Phoenix Finally Drops Two, Makes Lineup Changes
August 26, 2001
Phoenix (AP) - Follwing a mid-season slump, during which Phoenix
allowed division rival Washington to flirt with the division
lead. Since then, however, Phoenix's offense has awakened, again
showing the power that propelled it to a large lead early in the
season. Despite the loss of starter Steve Avery at least until the
beginning of the playoffs, and perhaps for the season, Phoenix has won
10 games in a row, behind a powerful offense and solid pitching.
Phoenix's offense has been lead this season by outstanding
performances from not only Jeter, Mondesi, Justice, and Rodriguez, but
Brian Hunter and Steve Finley. Hunter is one HR and two steals short
of a 20/40 season, and Finley is already a 20/20 player for the
season. Both players are hitting over .300 for the season. This, along
with 20/20 performances from Jeter and Mondesi, and 33 HRs from
"Pudge" Rodriguez has allowed the Phoenix offense to score 764 runs so
fare this season, more than 100 runs more than any other team except
Area 51, which has scored 679 runs this season.
In addition, Phoenix's pitching remains solid. The team ERA of 3.71,
while not the best in the league has been more than sufficient. This
ERA is, in fact, more than 2 points lower than Phoenix's opponent's
ERA of 5.86. The staff has been lead this season by Shane Reynolds and
Greg Maddux, both of which have ERAs well under 3.0. In addition, Robb
Nen and Omar Daal both continue to shine out of the bullpen.
Is this finally the season for Phoenix? Desite making the playoffs the
last 4 seasons, Phoenix does not yet have a World Series ring to show
for it. Perhaps this year will be different.
