N.L. West

Sporting News, The, July 21, 2006

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

RHP Jose Valverde seemed to lose confidence when he went through a bad stretch, and the Diamondbacks optioned him to Class AAA Tucson to work out his problems. Valverde initially had trouble because he threw his fastball too much, but then he overcompensated and began throwing his slider and split-finger more than he should have.... RHP Enrique Gonzalez has been shifting his weight too early, which has caused his arm to drag and his pitches to sail up in the zone. FIRST HALF GRADES: Offense C For the first two months, the hitters worked deep counts. They didn't in June, and it showed. Pitching: D The relievers have pitched well for the most part, but the starters have put the team in an early hole too often. Defense: C+ A strength early on, it got sloppy in June and early July.--Steve Gilbert

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COLORADO ROCKIES

RHP Josh Fogg gets a tot of ground balls with his sinker, but he also isn't afraid to use his curve and changeup to induce fly balls--even at Coors Field. That confidence has led to some stellar performances, and Fogg's emergence as a consistent threat bolsters a rotation that has become a team strength. ... The Rockies are watching for signs of fatigue from RHP Jose Mesa, 40. He likes to pitch every other day, but the Rockies are considering obtaining another veteran setup man to share the load with him. FIRST HALF GRADES: Offense: C The team isn't as potent at Coors Field as it was in the past, but the road numbers have improved. Pitching: A- The Rockies are among the National League leaders in staff ERA. Defense: B This team doesn't commit many errors.--Thomas Harding

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

The domino effect of losing RHP Eric Gagne--who is out for the season after back surgery--and RHP Yhency Brazoban (elbow), coupled with the starters not working deep into games, has left the bullpen exposed in the sixth and seventh innings. RHP Giovanni Carrara was recalled from Class AAA Las Vegas last week to pitch in middle relief--a role he seemed best suited for in his previous two stints with L.A.... 1B Nomar Garciaparra was hit by pitches five times last week, a clear sign that teams will work him inside the rest of the season. FIRST HALF GRADES: Offense: A The Dodgers are second in the N.L. in runs without a true long-ball threat. Pitching: B Not bad considering the team lost Gagne. Defense: C Garciaparra has saved SS Rafael Furcal from having even more errors. 3B Cesar Izturis makes the infield better.--Ken Gurnick

SAN DIEGO PADRES

SS Khalil Greene is on pace for more than 80 RBIs despite batting less than .250 in the first half. One reason: Greene, batting mostly fifth and sixth, was second to RF Brian Giles in plate appearances with runners in scoring position.... RHP Woody Williams has solidified the rotation since returning from the D.L. He looks to be in top form after missing seven weeks with a calf injury. FIRST HALF GRADES: Offense: C The power production has been inconsistent. The veterans have delivered a lot of clutch hits. Pitching:. B+ RHPs Chris Young and Joke Peary anchor the rotation, and closer Trevor Hoffman has been as good as ever. Defense: A Greene, CF Mike Cameron, and 1B Adrian Gonzalez have played well enough to merit Gold Glove consideration.--Lyle Spencer

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

RHP Jeremy Accardo struggled leading up to the All-Star break. He has a good fastball, but his sprit-finger is temperamental and his slider is a work in progress.... RHP Brad Hennessey has lobbied to join the rotation, but don't look for that to happen. Hennessey re-discovered his confidence in relief, and he helps the bullpen because he can work multiple innings. FIRST HALF GRADES: Offense: C+ Inconsistency has dogged the offense. Injuries to RF Moises Alou and LF Barry Bonds have hampered power. Pitching: A-Entering the week, the starters ranked first in the N.L. in innings and second in ERA. Defense: A-The team has been among N.L. leaders, thanks to multiple Gold Glovers. Veteran CF Steve Finley has been spectacular.--Rich Draper

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N.L. West

Sporting News, The, July 21, 2006

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