The former first-place Arizona Diamondbacks are feeling snake bit. The debate is whether they can point to the controversy surrounding former D-backs relief pitcher Jason Grimsley as the source of their pain. Since last week, when federal agents searched Grimsley’s Scottsdale, Ariz., home as part of an investigation into performance-enhancing drugs, the Diamondbacks are 0-6. In fact, they haven’t led in a game since news about Grimsley surfaced last Tuesday during a 4-3 loss to Philadelphia.
The Diamondbacks have lost seven games overall, dropping them out of first in the National League West. The New York Mets completed a sweep of the Diamondbacks on Sunday, winning four games by a combined score of 37-9.
“You guys can talk about distraction with Jason and everything else that is going on,” left fielder Luis Gonzalez told reporters Sunday. “We just stunk.”
Dodgers (35-28)
Who’s hot: Rookie outfielder Matt Kemp, who bashed two homers against the Rockies at Coors Field on Sunday. He’s batting .366 with six homers and 15 RBIs in his first 13 games in the majors. His slugging percentage is .829.
Who’s not: Starting pitcher Brett Tomko, who got beat up at Coors Field on Saturday, allowing seven runs in 3 2/3 innings. During his four-game losing streak, Tomko’s ERA has climbed from 2.88 to 5.20.
What to watch: The bullpen, to see if it can keep the Dodgers in first place. Especially troubling for the Dodgers has been the recent performance of lefty Joe Beimel. He was good the first two months of the season, but in his past two appearances, he’s allowed seven runs and his ERA expanded from 3.26 to 5.03.
Diamondbacks (34-29)
Who’s hot: It’s tough to find anyone playing well for the Diamondbacks right now, but second baseman Craig Counsell has been trying. He hit 5-for-11 over his past three games, raising his average to .289.
Who’s not: Starting pitcher Russ Ortiz, now 0-5 after getting pounded by the Mets on Sunday. He lasted just 3 1/3 innings, giving up seven runs (five earned) on seven hits and walking four.
What to watch: Can Arizona escape the shadow of the Grimsley controversy? It’s doubtful. With the Giants and Barry Bonds coming to Phoenix today to begin a three-game set, the steroid and human growth hormone questions won’t go away.
Giants (32-31)
Who’s hot: Outfielder Moises Alou. Back from the disabled list, he homered Thursday and again Sunday, showing that his sprained right ankle is healing.
Who’s not: Reliever Tim Worrell, who gave up a grand slam to Pittsburgh’s Jose Bautista in the Giants’ 7-5 loss Sunday. Worrell has allowed eight home runs in 16 2/3 innings.
What to watch: Can the Giants’ struggling bullpen, Worrell included, get its act together to keep the Giants in the race?
Padres (32-31)
Who’s hot: Closer Trevor Hoffman keeps going and going and going. He has 14 saves and a 1.57 ERA, making him the most consistent player on an inconsistent team.
Who’s not: Ace Jake Peavy claimed his sore right shoulder was better, but his record dipped to 4-7 with a 4.96 ERA after getting battered by Florida on Sunday. He struck out 10 Marlins, but also surrendered eight hits, including a three-run homer.
What to watch: Can the Padres crank up the power? San Diego is second to last in the National League in homers and third-to-last in doubles.
Rockies (31-32)
Who’s hot: Third baseman Garrett Atkins. He has an 11-game hitting streak that has increased his average from .314 to .325. During his streak, the longest by a Rockies player this season, Atkins hit .375 (15-for-40).
Who’s not: Starter Aaron Cook. He served up two home runs Sunday to the Dodgers’ Kemp and has now given up seven homers, all of them at Coors Field.
What to watch: Infielder Kazuo Matsui used to be a big star – in Japan – before flaming out in New York City with the Mets. After Matsui’s stint in Triple-A Colorado Springs, the Rockies are hoping he can join the big club soon and provide some pop at the top of the order.
