N.L. (Baseball).

Arizona Diamondbacks

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47-32 2nd in West

FIRST-HALF SURPRISES: Junior Spivey came to camp with a shot at the 25th spot on the roster if he showed he could be an extra outfielder and play all over the infield. But as the injuries mounted--specifically 3B Matt Williams and IF Jay Bell--and Spivey hammered the ball, he earned the starting job at second base. Spivey has continued to improve, showing better pitch recognition than during his call-up last season. He also has displayed better gap power and is playing better defense. Spivey is a valuable righthanded bat in a lefthanded-dominated lineup, with one of the league's top averages against lefthanded pitching.... Rookie RHP Mike Koplove, a September call-up last year, came back in early June. With more confidence, the sidearmer has taken over the righthanded setup role.

WHO MUST STEP UP: RHP Todd Stottlemyre must be able to handle the eighth inning if Koplove can't hold his setup spot. The dub needs someone it can trust in the eighth inning so it doesn't have to rely on closer Byung-Hyun Kim so often for more than one inning. Stottlemyre began the season in the rotation but, after a stint on the disabled list to rest his shoulder, he now is working as a reliever.... Someone needs to provide power hitting. 1B Erubiel Durazo has struggled, as have CF Steve Finley and C Damian Miller.

NEXT MOVES: The moves Arizona makes at the trade deadline will depend on what areas falter in the next few weeks. The pressing need is righthanded relief, but that market is thin. Royals RHP Roberto Hernandez probably is not an upgrade--and his salary would be a concern. The club could break the bank and go after Tigers RHP Jeff Weaver. And if the offense continues to slumber, a power-hitting right fielder also would be attractive.--Ed Price

MIDSEASON GRADES