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N.L. West

Sporting News, The, July 15, 2005

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

RHP Mike Koplove has been challenging hitters more since returning from a short stint in Class AAA. Early-season struggles caused Koplove to nibble at the corners instead of going right at hitters and trusting his sinking fastball, When he nibbled, Koplove would fall behind and hitters took advantage.... RHP Greg Aquino continues to make strides after missing two months with a right elbow problem. He has begun to hit the corners with his tight slider.... 2B Craig Counsell is turning on the ball more when he is pitched inside. He entered the week with six homers; his previous season high was four. HOT PROSPECT: Conor Jackson has responded well to this year's move from the outfield to first base. Jackson, who is playing at Class AAA, hits for power and has an excellent feel for the strike zone. He knows which pitches he can turn on and drive. His path to the big leagues is blocked by 1B Chad Tracy, but it's hard to imagine that Jackson won't be in the majors to stay by 2006.--Steve Gilbert

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COLORADO ROCKIES

Pitchers continue to work inside against 38 Garrett Atkins, but the stance adjustment he made in the minors last year has helped him handle those pitches. Atkins hit .364 in June.... OF Cory Sullivan could get more time in the leadoff spot. He has above-average baserunning ability and is a more willing to bunt than the current leadoff hitter, 2B Aaron Miles.... RHP Matt Anderson walked 11 in his first 10 innings with the team and could be sent to Class AAA to work on refining his slider and cutter, especially with the team's adding RHPs Dan Miceli and Mike DeJean. HOT PROSPECT: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez has recovered from last year's shoulder problems and is on the fast track to the majors. After striking out 78 in 72 1/3 innings and starting in a Class A all-star game last month, Jimenez jumped to Class AA for the second half of the season. He is on the 40-man roster and could be called up later this season.--Thomas Harding

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

The team's value acquisition of the winter was Rule 5 draft pick RHP D.J. Houlton. He met all the criteria the club was looking for: durability, command, one plus pitch and the ability to throw strikes. Houlton has become something of a staff stopper, finishing June with a 4-1 record. His performance has allowed him to keep the No. 5 starter job, even with LHP Odalls Perez finally ready to return from the D.L RHP Elmer Dessens will return to the bullpen.... With Perez penciled back into the rotation and the timetable for OF Milton Bradley's return unknown, the Dodgers' trade focus has shifted from a starting pitcher to an outfielder. HOT PROSPECT: 3B Andy LaRoche, brother of Braves 1B Adam LaRoche, has been a prolific home run hitter all year and was recently promoted to Class AA. A September call-up wouldn't be a surprise, and with injured 3B Jese Valentin on a one-year deal, there's no established third baseman in LaRoche's way.--Ken Gurnick

SAN DIEGO PADRES

Newly acquired RHP Paul Quantrill will be used mainly in middle relief. Quantrill, obtained in a trade with the Yankees for RHP Tim Redding and LHP Darrell May, was a top setup man before losing effectiveness last season. He had a 6.75 ERA at the time of the trade and had been relegated to middle relief or mop-up situations. Quantrill still is durable, but his stuff is in decline.... IF/OF Damlan Jackson has revived his career after rejoining the club as a minor league free agent in the offseason. He has shown plate discipline and surprising power. His athleticism and work ethic help make him an excellent fielder. HOT PROSPECT: Class A C George Kottaras has captivated club scouts and executives with his all-around game. Padres starting C Ramon Hernandez can be a free agent after this season, and the club wants to re-sign him with the idea of eventually platooning him with the lefthanded-hitting Kottaras, who should be ready in two years.--Lyle Spencer

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

The club's shakeup of the pitching staff continued last week with RHP Brett Tomko's being demoted to the bullpen and RHP Kevin Correia's replacing him in the rotation. Correia threw well at Class AAA Fresno. He has refined his mechanics and has improved his command. He could become the club's full-time No. 5 starter.... Pedro Feliz has hit more than 30 points better while playing third base, his natural position, than while playing in the outfield. But with 3B Edgardo Alfonzo (quadriceps strain) about to return from the D.L., Feliz likely will get most of his time in the outfield. HOT PROSPECT: RHP Matt Cain is considered a sure big-leaguer, but he's only 20 and still maturing. Cain, in his fourth season of pro ball, has a mid-90s fastball, an improving curveball and a changeup. His command can be great at times. Cain is big (6-3, 230) and strong and shows good poise on the mound. Even with the Giants' pitching woes, the earliest Cain will be called up is September.--Rich Draper

N.L. West

Sporting News, The, July 15, 2005

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