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Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

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SAN DIEGO PADRES SS Khalil Greene (finger) is limited to pinch running the rest of the regular season, so the team acquired Alex Gonzalez from the Expos to bolster the left side of the infield. After a productive season with the Cubs last year, Gonzalez has struggled this season. Rich Aurilia and Ramon Vazquez figure to play more than Gonzalez, though Aurilia is battling an ankle injury. 3B Sean Burroughs also has been out because of a strained right knee.... The fifth starter spot has been a problem area since RHP Ismael Valdez was traded. SCOUTING REPORT: LF Ryan Klesko, who had shoulder surgery last September, is swinging with more authority after struggling to regain his power stroke for most of the year. Klesko will flail well short of his standards for homers and RBIs, but he could hit .300. Defensively, he still is not comfortable in the outfield and is better at first base.--Mike Scarr

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SAN FRANCISCO GLINTS LHP Scott Eyre has increased his strikeouts by using a suddenly deadly changeup. Better mechanics are the key; when he keeps his front leg stride short and doesn't throw too hard, he gets great movement, especially downward. His changeup can dive or run.... RHP Jerome Williams was activated after rehab from triceps surgery and will pitch from the bullpen initially. Diligent workouts have improved his strength, and he likely will start down the stretch. SCOUTING REPORT: RHP Brett Tomko says he's pitching better than ever. The key has been rediscovering his slider, which he stopped using last year because it was ineffective. It's his strongest pitch now. He also has been throwing a lot of four-seam fastballs, which has helped build his arm strength. In addition, he is challenging hitters more and staying ahead of them in the count.--Rich Draper

TSNumbers

Home runs allowed by Braves RHP Russ Ortiz in a seven-start span from August 14 to September 14. He allowed seven homers in his previous 24 starts.

Rockies third base prospects who were postseason All-Stars: Garrett Atkins (Pacific Coast League), Jeff Baker (California League) and Ian Stewart (South Atlantic League).

8.04

Strikeouts per game by Reds hitters entering the week, the most in the National League.

199

Home runs allowed by Phillies pitchers this season. The staff has allowed 108 at Citizens Bank Park. Other than RHPs Cory Lidle and Vicente Padilla, the staff is composed of fly-ball pitchers, and the team will try to add more ground-ball pitchers when it pursues free agents in the offseason.

0-6

Record of the Padres' No. 5 starters in their first eight starts after the July 31 trade of RHP Ismael Valdez to the Marlins. The club has used LHP Sterling Hitchcock (since retired) and RHPs Justin Germane and Dennis Tankersley in the spot.

Times Pirates players have been hit by pitches, 10 short of a modern (post-1900) major league record. That shows the club is willing to crowd the plate and take one for the team.

123

Home runs allowed by the Cardinals' top five starting pitchers. Each has allowed 20 or more--a lingering concern going into the postseason. Cardinals starters have given up 126 home runs overall, third-most in the National League.

N.L. reports

Sporting News, The, Sept 27, 2004

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