N.L. (Baseball).

Arizona Diamondbacks

www.sportingnews.com/baseball/teams/diamondbacks

84-51 1st in West

PAIN IN THE NECK: IF Craig Counsell could miss the rest of the season because of a pinched nerve in his neck. A second opinion last week confirmed he almost certainly will need surgery. Though he hopes he can return this season and put off surgery, Counsell was not overly optimistic. Losing Counsell hurts the team's depth and the chance to rest its regulars.... A year ago, Arizona pinch hitters batted .278 with 14 homers and 54 RBIs in 273 atbats. Entering the week, those numbers were .203, 6, 27 and 192. Former full-time players Mark Grace and Jay Bell have had a hard time adjusting to getting one chance a game, and Chris Donnels, David Dellucci, Quinton McCracken and Greg Colbrunn have struggled when they have come off the bench.

TEAM MVP: 2B Junior Spivey came to spring training as a long shot to make the roster, but his play in the Cactus League, combined with injuries to others, gave him a chance to play regularly. He has had stunning success, keeping his average in the N.L.'s top 10 all season. Spivey also has added an element of speed and energy to an older, sometimes plodding, team. Though still raw defensively, he is capable of making some flashy plays in the field.

MINOR LEAGUE REPORT: Arizona has had seven drafts in its history, and talent has yet to trickle to the big leagues. But it's getting closer. 1B Lyle Overbay had a solid season at Class AAA Tucson and should be major league-ready in 2003. RHP Oscar Villarreal, who finished the year in Tucson, has a great arm. The best overall pitching was at Class AA El Paso, with LHP Mike Gosling, RHP Brandon and RHP Andrew Good all winning at least 10 games. El Paso also had the Texas League Player of the Year in 3B Chad Tracy, whose ability to hit is unquestioned, but he hasn't shown power and defense.--Ed Price

TSNumber 2.38