By trading for four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux, the Los Angeles Dodgers grabbed the biggest headlines. By acquiring Todd Walker from the Chicago Cubs, the San Diego Padres filled a glaring need at third base. By bringing the Kansas City Royals’ Jeremy Affeldt into their bullpen, the Rockies added a powerful left arm. But how those moves affect the skintight National League West remains to be seen.
As Colorado manager Clint Hurdle said of the Dodgers’ acquisition of Maddux: “It all depends on how he pitches. He’s got a great history, and the back of his gum card is awesome. But time will tell.”
Padres (55-50)
Who’s hot: Catcher Mike Piazza, who hit .407 in July (24-for-59) with five homers and 14 RBIs.
Who’s not: Starting pitcher Chan Ho Park, placed on the 15-day disabled list with abdominal pain and anemia.
What to watch: If Walker can provide some offensive pop. He hit .277 with a .352 on-base percentage, six homers and 40 RBIs for the Cubs.
Diamondbacks (54-51)
Who’s hot: Outfielder Eric Byrnes, who hit a game-tying, three-run homer Sunday in Arizona’s win over Houston, and also made a game-saving catch in the ninth.
Who’s not: Injured shortstop Craig Counsell (broken rib), who did not travel with the team to Chicago and still has not resumed baseball activities.
What to watch: Whether the Diamondbacks – who are 23-17 against the NL West – made the right decision by standing pat the trade deadline.
Rockies (51-54)
Who’s hot: Starter Jason Jennings: 1.13 ERA in his past two starts.
Who’s not: Right fielder Brad Hawpe. Going into Monday’s game, he was 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position since the all-star break.
What to watch: If catcher Danny Ardoin, back from the disabled list, can add some key hits to go with his skills behind the plate.
Giants (51-55)
Who’s hot: Second baseman Ray Durham (.387 average, three doubles and two homers in past eight games). He owned the Giants’ only hot bat during a six-game losing streak they carried into Monday’s game.
Who’s not: Closer Armando Benitez, who continues to give away games. Sunday night, he blew his third consecutive save.
What to watch: How reliever Brad Hennessey works out as the Giants’ new setup man.
Dodgers (50-55)
Who’s hot: Third baseman Wilson Betemit, a former Atlanta Brave, who made his Dodgers debut Sunday and was 3-for-4 with two doubles.
Who’s not: First baseman Nomar Garciaparra, back on the DL with a sprained right knee. He’s not due back until Aug. 9.
What to watch: If all the recent additions, chief among them reliever Elmer Dessens, infielder Julio Lugo and Maddux, will lift the Dodgers out of the cellar.
