NUMBERS GAME

8 times in its 10 years of existence Arizona has been in first or second place in the National League West on Aug. 1. Tampa Bay, the other expansion franchise in 1998, has been in last place in the American League East on that date in nine of its 10 seasons.

HIT AND MISS

It has become a San Diego ritual. For the second year in a row, the Padres made an in-season change with their hitting coach. Merv Rettenmund, who 13 months ago replaced Dave Magadan, was fired this week and replaced by Wally Joyner. Hitting coaches have become a popular target this season. Also fired this season were Rick Down with the Mets, Eddie Murray with the Dodgers and Kevin Seitzer with the Diamondbacks.

HE SAID IT

"My priorities changed real quickly. When I grew up, my dad wasn't there. When my kids grew up, I wasn't there. Now my grandkids are growing up and I haven't seen them."

Buddy Bell, who had a cancerous growth removed from his throat in September, on his decision to resign as manager of the Royals at the end of the season.