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Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

A healthier, more confident RHP Jose Valverde is back in the closers role. Valverde's velocity was in the low 90s at the beginning of the season as he continued to recover from shoulder surgery. As he got stronger and started hitting 95 to 96 mph, he became more confident and began throwing more strikes. ... 2B Craig Counsell, generously listed at 185 pounds, appeared to have hit the wall physically during an August slump, but he has bounced back well in September and remains a key part of the club's plans for 2006.

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SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The strong play of 1B Tony Clark is a two-edged sword. Clark has been the club's most consistent run producer this season and has earned regular playing time. But the veteran's success has hindered the development of prospect Conor Jackson, who essentially has been Clark's backup since being recalled from Class AAA Tucson in late August.--Steve Gilbert, John Schlegel

COLORADO ROCKIES

If OF Cory Sullivan finishes strong, the team won't push him to play winter ball. He is playing around 175 pounds and hopes to build up to 190 in the offseason by working out with a personal trainer. ... Expect the team to pay little attention to baserunners behind closer Brian Fuentes, even with a one-run lead. Manager Clint Hurdle wants his pitchers and fielders to focus on hitters and not give them more room for hits. When the team covered second on an attempted steal late in an early-season game, a key hit went through the hole that was opened. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Since becoming a starter, 2B Luis Gonzalez has shown an explosive first step and the ability to dive for balls and still make plays. Gonzalez figures to be increasingly decisive calling for shallow fly balls in the outfield and to position himself better as he learns pitchers' tendencies; infield instructor Mike Gallego has him working on both skills.--Thomas Harding

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

With SS Cesar Izturis (elbow surgery) likely out until around the 2006 All-Star break, Oscar Robles has moved to shortstop from third base. Robles has a steady glove. He doesn't have much power or great speed but hits for a good average and battles at the plate. A pickup from the Mexican League, Robles is a good fit in the No. 2 hole. ... RF J.D. Drew almost certainly won't play again this season. His wrist, which was broken in July, still is sore. The oft-injured Drew played in a career-low 72 games this season. ... 3B Jose Valentin, whose season was ruined by a serious knee injury, says he will retire if he doesn't get a major league contract for next season. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: C Dioner Navarro has been getting a long look down the stretch, but he's not a lock for the starting job in 2006. Many in the organization think Class AA C Russell Martin has a higher ceiling. He is a hitter in the Paul Lo Duca mold and is sound defensively.--Ken Gurnick

SAN DIEGO PADRES

The team's fate will be determined by the arms of RHPs Jake Peavy and Adam Eaton. When they're healthy, the Padres have a 1-2 starting punch with few equals. But Peavy's motion puts stress on his shoulder, so he has to be watched carefully. Eaton has missed time because of an injured tendon in his right middle finger, which must be healthy for him to throw quality breaking pitches. ... The offense has been less vulnerable against lefthanders because of surges by several righthanded hitters: 28 Mark Loretta, 3B Joe Randa and rookie OF Ben Johnson. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: RHPs Scott Linebrink and Akinori Otsuka have been invaluable as setup men for RHP Trevor Hoffman, who is enjoying another strong season. Linebrink and Otsuka bring the heat, particularly Linebrink, whose fastball reaches 97 mph. Otsuka complements his 92-mph fastball with a deadly slider.--Lyle Spencer

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

LF Barry Bonds' return from the D.L. reshapes the middle of the batting order. 2B Ray Durham and RF Moises Ainu likely will surround Bonds in the third and fifth spots with 1B J.T. Snow likely moving from third to sixth. That would give the club a right-left-right-left balance against lefthanders. ... Rookie RHP Jeremy Accardo had some tough outings recently, but the team will continue using him. The club wants to keep Accardo's confidence up and monitor how he handles adversity. ... Look for LHP Scott Eyre to return next season. His consistency and strong arm have helped bolster a young bullpen. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: LHP Noah Lowry went 5-0 with a 0.69 ERA in August. He has improved his ability to get hitters out even when his curveball and slider aren't working. Earlier in the season, he struggled if he didn't have command of all his pitches. Lowry credits C Mike Matheny for helping him pitch better and set up hitters.--Rich Draper

N.L. west

Sporting News, The, Sept 23, 2005

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