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N.L. Central

Sporting News, The, June 30, 2006

CHICAGO CUBS

Rookie RHP Carlos Marmol has a mid-90s fastball and a slurve, but he will need to show he has a third pitch to stay in the big leagues. The Cubs would have preferred to ease him in as a long reliever, but they had to use Marmol as a starter when RHP Kerry Wood (shoulder) suffered a setback.... 1B Phil Nevin has provided needed pop and will stay in the lineup until 1B Derrek Lee (wrist) returns from the D.L.... The Cubs had hoped RHP Wade Miller (shoulder) would be ready to pitch in June, but he developed tendinitis in the shoulder during his rehabilitation, so a July return now is more likely. KEEP AN EYE ON: Freddie Bynum could soon be sharing left field with Matt Murton. Murton, a righthanded hitter, has struggled against righthanded pitchers. Bynum, a lefthanded hitter, has done well in limited playing time, showing unexpected pop. He also has more speed than Murton.--Carrie Muskat

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MILWAUKEE BREWERS

RF Geoff Jenkins' struggles against lefthanded pitching (.129 average, .444 OPS) prompted manager Ned Yost to bench him when the team faced Indians LHP C.C. Sabathia in interleague play. Yost already had dropped Jenkins to the No. 7 spot and hinted he might use someone else against lefthanders until Jenkins broke out of his slump.... RHP Carlos Villanueva pitched six shutout innings in his first big-league start after he was called up from Class AA but still is at least a year from a regular spot in the rotation. KEEP AN EYE ON: OF Corey Hart has done everything the team has asked in limited opportunities, and his role will expand dramatically if the team trades LF Carlos Lee, CF Brady Clark or Jenkins, each of whom has drawn interest. Hart plays all three positions and has surprising speed for a player known for his gap power.--Adam McCalvy

CINCINNATI REDS

Look for newly acquired IF Juan Castro to improve one of baseball's worst defenses. Castro, who is strong at second, shortstop and third, likely will be used in a utility role and as a late-inning substitute. He will provide little offense, but the Reds didn't bring him back for his bat.... IF Ray Olmedo, who was sent to the minors to make room for Castro, impressed the organization with his hustle and an improved approach.... RHP Joe Mays has been effective out of the bullpen. His sinking fastball has been clocked between 89 and 91 mph; manager Jerry Narron says that's faster than when Mays was pitching for the Royals. Mays also is getting good movement on the sinker. KEEP AN EYE ON: RF Austin Kearns is thriving at the plate and has become one of the club's top run producers now that he is playing every day for the first time in his career. Kearns remains one of the club's few accomplished fielders.--Mark Sheldon

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

RHP Kip Wells, who underwent surgery in March to alleviate a blood clot below his throwing shoulder, likely will return to the rotation by the end of June. Wells will replace either LHP Oliver Perez or RHP Victor Santos. The enigmatic Perez could be sent to Class AAA to work on his mechanics and his confidence.... With the emergence of Freddy Sanchez as the everyday third baseman, Joe Randa will get only spot duty. Randa, an offseason free-agent addition, struggled before going on the D.L. for a month with a foot injury. KEEP AN EYE ON: 3B Jose Bautista is stuck behind Sanchez, but he eventually could become the team's everyday center fielder. Bautista does not have exceptional speed, but he gets great jumps on fly balls and has a strong arm. He primarily is being used as a leadoff man, but the team believes he will develop the power to be a middle-of-the-order hitter.--Ed Eagle

HOUSTON ASTROS

IF Mike Lamb's hitting has made it difficult to keep him out of the lineup. Once 3B Morgan Ensberg (shoulder) returns, Lamb mainly will play first base and push 1B Lance Berkman to the outfield. That, in turn, will cut into the playing time of RF Jason Lane or LF Preston Wilson. Lamb is comfortable batting second and adds a power threat to the top of the order.... RHP Brad Lidge, the closer, will throw a minimum of every four days, even if he has to pitch in nonsave situations. Lidge says that pitching in low-pressure situations helps him stay sharp. KEEP AN EYE ON: IF/OF Chris Burke has arrived. He appears to have beaten out Willy Taveras for the center field job. Burke hits for average, and he walks and steals bases. Becoming a full-time player has boosted his confidence and helped him relax at the plate. He has become a fixture at the top of the lineup, hitting first, second or third.--Alyson Footer

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

The Cardinals have not ruled out giving RHP Anthony Reyes another look, even with all their starters healthy. Reyes has been outstanding at Class AAA Memphis, and the rotation has been inconsistent. The decision to move RHP Sidney Ponson to the bullpen could clear the way for Reyes' return.... 3B Scott Rolen is back to his 2004 form, mainly because of his ability to stay behind the ball when he swings. When Rolen keeps his weight and upper body back, he's less susceptible to high, hard stuff.... The Hector Luna/Aaron Miles platoon at second base has tilted toward Luna, who is outhitting Miles. Luna still can be shaky in the field, though. KEEP AN EYE ON: There never has been any doubt about rookie RHP Adam Wainwrith's stuff. With two fastballs and a devastating curve, he has the necessary pitches. He also has displayed poise and will continue to be used in tight situations.--Matthew Leach

N.L. Central

Sporting News, The, June 30, 2006

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