CAN ANYBODY FIGURE OUT THE NL CENTRAL AND WEST?
The Brewers still look like the team to beat in the Central. But they just went 5-14 in their 19-game stretch against clubs at .500 or better. They actually have a worse run differential (plus-7) than the Cubs (plus-11). And the big story, says one scout, is that “the last couple of weeks have introduced self-doubt into the minds of that team. They left home when they were 24-10, thinking they were that good. Now they’re not so sure.” The West looks like a three-team free-for-all. But watch out for the Padres. They have gone 17-9 in May. Their team ERA for the month (2.23) was more than a run better than anyone else’s in either league. And only the Mets and Red Sox have a better run differential than the Padres (plus-49). PIVOTAL INJURIES OF THE MONTH Joel Zumaya and Mike Gonzalez. Is it any coincidence the Tigers’ bullpen has a 6.42 ERA since the last time Zumaya pitched? This relief corps now has the second-worst ERA in the big leagues (5.30). And that, said one front-office man, “is
