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N.L. reports

Sporting News, The, Sept 20, 2004

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS Look for LHP Mike Gosling to get a couple of starts down the stretch. Gosling, a second-round pick in 2001, is about a year removed from shoulder surgery. He threw well in his final six starts in Class AAA.... RHP Brandon Webb has a good ERA (3.66) but a poor record (6-15) because of a lack of defensive support. Webb relies on his sinker to get ground-ball nuts, but the infield defense has been shaky.... It irritated manager Al Pedrique when some young players skipped optional batting practice in San Francisco. He wondered aloud if they were taking their opportunities for granted.--Steve Gilbert

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ATLANTA BRAVES RHP Chris Reitsma has lacked consistency, as a setup man, so the team will look at hard-throwing RHP Jose Capellan as a starter and reliever in the final weeks and might use him in late-inning situations during the postseason.... 2B Marcus Giles still lacks the strength he had before breaking his collarbone in mid-May. He isn't driving the ball into the gaps like he did last year.... Because LHP Horacio Ramirez (shoulder) might not return this year, the Braves might be stuck with Tom Martin as their only lefthanded bullpen option for the postseason. Martin has allowed too many homers to be considered reliable.--Mark Bowman

CHICAGO CUBS The team will rely on RHP LaTroy Hawkins as the closer down the stretch because RHP Joe Borowski won't return. Borowski, who has a slight tear in his right rotator cuff, ended his rehab but was not activated. RHP Michael Wuertz also might get some chances; he had 19 saves for Class AAA Iowa.... The four-day break caused by Hurricane Frances gave 3B Aramis Ramirez (groin) and SS Nomar Garciaparra (Achilles') time to heal, though Garciaparra told manager Dusty Baker it also threw off his timing.--Carrie Muskat

CINCINNATI REDS SS Barry Larkin is unhappy the club is limiting his starts to get a look at Felipe Lopez and Anderson Machado. Larkin might not retire, but it's looking less likely he'll be happy about returning .... Look for Class AA prospect Edwin Encarnacion to get an opportunity to win the starting job at third base next season now that the club has demoted Brandon Larson. Much will depend on Encarnacion's development during winter ball.... Expect RHP Aaron Myette to get a look down the stretch after posting solid numbers in Class AAA and during his stint with the Canadian team in the Olympics.--Todd Lorenz

COLORADO ROCKIES LHP Joe Kennedy has excelled at Coors Field, partly because hitters are so eager there. Overaggressive hitters have repeatedly hit weak grounders against his slider and changeup.... 3B Garrett Atkins improved his bat speed and ability to adjust to inside pitches and won the Pacific Coast League batting title. But with Vinny Castilla likely to return and power hitters Jeff Baker and lag Stewart on the way, Atkins could be auditioning for other clubs. ... SS Royce Clayton has played well, but with rookie Clint Barmes in the picture, Clayton likely will look for a place where he can play regularly in '05.--Thomas Harding

FLORIDA MARLINS The team reached down to Class A and called up RHP Logan Kensing, He will make some spot starts down the stretch because of rainouts caused by Hurricane Frances. Kensing, who was the team's second-round pick in 2003, has impressed with his 92- to 94-mph fastball, heavy sinker and changeup. A strong showing could put him in the mix for a spot in the rotation in 2005.... LHP Dontrelle Willis, who pitched out of the bullpen some in the 2003 postseason, could be used in relief in September, should an extra lefty arm be needed. Any appearance would replace Willis' between-starts throwing sessions.--Joe Frisaro

HOUSTON ASTROS The offense led the recent 12-game winning streak by piling runs on lesser teams. A better test will come when the club laces the Cardinals six times and Giants three times in the final 2 1/2 weeks.... When 3B Morgan Ensberg (back) is healthy, manager Phil Garner will face a tough decision. 3B Mike Lamb's bat was a key to the recent surge. And the more Lamb plays, the more his defense--which has prevented him from earning starting jobs in the past--improves.... With Jose Vizcaino playing every day at shortstop in place of Adam Everett (wrist), Garner is without a go-to man off the bench.--Alyson Footer

LOS ANGELES DODGERS The availability of RHP Brad Penny (biceps) for the postseason is unknown. His rehab progress has picked up, but he is running out of time to rebuild his arm strength to the point he could pitch deep into an October game.... Because of Penny's status, the comeback of RHP Hideo Nomo (shoulder) has greater meaning. The Dodgers want Nomo in the postseason rotation because of his experience.... Antonio Perez has the offensive ability the team wants in a second baseman.--Ken Gurnick

MILWAUKEE BREWERS By trading RF Ben Grieve to the Cubs, the team opened room for OFs Brady Clark and Dave Krynzel and eliminated a disagreement. G.M. DOUO Melvin favored Grieve, who's adept at getting on base, but manager Ned Yost started Clark for much of the second half of the season because he is a superior defender.... RHP Ben Hendrickson and LHP Jorge De La Rosa, two of the Brewers' more promising prospects, will get long looks this month. To help them along, the team brought in Class AAA pitching coach Stan Kyles, who has worked with the two extensively.--Adam McCalvy

N.L. reports

Sporting News, The, Sept 20, 2004

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