SAN DIEGO — The idea that this division could be tighter than Saran Wrap in September is becoming more realistic.
With the all-star break approaching, no National League West team appears capable of running away and hiding. The Padres, Dodgers, Rockies and Giants are a good week away from trading spaces.
All have strengths, but more salient, all have flaws. The team that finds a way to camouflage those flaws, whether through internal reinforcements or trades, will be the one that creates separation in the standings. It would be easy to dismiss the Padres as a fluke except for this: They lead baseball in ERA, relief ERA and road ERA. So don’t hold your breath waiting for the big Shamu flop.
A look at where the West stands as the calendar flips to July.
PADRES
What went right (in June): Bullpen has six relievers with ERAs under 3.00 and four under 2.00. Setup man Luke Gregerson is holding left-handers to an .088 average, best in the NL. He has 51 K’s and four walks.
What went wrong: Offense living dangerously. The Padres scored more than five runs only six times in June.
Bottom line: This is a team that has a knack for producing its best at-bats when it matters most. And they catch the ball, as evidenced by David Eckstein’s error-free season.
DODGERS
What went right: With Jonathan Broxton and Ramon Troncoso assuming Mike Marshall workloads — Broxton threw 48 pitches Sunday — Jeff Weaver has helped stabilize the bullpen with a 3.09 ERA.
What went wrong: Matt Kemp hit below the Mendoza line in June and was benched for three consecutive games this week. Manager Joe Torre has grown tired of Kemp’s sloppy base-running and defense.
Bottom line: There’s a volatile nature to the Dodgers that suggests the ownership-player drama will either unite them or completely tear them apart.
GIANTS
What went right: The starting rotation remains stellar. Four of the five have ERAs of 3.43 or below.
What went wrong: Lackluster lineup remains an ongoing problem. They scored seven runs in a four-game stretch earlier this week. And for reasons that defy explanation, Matt Cain (0-8) can’t beat the Dodgers.
Bottom line: The Giants need to add a bat, but aren’t eyeing rental players. They want someone they can control for a few years if they are going to give up a premium prospect.
ROCKIES
What went right: Offense has finally gone from flat line to red line. Miguel Olivo and Carlos Gonzalez, both deserving of all-star berths, have been the team’s most consistent performers.
What went wrong: Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki broke his left wrist when hit by a pitch. He was off to the best start of his career. He’s out until August.
Bottom line: Team has pitched and caught the ball well enough to lead the division. If offense continues to click, the Rockies should be in a good position when Jorge De La Rosa (July 8) and Tulowitzki return.
DIAMONDBACKS
What went right: Edwin Jackson threw the second no-hitter in team history.
What went wrong: The Dontrelle Willis experiment is not working out, and he might be cut.
Bottom line: The only issue is who will be traded and who will remain employed. Everything is under scrutiny, given this team’s dreadful performance.
