NL West Report: Divisional All-Stars/Snubs Announced

I'm going to just take it easy today.  Here is the All-Star roundup for the NL West:

Arizona

On the Team:

On the Bubble:  No one

Biggest Snub:  I'm pulling out the Omar Infante card on this one.

Colorado

On the Team:

On the Bubble:  CarGo is one of the final five candidates for the fan vote-in.

Biggest Snub:   Olivo leads all NL catchers in average, slugging, HR, RBI, OPS, OPS+, WAR, CS% and triples.  

Los Angeles

On the Team:

On the Bubble:  No one.

Biggest Snub:  Furcal has more WAR (Fangraphs) than every shortstop in MLB and is just 0.2 behind Tulowitzki on Baseball-Reference despite playing only 51 games.  OMAR INFANTE?

San Diego

On the Team:

On the Bubble:  Bell is one of the five finalists for the fan vote-in.

Biggest Snubs:  It is utterly ridiculous that a team can have the best record in the NL, led by the best staff ERA in MLB, yet send zero pitchers to the ASG.  Gregerson ranks 2nd in the NL in WAR, and Mat Latos has been utterly dominant since May.

San Francisco

On the Team:

On the Bubble:  Huff is being considered as an injury replacement should any outfielder or first-baseman get injured this week.

Biggest Snub:  There's a good argument to be made that Cain has actually pitched better than Tm Lincecum this season.

Team capsules after the jump.

Arizona (32-50, 5th, L2, 17.0 GB)

Last Week: 2-4.  1-2 @ Cardinals.  1-2 vs. Dodgers.  The Diamondbacks don't win with pitching very often, so when their offense sputters, they are in trouble.  They scored more than four runs only one, scored one run twice and were shutout last week.

Divisional Change: Lost 1.5 games to first-place San Diego.

This Week: 3 game home series vs. Cubs.  3 game home series vs. Marlins.  Ian Kennedy and Barry Enright will pitch twice for Kirk Gibson.

You Should Know:  The Diamondbacks played inspired ball Friday following the firing of manager A.J. Hinch and GM Josh Byrnes by bludgeoning the Dodgers 12-5.  They were then outscored 17-2 in their next two games.

All-Star:  OF Chris Young.

News:  For the second time in 13 months, the Diamonnbacks fired their manager after a disappointing start.  Maybe you can blame the first one on Bob Melvin, but then whose fault is A.J. Hinch, whom GM Josh Byrnes hired himself?  Perhaps it isn't a surprised that Byrnes was fired along with Hinch.  If you're sympathetically masochistic or ruthlessly vindictive, go check out AZSnakePit's reaction to the firings.  Also, Jim McLennan posted a very good column trying to answer the question:  "What now for the Arizona Diamondbacks?"

MLBTR has compiled links to several different reactions of the moves, and most seem skeptical of the Byrnes dismissal.

Owner Ken Kendrick said he recently discovered the extent of Arizona's depleted farm system and used that as one reason for jettisoning his general manager.  Not surprisingly, that excuse was quickly addressed by the blogging community.  Without explicitly stating his point was in response to Kendrick's comments, Marc Hulet of Fangraphs suggests that Arizona "boasts an exciting minor league system," mostly at the strength of the 2009 draft.  Josh Byrnes was able to select 7 of the first 64 players off the board, but the system was pretty barren before that.

As for the replacement, it's another former member of the Colorado Rockies organization.  Jerry DiPoto closed for the Rockies in 1997 and 1998 and finished his career as a Rockie in 2000.  Dylan Hernandez suggests Arizona won't search for a permanent GM until after the season, though Jon Heyman reported that DiPoto could retain the job "depending on how things go."

That might be tough to judge, according to Nick Cafardo, who pulled this quote from a "DiPoto ally:"

"I get the feeling the major shots will be called above Jerry.  If Jerry gets a chance, he'll do some interesting things, but we'll see whether he'll have some reins on him.''

I was very much a fan of DiPoto when he was a Rockie, and I hope he gets all the chances in the world to turn that organization around.  I really do.  He (or those above him?) wasted no time, as the Diamondbacks FO called Boston to try and work out a Chris Snyder trade Friday, DiPoto's first day on the job.  Let's root for DiPoto to turn this off.  Chris Iannetta doesn't do well when looking over his shoulder.

Dontrelle Willis

#35 / Pitcher / Arizona Diamondbacks

Height: 6-4

Weight: 225

Bats: L

Throws: L

Born: Jan 12, 1982

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2010 - Dontrelle Willis	1-1	6	5	0	0	0	0	22.1	24	17	17	3	27	14	6.85	2.28

The first official roster move of the DiPoto era came on Day 3, as recently acquired LHP Dontrelle Willis was DFA'ed. A handful of teams were interested in Willis before the Diamondbacks acquired him, so it is likely that one of those teams remains interested and will claim him soon.  Willis just has no control whatsoever.  I'm glad the Rockies are long past taking flyers on such guys and praying they will be awesome again in the rotation.

The Super Two cutoff this year was less than expected.  The bad news doesn't get better for Arizona, as one of the biggest beneficiaries is IF Tony Abreu, who qualifies as a Super Two largely in part to 30 days of service time agent Scott Boras fought for and was awarded.

Jerry Crasnick heard the Phillies are interested in trading for Dan Haren.

I took my girlfriend to her first baseball game in ten years last July 3, as the Diamondbacks visited the Rockies.  On that day, the Diamondbacks committed three errors, and Dexter Fowler scored on his own hit to left field thanks to Arizona's defense.  Since that day, she has dubbed the D-Backs as "The Circus Team."  One year to the day of that event, the D-Backs reprised their role, and then some, committing SIX errors in Kirk Gibson's second game.

Transactions:  DFAed LHP Dontrelle Willis and recalled LHP Jordon Norberto.  Optioned RHP Carlos Rosa and called up RHP Barry Enright.

Injuries: Brandon Webb threw a successful bullpen session Saturday, though there is still no timetable for his return.

Los Angeles (45-36, 3rd, W2, 3.5 GB)

Last Week: 5-1.  3-0 @ Giants, 2-1 @ Diamondbacks.  The Dodgers caught a bit of a break in facing the last-place D-Backs and reeling Giants, but they did what they needed to do in going 5-1 on the road in the division.

Divisional Change:  Took sole possession of 2nd place and gained 1.5 games on first place San Diego.  

This Week:  3 game home series vs. Marlins.  4 game home series vs. Cubs.  John Ely and Vicente Padilla are two start pitchers.

You Should Know:  Rafael Furcal has played in only 51 games, but he leads all MLB shortstops in WAR, even Troy Tulowitzki.  

All-Stars:  Jonathan Broxton and Andre Ethier.

News:  When the Dodgers were first linked to Cliff Lee, he was wearing Cleveland duds.  Two teams later, Los Angeles is still tied to him.  In fact, the Dodgers were one of three teams reported to be scouting Lee's start yesterday.  Then consider that Lee feels his days in Seattle are numbered:  he was already feeling last week as if his start June 29 was his last for the Mariners.  Surely, his agent must be telling him there is something in the works.

Cliff Lee

#36 / Pitcher / Seattle Mariners

Height: 6-3

Weight: 190

Bats: L

Throws: L

Born: Aug 30, 1978

---

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2010 - Cliff Lee	8-3	13	13	5	1	0	0	103.2	92	31	27	5	6	89	2.34	.95

As has been reported for weeks now, the Dodgers aren't expected to have much money available to add a pitcher.  Lee wouldn't be a big financial commitment, but if Ned Colletti can't swing the $4-5million left on Lee's final deal, the Dodgers are in more trouble than we thought.  Still, it is worth noting that "there is very little expectation within the Dodgers' organization. that major money, or even middling money, will be made available to add a pitcher" according to Buster Olney.

Despite the rental tag, 12-15 teams are interested in Lee, and with Olney reporting Seattle is looking for an impact bat in return, Ned Colletti would really have to reach with prospects (or  Matt Kemp?) to net Lee.  If not a major league player, a deal would have to include Dee Gordon, Ivan DeJesus, or Andrew Lambo.

Earlier last week, FeelingDodgerBlue said it was time to trade Matt Kemp and Russell Martin.  That's certainly not what most Dodger fans expected to want a year ago today.  But Kemp has burst out of Torre's doghouse following an injury to Manny Ramirez, going 9-for-22 with 3 HR in leading the Dodgers to a sweep of San Francisco and a series win in Arizona.

Alex Speier rehashes the Dodgers signing of 15-year-old Adrian Beltre and how it changed the way the free agent market operates.

The Dodgers need help in the bullpen, but Jon Weisman warns (using the George Sherrill/Josh Bell swap last year) that trading for relievers could be a very bad idea.

Brad Ausmus has had a good career.  It would be very tempting to pack it in after his first ever trip to the disabled list, but Ausmus will not retire and is aiming to rehab after the All-Star Break in order to return this year.

If you're still hungry for more material on the Dodgers, check out Eric Stephen's Week in Review at TBLA.

Transactions:   Optioned RHP Ramon Troncoso and outrighted RHP Cory Wade to AAA Albuquerque.  Recalled OF Xavier Paul and RHP Travis Schlichting.  RHP Charlie Haeger cleared waivers and was outrighted to AAA.

Injuries:  Placed LF Manny Ramirez on the 15-day DL retroactive to June 30 with a strained hamstring.

San Diego (49-33, 1st, W3)

Last Week: 4-3.  1-2 vs. Rockies.  3-1 vs. Astros.  That's not particularly what Padres fans were hoping for for this homestand, after losing three of four to start, they got healthy against the weak Houston bats. 

Divisional Change:  Lost 1.5 games to 2nd place Los Angeles.  Their placement in first place this Monday marks the 11th straight Monday.  This is getting very legitimate.

This Week:  3 game road series @ Nationals.  3 game road series @ Rockies.  Only Tampa Bay has a better road record than San Diego, so don't expect the young Padres to be dismayed by a cross-country road trip.   Clayton Richard will take the mound in both series.

You Should Know:  Not only does San Diego have the best record in the National League, they also have the best run differential, trailing only Texas, Tampa Bay and the Yankees for the best in MLB.  

All-Stars:  Adrian Gonzalez.  Maybe Heath Bell.

News:   As reported earlier, the Padres are interested in adding starting pitching, not just offense, in re-tooling to stave off the rest of the NL West.  Ken Rosenthal suggests Edwin Jackson is a fit, but frankly, I have trouble seeing the Diamondbacks freely handing over E-Jax to a division rival, especially Arizona was projected to be a better team than San Diego this season.   That's a bitter pill.

As Rockies fans already know, the Padres are one of three teams that Rosenthal suggests the Padres are interested in Jermaine Dye.

Jermaine Dye

#23 / Designated Hitter / San Diego Padres?

Height: 6-5

Weight: 245

Bats: R

Throws: R

Born: Jan 28, 1974

Transactions:  DFAed RHP Sean Gallagher and optioned OF Aaron Cunningham July 1, then recalled Cunningham Saturday.

Injuries: Will Venable was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday with lower back stiffness.  Activated RHP TIm Stauffer and PH Matt Stairs from the 15-day DL last Thursday.

San Diego Padres Injuries

15-Day

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Will Venable	lower-back	07/02/2010
Kyle Blanks	elbow	05/18/2010

60 Day DL / Out for the season

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Chris Young	shoulder	04/07/2010
Matt Antonelli	hand	04/30/2010

San Francisco (41-40, 4th, L1, 7.5 GB)

Last Week: 1-6.  0-3 @ Dodgers.  1-3 @ Rockies.  If a 2-4 week against Houston and Boston is disappointing, this past week is an outright disaster for the Giants.  You can bet many bayside residents are mercilessly tortuting their Bochy voodoo dolls.

Divisional Change:  Lost three games to first place San Diego for the second consecutive week.  Fell from second place to fourth place in the division.

This Week:  4 game road series @ Brewers.  3 game road series @ Nationals.  The reeling Giants are going to have a hard time staying above .500, move from Denver immediately for seven road games with a short bullpen.  Jonathan Sanchez and Madison Bumgarner are scheduled to pitch twice this week.

You Should Know:  The Giants called up Madison Bumgarner June 26.  Since that day, San Francisco is 1-8, scoring no more than three runs in any game....except their lone win....against Ubaldo Jimenez, when they scored 11 runs.  Go figure.

All-Stars:  Tim Lincecum and Brian Wilson.  Aubrey Huff is being considered as an injury replacement.

News:   Obviously, the big news was the trade of Bengie Molina.  Instead of linking the long list of reactions to the news, I'll just refer you to MLBTR's collection of reactions to the trade.  It's always funny to learn these things:  Molina heard of the trade via his teammates first.

The obvious domino that falls immediately after that move is the placement of Buster Posey behind the plate permanently as  the starting catcher.  Additionally, that means Brian Sabean can pursue a corner outfielder or corner infielder.  This is certainly something to look out for leading up to the trade deadline, as it greatly expands the list of potential bats.

The bat every Giant fan wants is Prince Fielder.  He carries a big stick, he would return the clubhouses average mass to its rightful place as MLB's heaviest, and he is under team control.  In case you've forgotten, Prince Fielder's premeditated walk-off celebration occurred against the Giants, but Barry Zito thinks he would still be welcomed.

Prince Fielder

#28 / First Base / Milwaukee Brewers San Francisco Giants?

Height: 5-11

Weight: 270

Bats: L

Throws: R

Born: May 09, 1984

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2010 - Prince Fielder	82	305	50	80	13	0	18	36	50	80	1	0	.262	.385	.482

But don't get too worried about Fielder heading west.  Buster Olney doesn't see a fit with the Giants and Fielder. With the way Matt Cain has pitched this year, Olney doesn't expect the Giants to give him up, especially with growing unspoken concerns about Lincecum.  With Bumgarner and Sanchez too weak to make the deal, don't look for this to happen.

AOL FanHouse reports that Brian Sabean won't trade for rent-a-players, negating a lot of potential fits.  Those left include Josh Willingham, Fielder, David DeJesus and Corey Hart.  So root for the Brewers to start winning if you don't want the Giants to add a bat.

Among those above, Dave Cameron of Fangraphs suggests the Giants acquire DeJesus.

Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle suggests the Giants should trade Aaron Rowand for Carlos Zambrano.  Rowand is no longer the Giants' best CF option with Andres Torres' breakout year.  With Pat Burrell, Nate Schierholtz, Aubrey Huff and an acquired bat likely to take reps at the corners, it might not be a bad idea.

Andrew Baggarly from the San Jose Mercury Times reports that the Giants' won't go a "spending spree" for international players.  Sounds good to me.

Lastly, Brian Sabean defends the poll Buster Olney posted calling him the most difficult general manager to work with, in part due to the difficulty of reaching him on the phone.  In a thinly veiled jab back at Olney, Sabean claims he tried in vain to contact Olney on the telephone after the article was published.

Transactions:   Traded C/DGIDP Bengie Molina to Texas for RHP Chris Ray and RHP Michael Main.