N.L. west

Sporting News, The, July 1, 2005

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Manager Bob Melvin has been trying to get switch-hitting backup 1B Tony Clark more at-bats from the left side, where he's hitting .362. Melvin even has used Clark as a pinch hitter against righthanders in games that aren't close just so he can stay in a groove from the left side of the plate. When Clark starts, it usually is against lefthanders. That gives starting 1B Chad Tracy, a lefthanded hitter, a break. ... The club tweaked U-IP Brad Halsey's mechanics after two straight poor starts. The goal is to make sure Halsey keeps his upper body moving forward. This helps him keep the ball down. POWER TOOL: 38 Troy Glaus' power to all fields makes him especially dangerous; he entered the week with 16 home runs. His presence in the cleanup spot means No. 3 hitter Luis Gonzalez gets better pitches to hit and doesn't feel the pressure to carry the offense like he has over the past two years. Glaus' righthanded bat also helps to balance a lineup that is heavy with lefthanders. --Steve Gilbert

COLORADO ROCKIES

LHP Jeff Francis is working with pitching coach Bob Apodaca to bring his mechanics back under control. Francis, who has a 6.46 ERA in June, has been overstriding, causing his elbow to drop. That has made it difficult for him to get the ball down and hit the corners consistently. One possible reason for his problems is Francis has moved so far to the first base side of the rubber that it might be causing him to put too much work into his delivery. ... RHP Matt Anderson loses command of his fastball and slider when he jerks his head to the side in his delivery. The Rockies want him to throw a cutter, a pitch that allows him to stay steady in his motion. POWER TOOL: RF Brad Hawpe, who was drafted as a pitcher out of high school, now throws darts from the outfield. He began the week tied for the N.L lead with eight outfield assists. Hawpe, a first baseman in college and in the minors, is learning how to play the outfield, but he is improving rapidly.--Thomas Harding

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

With the latest injury to RHP Eric Gagne, rookie RHP Yhency Brazoban again takes over as the closer. Brazoban excelled in this role the first six weeks of the season, converting 11 of 12 save opportunities. But in his first chance after Gagne returned to the D.L., Brazoban allowed four runs and got only two outs in a loss to the White Sox. Brazoban's move also weakens the team's setup situation. ... Despite Gagne's injury, G.M. Paul DePodesta says he is looking for starting pitching, not relievers, on the trade market. POWER TOOL: SS Cesar Izturis' Gold Glove play is reassuring to a Dodgers staff that is heavy with sinkerball pitchers. He is able to gobble up ground balls and start double plays. His range between short and third, as well as behind second base, has helped make up for the offseason losses of 3B Adrian Beltre and 2B Alex Cora. Izturis is smooth, if not acrobatic. He has an above-average arm and the body control to threw while off-balance.--Ken Gurnick

SAN DIEGO PADRES

RF Brian Giles' hot hitting was a big reason for the team's successful May, but his June funk has coincided with the Padres' recent offensive struggles. Giles seemingly has lost his disciplined approach at the plate. The team needs him to not only provide some pep but also to get on base regularly. ... The club discovered CF Dave Roberts' value when he missed a week in June with shoulder pain. Roberts brings more than speed to the top of the order; he has been a good defender and provided more pop than expected. POWER TOOL: No physical skill in the Padres' everyday lineup stands out like the raw power of LF Ryan Klesko. Few players in the game hit the ball harder on a more consistent basis than Klesko, who is launching bombs again now that his shoulder surgery is 21 months behind him. Klesko is a highly analytical player, but he's most dangerous when he cuts loose and lets his natural ability shine.--Lyle Spencer

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

When CF Marquis Grissom, 38, went on the D.L., rookie OF Todd Linden was called up from Class AAA. Linden, a switch hitter who was leading the Pacific Coast League with 19 home runs and 58 RBIs before joining the Giants, will play every day. He had short stints in the big leagues in 2003 and '04. ... Hot-hitting rookie 1B Lance Niekro is easing veteran J.T. Snow out of a position; Snow has been told his future is as a reserve. Still, Niekro must show better consistency, especially against righthanders, and an ability to stay healthy. POWER TOOL: Shortstop long had been a weak spot for the team before Omar Vizquel arrived. Vizquel, 38, still shows exceptional range, quick reflexes and great instincts. He can make off-balance throws, and he routinely makes plays other shortstops miss. The change of leagues hasn't hurt Vizquel, who reads hitters well and gets himself in position to make plays.--Rich Draper