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N.L. report

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004

SPOTLIGHT: What's ahead

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The CUBS will weigh trade offers for RF Sammy Sosa. They also need to fill some bench spots, in particular one for a lefthanded-hitting fourth outfielder. The top candidate is free agent Todd Hollandsworth, who is healthy after missing much of last season because of a stress fracture in his right leg.... If CF Carlos Beltran joins 2B Jeff Kent in leaving Houston, the ASTROS will have some money to address other weaknesses--in the bullpen, in particular. Houston also needs to work out a long-term agreement with injured OF Lance Berkman.... The CARDINALS' cost-effective trade for A's LHP Mark Mulder ($6 million in 2005, $7.25 million club option for 2006) should enable the club to sign the free-agent middle infielders of its choice. SS Orlando Cabrera and 2B Placido Polanco are the primary options to replace SS Edgar Renteria and 2B Tony Womack. But if Cabrera's asking price is too high, St. Louis could turn to a veteran such as Barry Larkin or Rey Sanchez.... The DODGERS' catching situation must be addressed, though indications are that management will piece things together by adding a journeyman to go with David Ross instead of pursuing an expensive impact player such as free agent Jason Varitek. The club also is in need of a power-hitting outfielder.... The METS might have a new first baseman by the time their Florida mini-camp opens in mid-January. If power-hitting Carlos Delgado isn't added, the club will try to bring in a strong defender, such as former Met John Olerud.... The NATIONALS, with about $6 million to spend, remain hopeful of signing free-agent LHP Odalis Perez, though it is a long shot. The club also has expressed interest in Rockies LHP Joe Kennedy and Tigers RHP Ugueth Urbina. ... BREWERS G.M. Daug Melvin has instructed his scouts to look for pitchers with the potential to be closers.... Even after addressing several of their pitching needs, the REDS remain in search of a lefthanded reliever. They are interested in free-agent LHP Kent Mercker.... Pitching is the MARLINS' top priority. They'll intensify their push for a proven fifth starter and try to land another reliever, perhaps even an established closer. Bench help also is needed.... The PHILLIES will continue trying to trade CF Marion Byrd, who now is behind Kenny Lofton and Jason Michaels on the depth chart. The team still is looking for another reliever or two.... Ideally, the DIAMONDBACKS would add an outfielder so Luis Terrero would not be forced into a starting role after looking overmatched at times last season.... Look for the BRAVES to fill their outfield holes through a trade or with a nontender free agent. Atlanta is looking for players willing to accept one-year deals because top prospects Jeff Francoeur and Andy Marte could be ready to take over in 2006.... The GIANTS continue to pursue a true center fielder, mainly in the free-agent market. They aren't inclined to trade any of their young starting pitchers.... The PADRES also want an upgrade in center field; Jay Payton's lack of production created a major hole in the lineup in 2004.... The ROCKIES still haven't addressed their need for a closer. They also are seeking bench players who can start if young Clint Barmes can't handle the shortstop job or CF Preston Wilson (knee surgery) isn't healthy by opening day.... After acquiring RF Matt Lawton and C Benito Santiago in separate trades, the PIRATES have a fairly set lineup: Santiago, C; Craig Wilson and Daryle Ward, 1B; Jose Castillo, 2B; Jack Wilson, SS; Ty Wigginton, 3B; Jason Bay, LF; Tike Redman, C; and Lawton, RF.

Changing roles

New Brewers LF Carlos Lee's defensive shortcomings mean Gold Glove-caliber LF Geoff Jenkins will be asked to move to right field. Jenkins has hedged in the past when asked about making such a move.... The Braves believe RHP John Smoltz's troublesome right elbow will not be put at risk in a starting role. Smoltz is confident he can throw 220 innings and win at least 15 games in 2005. ... The Rockies' inability to trade erstwhile closer RHP Shawn Chacon means he'll move back to the rotation, where his arm and toughness are a better fit.... There was talk of new Dodgers IF Jeff Kent playing third base, but with the club signing IF Jose Valentin to play third, Kent likely will wind up at second, his regular position, or first.

SCOUTING REPORT

Marlins LHP Luke Hagerty, acquired in a trade with the Orioles last week after Baltimore selected him in the Rule 5 draft, is a sleeper candidate in Florida's bullpen. Hagerty (6-7, 230), drafted 32nd overall by the Cubs in 2002, still is recovering from 2003 elbow surgery, but he has a 94-mph fastball and an imposing mound presence. He could fill the Marlins' need for a lefthanded reliever.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME

The Diamondbacks' poor infield defense last season gave opponents extra outs and forced their pitchers to make more pitches and go out of their way to avoid contact. The defense should be much improved with newly signed SS Royce Clayton and 2B Craig Counsell, and that will be a huge help to the staff, in particular to sinker-balling RHP Brandon Webb.

N.L. report

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004

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