sure, John Rocker can turn on the gas when he's pitching. Last week, the Braves reliever wasn't on the mound but still brought the gas, exacerbating a snit between teammate Tom Glavine and the Blue Jays' Raul Mondesi after the latter was hit by a pitch. Rocker hollered at Mondesi, inspiring the Braves' Chipper Jones to say, "It would have been real harmless if someone who will remain nameless from the bullpen had minded his own business," If only that someone would remain silent.

You can nominate a National League player for the Doghouse. Call Kevin Wheeler's show on Sporting News Radio. It airs from 2-5 a.m. (Eastern) Saturdays and 1-5 a.m. Sundays. For an affiliate near you, e-mad affiliates@sportingnews.com or listen live online at sportingnews.com.