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N.L. reports

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS LHP Randy Johnson will start his workouts earlier this offseason. He has been fresher this year, the result of not throwing too many pitches when he was hurt in 2003 and not overextending himself in games this year.... Rookie 3B Chad Tracy's error total is higher than expected. Most of his mistakes have been on throws, and better footwork could help. Strength and conditioning coach Dave Page put together an offseason program for Tracy that borrows from the one Page used with former D-back Matt Williams, who had great footwork at third. SCOUTING REPORT: OF Luis Terrero is a five-tool player but must harness his skills. He tries to take the extra base whenever possible (and sometimes when it's not) and runs all-out, even on routine grounders. His arm is extremely powerful but erratic.--Steve Gilbert

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ATLANTA BRAVES Most of 1B Adam LaRoche's power has been to right field. But his recent hot hitting was the result of keeping his weight back and focusing on driving the ball to left.... Statistically, the bullpen looks strong. But LHP Tom Martin is unreliable, and the lack of a steady lefthanded specialist could be a devastating flaw in the postseason. SCOUTING REPORT: RHP Paul Byrd is long past feeling the effects of 2003 elbow surgery--that's evident in his success, endurance and pitch selection. In his first September start, he threw his sinker, which he hadn't used since 1992 because it caused injuries. The pitch breaks away from lefthanders, who have hurt Byrd this season. His fastball, slider and changeup have been tough on righthanders.--Mark Bowman

CHICAGO CUBS 1B Derrek Lee has been bothered by a sore wrist, but that hasn't kept him out of the lineup or hurt his production. He has not missed a start since May 15 and will set career highs in doubles, home runs and RBIs.... RHP Matt Clement (neck, back) also has been ailing. But extra rest and treatment should enable him to make all of his remaining starts. SCOUTING REPORT: SS Neifi Perez has been a bigger contributor than expected because of injuries to SS Nomar Garciaparra (groin) and IF Ramon Martinez (groin). Perez has hit well--and with some surprising pop--and played good defense. Manager Dusty Baker likes the energy Perez brings to the team. Perez has forged a friendship with RF Sammy Sosa, which has helped Sosa's mood.--Carrie Muskat

CINCINNATI REDS The promotion of SS Anderson Machado, who hit .229 this season in Class AAA, was puzzling. But he had seven hits in his first 20 at-bats with the Reds, including four for extra bases. However, Machado has struck out too much.... OF Adam Dunn gets plenty of attention for his home runs and strikeouts, so his walks often go unnoticed. Dunn, who entered the week with an on-base percentage of .392, won't swing at pitches he knows he can't handle.... OF/3B Ryan Freel will be given more chances to steal third down the stretch. SCOUTING REPORT: Control has been a problem for RHP Luke Hudson, but after having shoulder surgery and sitting out the 2003 season, he adjusted his delivery. Cincinnati's minor league coaches helped him get the ball out of his glove earlier, which allowed him to stay on top of the ball and throw more strikes.--Todd Lorenz

COLORADO ROCKIES LF Matt Holliday might miss the rest of the season with an elbow injury but already has proved himself to the team. He has power potential and can spot flaws in his swing, which could make him a steady performer.... After providing solid relief earlier this season, RHP Tim Harikkala has struggled recently. He has had trouble locating his slider, and hitters seem to be recognizing his pitches.... 1B Andy Tracy put up big Class AAA numbers (.312, 32 homers, 117 RBIs), but he'll struggle to earn a spot next year if lefthanded-hitting pinch hitter Mark Sweeney returns. SCOUTING REPORT: RHP Chin-hui Tsao, who has struggled with shoulder and blister problems all year, has potential as a reliever. In his first appearance this year, he threw a two-seamer, four-seamer, slider and changeup in a 1-2-3 inning. His last pitch was clocked at 97 mph. In 2003, he was clocked in the 86- to 94 mph range.--Thomas Harding

FLORIDA MARLINS The team is in playoff contention partly because of the stellar defense provided by 1B Jeff Conine, who switched from left field after Hee Seop Choi was traded to the Dodgers. Conine has a quick first step, more range and niftier footwork around the bag than Choi.... SS Alex Gonzalez is the club's first shortstop to hit 20 home runs. However, the team would prefer for Gonzalez to cut down on pulling the ball and shoot for 15 home runs and a higher batting average. SCOUTING REPORT: The club believes RHP Ben Howard can be a solid setup reliever down the road, even though he hasn't been in many pressure situations. Howard has a 95-mph fastball and a hard slider that scouts compare to RHP Chad Fox's. Howard still lacks command, however, and he hasn't been pitching enough lately to correct the flaws in his delivery.--Joe Frisaro

N.L. reports

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

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