A new face could tip the balance of power in the mediocre National League West. And it’s looking more and more likely that the new face will be wearing Dodger blue.
As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, some big names are being linked to Los Angeles. A rumor refusing to die has Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux heading there. Reports surfaced Monday the Dodgers want Nationals outfielder-second baseman Alfonso Soriano and are willing to trade power-hitting infielder-outfielder Joel Guzman to get him.
What other NL West teams do will be determined by their success or failure in the next two weeks. The Rockies, for instance, are searching for relief help, but they might back out of the trade game if their free-fall continues.
Padres (49-43)
Who’s hot: Rookie second baseman Josh Barfield. He hit .538 in 10 games heading into Monday, raising his average to .297. He’s also been successful on 13-of-16 stolen base attempts this season.
Who’s not: The starting staff, including ace Jake Peavy. In being swept by Atlanta in a three-game weekend series, Padres pitchers gave up 36 runs.
What to watch: If right-handed starter Woody Williams, who’s pitched well since coming off the disabled July 1, can add stability to the struggling rotation.
Diamondbacks (46-46)
Who’s hot: Starter Brandon Webb, with a 2.52 ERA after shutting out the Brewers through seven innings Sunday.
Who’s not: Starter Claudio Vargas (7-6), who got lit up by Milwaukee on Sunday (six runs in 3L innings).
What to watch: How long it will take shortstop and leadoff man Craig Counsell to return to the lineup. He’s expected to be out three to six weeks with a broken rib.
Dodgers (46-47)
Who’s hot: Veteran outfielder Kenny Lofton, who went 3-for-3 Sunday in St. Louis, raising his average to .294.
Who’s not: First baseman Nomar Garciaparra, 1-for-13 as the Dodgers were swept in a four-game series by the Cardinals in St. Louis.
What to watch: If Jeff Kent, back from his stay on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle, can heat up. He’s 1-for-12 since his return.
Giants (46-47)
Who’s hot: Rookie starter Matt Cain. He threw six innings of one-hit ball Sunday, the third time this season he’s allowed just one hit in a start.
Who’s not: Giants relievers, who blew two games to the Phillies over the weekend.
What to watch: The health of slugging second baseman Ray Durham, who left Sunday’s game with a jammed shoulder. His solo homer in the second inning was his fourth homer in six games.
Rockies (44-48)
Who’s hot: Rockies starting pitchers, who have a 4.18 ERA, the best mark in the NL.
Who’s not: Rockies relievers, who have an ERA of 12.92 during the eight-game losing streak.
What to watch: The moves the club is likely to make this week. There is a chance the Rockies will bring up center fielder Jeff Salazar, right-handed reliever Manuel Corpas or left-handed reliever Steve Colyer.
