Diamondbacks in the rough

On the eve of the playoffs, Arizona feels the heat

With the Diamondbacks dropping like flies and their losing streak growing, are they vulnerable enough that even Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson won't be able to hold off the Braves?
—Jennifer Karmel, Athens, Ga.

I thought last week that the Diamondbacks were the team to beat in the NL. But with Luis Gonzalez out, they've come back to the pack. Remember, too, that the Giants played Arizona (and the Big Two) very well during the season and could be big trouble if they get into the playoffs and get past Atlanta.

It seems like everyone has already given Curt Schilling the Cy Young Award. But has anyone mentioned that Randy Johnson has the stats to win the pitching triple crown? Stephen Cannella gives the edge to Schilling. Whom do you vote for?
— GC, Brooklyn, N.Y.

It's Johnson. The edge he has in ERA is too large to overlook. That's the danger with locking on to MVPs and Cy Youngs in August or early September.

The focus of the upcoming playoffs has been the outstanding pitching of the contenders. St. Louis has a solid staff, but it's not as good as Atlanta's or Arizona's. Many would agree that the Cardinals may have the best offensive lineup in the National League (when healthy). Do you think St. Louis' offense is capable of compensating for the pitching gap between them and the other teams?
—Shaun Corley, Normal, Ill.

Yes, the Cardinals are dangerous because they probably have the best starting eight in the postseason. I think they are especially dangerous in a shorter series, when their pitching problems aren't as exposed. That said, they will still need at least one starter to step up behind Matt Morris, or else they'll be done quickly, even with that offense.

We've seen the great season John Smoltz has compiled as a closer. Do you foresee any other long-time starters taking the same path as their careers wind down?
—Mike, Halifax, Nova Scotia

I think Kevin Brown could do it, but paying $15 million a year for a closer is nuts. It's not something you plan for, anyway. Dennis Eckersley became a closer when he began to fail as a starter. Smoltz became a closer when he blew out his elbow.

Great piece on Barry Bonds. He's one of my all-time favorites. What impresses you most about Bonds' numbers, his walks or his average?
—Andre Thomas, Waldorf, Md.

I'm blown away by his batting average because he hits through a shift and sees so few good pitches.

What do you think the chances are that Jeff Kent will re-sign with the Giants after the season? I know he's had problems with Barry Bonds, but he's been one of the best players in baseball the past six years and the Giants need him if they want to keep winning.
—Geoff Landtbom, San Francisco

I'd put it at 50-50. If we see the market correction with free agents that many GMs expect, I think Kent will be back. But if a few teams get loose with their dollars, he's gone because the Giants are not likely to be the highest bidder.

What do you think of the job Blue Jays rookie GM J.P. Ricciardi has done? Was it the right move for the club to go with a youth movement? Do you think Ricciardi will be with Toronto next year?
—Richard Perry, Thornhill, Ontario

I think Ricciardi has done a good job in cleaning out some dead wood, establishing a good work ethic and keeping the Blue Jays respectable, despite slashing the payroll almost in half. That said, I still think he's a frontrunner for the GM job in Boston.

The battle for the American League Gold Glove at shortstop is tougher to call than in previous years. Do you think Omar Vizquel will win his 10th in a row? Or will Alex Rodriguez finally capture his first? I also think Mike Bordick has done a marvelous job this year, but he's missed a third of the season
—Isanie Pino, Caracas, Venezuela

A-Rod slipped down the stretch and Bordick has no range to speak of. I think Vizquel is still golden.

Why was Vladimir Guerrero not included on your list of NL MVP candidates? He has carried the Expos to a better-than-anticipated .500 record. He is one homer from the 40-40 club, an amazing feat considering he has virtually no protection in the lineup. Although I think it would be ludicrous if Barry Bonds does not win the award, it would be just as ludicrous if Guerrero does not finish in the top five.
— Tony Jones, Edmonton, Alberta

I told you I was open to change over the final two weeks. I took Sammy Sosa off and put Guerrero down, though I can't have him in the top five, not when there are too many guys having great seasons for teams that have been contenders for six months.

It's a crime that Bobby Cox isn't getting any mention for NL Manager of the Year. Everyone has been trying to write off the Braves for the last 2-3 years and Cox has kept them motoring right along. They are legitimate World Series contenders that nobody talks about. Why the lack of respect?
—Jason Casteel, Atlanta

I think the past October flameouts by Cox's teams have hurt his reputation. In my book he's one of the best managers in the game for maintaining the high standards in Atlanta.

With all the talk of diluted pitching staffs, "enhanced" players and smaller ball parks, why are so many pitchers having absolutely stellar years and closing in on 20 wins? Has there ever been a year with so many pitchers able to dominate the way they have?
— Michael Mark, Toronto

This could be the first year with eight 20-game winners since 1978 and the first time with at least seven 20-game winners in back-to-back years since 1977-78.

Sports Illustrated senior writer Tom Verducci covers baseball for the magazine and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com. Check back next week for his dispatches from the 2002 playoffs.

 

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