N.L.(baseball)

Arizona Diamondbacks

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83-66

1st West

Kim may have reached his limit in innings

Although manager Bob Brenly said he was confident in closer RHP Byung-Hyun Kim, there may be cause for concern. Entering the week, Kim had pitched 91 2/3 innings, second most among major league relievers. His previous professional high was a combined 80 (Arizona and Tucson) last year. His effectiveness has dropped off significantly. In his first nine appearances in September, Kim was 1-3 with a 6.00 ERA and one save in three chances. Brenly attributed a recent spate of costly home runs to Kim's throwing strikes, yet the reliever had struck out only three and walked five in nine innings in September. Kim still is learning English, so a communication gap might have kept the team from knowing he is tired. Kim has admitted that his fastball has lacked its usual movement. But Brenly has few alternatives. He already is using rookie RHP Mike Koplove, who was called up September 4, in key situations because of the uncertainty of RHP Bret Prinz (shoulder) and a lack of faith in others.

SCOUTING REPORT: 3B Matt Willlams fiddles constantly with his stance and stroke. Lately, he has been making solid contact but not driving the ball in the air. His production has dropped. Williams has not admitted to renewed leg problems, but he doesn't seem to be getting drive from his lower body. He has been dropped to sixth in the lineup, with RF Reggie Sanders taking over the cleanup spot. Defensively, Williams still has soft hands and an accurate arm, and his reactions have seemed even better in recent weeks.