The Dodgers know better. They live in the shadow of Hollywood. Hello, threequels stink. In a quest for a third consecutive National League West title, they seemed poised in April to drive home the point that three is a tragic number.
But with summer in full gear, there sit the Dodgers with movie star good looks and crooked grins. They went 20-8 in May, a remarkable run considering that Andre Ethier missed 15 games.
They still have pitching and defensive issues — only two teams have committed more errors — but they have proved they can beat bad teams, and they play their best in the division. Denver Post national baseball writer Troy E. Renck examines where the West stands at the calendar flip:
PADRES
What went right: Jon Garland has added a changeup with the same arm speed as his sinker. He went 4-0 with a 1.85 ERA in May.
What went wrong: Yorvit Torrealba is the only starter with an average above .300 at Petco Park, a graveyard for offense.
Bottom line: They have returned to an old formula of seven- inning games. Teams can’t make a living trying to come back against Luke Gregerson and Heath Bell.
DODGERS
What went right: Closer Jonathan Broxton, below, converted 12 saves in May. The Dodgers beat up on their rivals, winning 16 of their first 21 games in the West.
What went wrong: The search for a fifth starter continues after the failed Ramon Ortiz-Charlie Haeger experiment. Carlos Monasterios could be the guy.
Bottom line: Clayton Kershaw has emerged as an ace. If the rotation improves, the Dodgers will be hard to knock out.
GIANTS
What went right: Juan Uribe and Edgar Renteria are much better than expected offensively. Buster Posey is athletic enough to play first base and help the lineup.
What went wrong: Mark DeRosa’s nagging wrist injury isn’t getting better. He will likely have surgery after the season.
Bottom line: They don’t hit much (24th in runs), so if Lincecum-Cain-Zito aren’t great, they will be doomed.
ROCKIES
What went right: Ubaldo Jimenez has the lowest ERA ever (0.78) among pitchers with 10 wins in first 11 starts.
What went wrong: Dexter Fowler is not working out as a switch hitter. The question is whether Seth Smith can excel as a starter. He feasts on fastballs from relievers.
Bottom line: The team is improving and could take off when closer Huston Street and starter Jorge De La Rosa return later this month.
DIAMONDBACKS
What went right: Second baseman Kelly Johnson should be the team’s lone all-star selection with his power surge (12 home runs).
What went wrong: Bullpen is awful (7.86 ERA). Bobby Howry and Blaine Boyer have already been cut.
Bottom line: They strike out too much, leaving them vulnerable against good pitching. And they lose games against bad pitching because relievers can’t hold leads.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
