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| SportsWorld Family |
| <<-Back (NL West) Arizona Diamondbacks Strengths: Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling and Rick Helling (when he starts during the daytime). Brian Anderson and John Patterson have filled in very good at the back end of the rotation. Kim as the closer has also been a very good move and continues to work admirably. Weaknesses: Injuries have decimated this team. Matt Williams, Jay Bell and Erubiel Durazo have all spent time on the Disabled List. Damian Miller is currently on the DL and there are concerns about the health of Randy Johnson. Who needs to step up? Matt Williams, Luis Gonzalez and Tony Womack need to regain the form that they once played at. The offense for the D-Backs is weak, and could use a boost. What to expect from them? I doubt they could repeat as champions because they will have a hard time getting past the Braves and/or Cardinals. Los Angeles Dodgers Strengths: The starting rotation has been excellent for the first half of the season and the backend of the bullpen (namely Eric Gagne) has been outstanding. Shawn Green has also stepped it up big time for the Dodgers. Weaknesses: The biggest concern is that the starting pitchers are beginning to wear down. Hideo Nomo and Omar Daal wore down after the first half of last season, Kazuhisa Ishii and Odalis Perez are entering uncharted territories and Andy Ashby has also been wearing down. Kevin Brown is looking to make a comeback this season, which may injure him, further. Who needs to step up? Eric Karros, Paul Lo Duca, Mark Grudzanlanek and Adrian Beltre all need to find their power strokes. This team is suffering when it comes to having power at the plate. What to Expect from Them? Not much, they won't get far in the postseason, if they manage to get there at all. San Francisco Giants Strengths: The Giants have one of the fiercest 1-2 punches in their lineup with a hot Jeff Kent and Barry Bonds. Reggie Sanders has done a decent job patrolling right field. Also, closer Robb Nen has done an excellent job shutting the door at the end of the ballgame. Weaknesses: The Giants starting rotation is something that could've been improved on at the trading deadline. The bullpen could also use some work, especially acquiring a left-handed setup/power arm. Who needs to step up? Felix Rodriguez, Jason Schmidt, Russ Ortiz and Livan Hernandez all need to pitch like they did down the stretch last season for this team to contend. What to Expect from Them? Nothing. I doubt they will make it to the postseason once again. Even if they did make it, Bonds will probably choke once again. |