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Sporting News, The, August 26, 2005

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

RHP Brandon Webb has become more consistent with his arm slot, which has allowed him to have better control of his sinker. When his arm slot dips, the pitch moves more sideways than downward. ... LHP Mike Gosling has been sent back to Class AAA, but he had been working with pitching coach Mark Davis to get more on top of his pitches and got better trajectory on them. ... Look for RHP Jose Valverde to get the majority of save situations for the rest of the year. RHP Brian Bruney surrendered the role after being too inconsistent with his location and walking too many batters. MOST IMPROVED: RHP Claudio Vargas has gone from a pitcher placed on waivers to one of the aces of the team's staff. Vargas' command has been better with Arizona, but he credits his turnaround to the fact the club lets him work out of jams instead of having someone warming up as soon as runners get on base.--Steve Gilbert

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COLORADO ROCKIES

The beginning of a 12-game homestand at Coors Field forced the Rockies to make their starters available for relief work on days that they normally would have thrown bullpen sessions, and the results were good. RHP Jamey Wright, who threw a scoreless inning of relief last week, found he could get ready in 28 warmup pitches as opposed to the 50 or 60 he usually throws. He also was able to throw his four-seam fastball outside to righthanded hitters; he had had little confidence in that pitch recently. ... CF Cory Sullivan's ability to hit fastballs in pinch-hit appearances gained him starts in the leadoff spot. But his struggles with off-speed stuff have led the Rockies to reduce his starts and bring him off the bench so he can see more fastballs. MOST IMPROVED: C J.D. Closser's hands are quicker, and he is making contact from both sides of the plate. Defense against the running game still is a struggle, but he has cut down on his wild throws.--Thomas Harding

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

RHP Yhenny Brazoban lost the closer job, and manager Jim Tracy says he will try RHP Duaner Sanchez and sidearm RHP Steve Schmoll in that role. Neither has much experience; entering the week, Sanchez never had saved a major league game, and Schmoll had three saves this year. ... Although IF Antonio Perez entered the week leading the club with a .330 batting average, his lack of a defensive position has helped limit him to only seven starts since the All-Star break. His best position is second base, where Jeff Kent is entrenched. MOST IMPROVED: Sanchez has continued the improvement he showed last year as a rookie. With a bullpen thrown into disarray by the loss of RHP Eric Gagne (elbow) as the closer, Sanchez has been a dependable workhorse. He throws hard, and he has a varied repertoire. His arm is durable--Sanchez ranks among the league leaders in appearances.--Ken Gurnick

SAN DIEGO PADRES

SS Khalil Greene, who consistently makes spectacular, acrobatic plays on defense, is emerging as a potent offensive weapon. Greene says that even when he played youth ball, he performed best when it counted most. ... 3B Joe Randa started hitting better when he was bumped into the No. 2 spot. Randa, pressing after his acquisition from the Reds, is making steady contact and driving balls into gaps. ... After blowing saves in two of his first five opportunities, RHP Trevor Hoffman has been virtually flawless; his changeup is as wicked as ever. ... C Ramon Hernandez, who had surgery on his left wrist, hopes to return in September. MOST IMPROVED: Showing that veterans can enhance their value with dedication, IF/OF Damian Jackson, 32, has been invaluable. His offensive discipline has improved, and he has a team-first attitude. Jackson honed his skills working with Tony Gwynn in the offseason, and he has revived his career after arriving from Class AAA in May.--Lyle Spencer

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

Rehabbing closer RHP Armando Benitez has done well in simulated games but probably won't pitch against an opponent for at least another week. Initially, Benitez will be put in nonprassure situations until he shows he can withstand fielding chores. ... LHP Kirk Rueter, who is on the D.L. with gout, was designated for assignment last week, and his Giants career appears over. ... The team will be hard-pressed to keep LHP Jeff Fassero, 42, next year. It has a pack of youngsters ready for the majors. But Fassero remains a valuable spot starter and reliever. He is unflappable, has a positive attitude and pitches efficiently. MOST IMPROVED: Rookie IB Lance Niekro is proving he can be a solid replacement for veteran J.T. Snow next season. Though Niekro's playing time has been sporadic, his defense has improved dramatically, and he is recognizing breaking balls better. Niekro is impressive as a pinch hitter and regularly delivers with runners in scoring position.--Rich Draper

N.L. west

Sporting News, The, August 26, 2005

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