Around the Division

To conclude this off-day, I would like to take a quick glance around the National League West. Although this blog focuses strictly on the Los Angeles Dodgers, it is essential to analyze our division rivals from time to time. 

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks are currently leading the Boston Red Sox in the top of the ninth-inning, 2-1. Dan Haren pitched six innings for Arizona, striking out a total of five batters. In 2008 thus far, he has achieved a 7-4 record with a 3.26 ERA.

Chris Young has been powering the offense in tonight's game thus far. The center-fielder doubled in a run in the top of the seventh-inning. Overall, however, it's been a pretty slow offensive game for both teams. They have only connected on ten hits combined.

Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies are losing to the Royals, 7-4, in Kansas City. The Rockies are only 3.5 games behind the Dodgers and thus Los Angeles would be pleased to see the Rockies fall to the Royals, an organization which has struggled in recent years. In tonight's game thus far, Kansas City has limited Colorado to only five hits through eight innings. The Rockies haven't looked any better defensively.

Jeff Francis, supposedly one of Colorado's best pitchers, surrendered seven earned-runs in only 4.1 innings of work. Surprisingly, in only about four innings on the mound, Francis managed to throw a total of 88 pitches (63% strikes). If the Rockies lose, the hurler will probably be charged with his seventh loss of the 2008 Regular Season.

The Dodgers must beware of Matt Holliday, though. The slugger booted his ninth home-run of 2008 in the fifth-inning of tonight's game.  However, Garrett Atkins remains the Rockies' top offensive star.