N.L. Central.(BASEBALL)

CHICAGO CUBS

A lack of focus cost LHP Glendon Rusch his spot in the rotation. Rusch often had difficulty properly executing his pitches.... LHP Rich Hill, Rusch's replacement, benefited from being reunited with one of his former minor league pitching coaches, Alan Dunn, at Class AAA Iowa this season. Dunn noticed in spring training that Hill was rushing his delivery. APRIL SURPRISE: The Cubs are monitoring other pitchers who competed in the World Baseball Classic to see whether they're struggling as much as RHP Carlos Zambrano. Manager Dusty Baker wonders whether Zambrano, who was winless in April, peaked too early this spring as he prepared to pitch for Team Venezuela. Baker says Zambrano might be going through a dead-arm stage.--Carrie Muskat

CINCINNATI REDS

With IF Rich Aurilia (groin) on the D.L., 1B Scott Hatteberg will play every day. Hatteberg has a patient approach at the plate. He has not faced most opposing pitchers, so he is relying on video and advice from teammates.... Even though he has been slumping at the plate, SS Felipe Lopez hasn't lost confidence. He has been able to relax knowing that the starting job is his. APRIL SURPRISE: RHP Bronson Arroyo has pitched well beyond expectations. By continually mixing in breaking pitches and staying ahead in the count, Arroyo has worked quickly and gone deep into games. He says his big-game experience from pitching for Boston the past few seasons, especially against power-packed lineups such as the Yankees', has helped.--Mark Sheldon

HOUSTON ASTROS

Since struggling early, OF Jason Lane has been doing extra work with hitting coach Gary Gaetti. The key for Lane is to not shift his weight to his back foot before he swings. He now is standing straighter, which helps him distribute his weight more evenly.... RHP Taylor Buchholz has impressed manager Phil Comer with his ability to throw his fastball and curveball for strikes. Buchholz also has remained aggressive after he allows baserunners. APRIL SURPRISE: The Astros knew OF Preston Wilson struck out a lot when they signed him, but they didn't expect him to have more strikeouts (25) than hits (21) in April. If Wilson can't get on track soon, Garner will have to explore other options--perhaps Chris Burke when he recovers--in left field.--Alyson Footer

MILWAUKEE BREWERS