March 31, 2002|By Profiles by Peter Schmuck
On the spot: Kent, whose broken wrist apparently was the result of a motorcycle accident instead of a freak car-washing fall. The injury and apparent deception could hurt his standing with the organization, but he figures to return quickly and reassume his usual role as the second-best hitter in the Giants' lineup.
Where they'll be in October: If Kent and closer Robb Nen come back quickly from their spring injuries and Bonds doesn't fall off the planet after last year's record-breaking home run total, the Giants should take the Diamondbacks to the wire.
The staffs
D'backs
Rotation rank: 1
Bullpen rank: 2
Skinny: The first two guys in the rotation are almost a lock to combine for 40 wins, which is quite a head start on the rest of the division. The bullpen is solid, too, if closer Byung-Hyun Kim can ever forget the World Series.
Giants
Rotation rank: 3
Bullpen rank: 1
Skinny: The rotation is solid, despite the trade that sent Shawn Estes to Mets. Big issue is in the bullpen, where closer Robb Nen has been hampered by a spring ankle sprain.
Dodgers
Rotation rank: 2
Bullpen rank: 4
Skinny: The Dodgers figure to have a starter surplus if everyone ever gets healthy, but the closer situation figures to be an on-going experiment.
Padres
Rotation rank: 4
Bullpen rank: 3
Skinny: The winningest starter last year - Kevin Jarvis - was 12-11, but the rotation is not without potential. Look out for Adam Eaton. Bullpen depth isn't a big strength, but at least the Padres have a healthy, productive closer.
Rockies
Rotation rank: 5
Bullpen rank: 5
Skinny: This might be an better-than-average pitching staff in expansive Comerica Field, but not in Denver. The Rockies buffed up the bullpen with Todd Jones, who is about to find out that pitching statistics really are relative. -Peter Schmuck
