Schilling AP

The Good ... The best 1-2 pitching combination in baseball -- Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling -- has been the backbone of this team, which is solid all around. All-Star Luis Gonzalez (.356, 35, 84) and castoff Reggie Sanders (.257, 19, 57) have surprised, while veteran Mark Grace (.322, 9, 46) has offered a solid start.

The Bad ... They've lost closer Matt Mantei to injury, and they're a little uneasy about Bret Prinz, who's done well (3-0, 1.17, eight saves) but is unproven in the pressure cooker of September. There's a considerable drop-off after Schilling and Johnson. But, of course, there would be. Leadoff man Tony Womack (.237, 1, 17) has been disappointing

The Rest ... The D'backs are built to contend. To win, even. They have enough veterans that they won't spook in a pennant race, especially if they trade for help in the bullpen. Awash in red ink, they won't go nuts before the trade deadline. But they won't have to. A 100-win season is within reach.  

Park AP

The Good ... Young Paul Lo Duca (.352, 14, 44) has had an awesome first half, aided by the always dangerous Gary Sheffield (.299, 17, 43) and strong Shawn Green (.295, 20, 64). Ace Kevin Brown is still the ace (7-3, 2.77) despite a neck problem that shelved him for a while, and young Luke Prokopec (6-4, 4.18) and Chan Ho Park (8-5, 2.91) have pitched well.

The Bad ... Injuries have hurt the Dodgers, mainly to pitchers Darren Dreifort and Andy Ashby, who are gone for the season. They will struggle to find replacements, especially if Prokopec, who hasn't won since May 26, continues to falter. That starting pitching will make or break their season.

The Rest ... All-Star Jeff Shaw (24 saves, 3.07 ERA) backs up what was a solid pitching staff before injuries. Manager Jim Tracy has done well, considering the injuries and the controversy surrounding the firing of GM Kevin Malone. But the Dodgers need an injury-free second half from Brown. If they add a pitcher before the trade deadline (Colorado's Astacio?), they could be dangerous.  

Bonds AP

The Good ... Well, Barry Bonds (.298, 39, 71) has had a first half, hasn't he? It's all but overshadowed the All-Star start of Rich Aurilia (.356, 12, 35) and the steady Jeff Kent (.291, 12, 61). Shawn Estes (7-2, 3.27) and Russ Ortiz (8-5, 3.36) have been the best starters the team has, but the whole staff would be in trouble if not for Robb Nen's 25 saves. Old man Benito Santiago (.289, 3, 26) has been solid at catcher.

The Bad ... Livan Hernandez has struggled mightily (6-11, 6.20), though he's been a workhorse and has had a decision in all but one of his starts. Bonds has slumped lately, stuck on 39 homers for what seems forever. Marvin Benard is hitting just .213. The Giants are 18-20 against the West, 4-8 against L.A. and 1-5 against Arizona.

The Rest ... San Francisco has the firepower to stick in the West, especially if Bonds gets hot again, Kent goes off and guys like Aurilia and Armando Rios contribute. The question is the pitching. The Giants used a hot second half last year (starting in July, they went 59-27) to win the West last season. Can Dusty Baker push his team that far again?  

Walker AP

The Good ... Wow, what a lineup. Larry Walker (.343, 25, 78), Todd Helton (.317, 25, 82), Todd Walker, (.308, 10, 38), even Neifi Perez (.316, 6, 40). Juan Pierre (.329) and Jeff Cirillo (.317, 11, 47). And we could go on. Mike Hampton (9-4, 3.76) and Denny Neagle (6-2, 4.36) are the free-agent saviors of the Rockies' pitching staff.

The Bad ... Unfortunately for the Rocks, after Hampton and Neagle everything is up in the Coors Field air. No other starters have better than a .500 record or lower than a 5.00 ERA. And, at 12 games back, the Rocks are ready to deal one of them (Pedro Astacio). The staff closer has only 12 saves.

The Rest ... This team is as maddening as any in the NL. They added Hampton and Neagle, but the staff still struggles. Even an All-Star laden offense can't pull them out. Trading Astacio may help a little, but the real help will come in the offseason when the Rocks must bolster the entire pitching staff.  

Nevin AP

The Good ... There was some promise shown early, thanks to guys like Phil Nevin (.306, 19, 65) and Ryan Klesko (.299, 17, 70) and the spark provided by Rickey Henderson. Bubba Trammell has chipped in, too, with 14 homers and 53 RBIs. Adam Eaton (8-4, 4.31) has been their steadiest starter. In fact, he's the only regular with more wins than losses.

The Bad ... Henderson has hit the skids (he batted .164 in June and is at .216) and the Padres have stuck with him. Bobby J. Jones has been awful (4-11, 3.93), but with only 3.11 runs a game -- worst in the league -- he's getting no help from the offense. Woody Williams (5-6, 5.15) may look better, but he gets 7.18 runs a game, among the best in the NL.

The Rest ... The short ride for the Padres atop the West was fun while it lasted, but don't expect them to return. Now 12 1/2 games back and in last place in the West, they need more power in their lineup (they're 12th in total bases and 14th in homers) and at least a couple front-line pitchers. They can't trade for that, so it looks like a long second half ahead.