D-backs could be a tall order for Cubs

 The Cubs have the best record in baseball and a 6 1/2-game cushion in the National League Central Division race, but some scouts who have seen both teams recently predict Chicago might have trouble getting past the first round of the playoffs.
 Based on Friday's won-loss records, the Cubs would host Arizona in the Division Series, with the Wild Card Brewers heading to New York to take on the Mets.
 The Diamondbacks are near the bottom of the league in hitting (12th) and fielding (13th). They have the worst record of any of the eight teams currently leading a playoff race. They have played only .500 ball (12-12) since the trade deadline. The Cubs won four of six meetings between the two teams this year, including a sweep at Wrigley Field back in May.
 So, assuming both teams hold on in September and face each other in October, why do the scouts think the Diamondbacks could have the Cubs' number again this year?
 "Pitching," one NL scout said. "They can throw (Brandon) Webb, (Dan) Haren, (Doug) Davis and Randy Johnson. Any one of them is capable of dominating. The Cubs have great pitching too, but I could see Webb and Haren coming up big on the road and then the whole thing would swing Arizona's way."
 Another scout agreed.
 "All the pressure would be on the Cubs, not the Diamondbacks," he said. "The Diamondbacks have had a dozen guys on the DL, they'll get (Justin) Upton back soon, and their rotation is finally healthy. I could see (the first round) setting up well for Arizona. If I'm the Cubs, I'd rather face anybody but the Diamondbacks."
 
 -- The Red Sox would like to strengthen their lefty relief options beyond Hideki Okajima, and are among the teams eyeing Colorado's Brian Fuentes. Fuentes was placed on the bereavement list Tuesday and is expected to be activated this weekend. It is unclear that the Rockies would be willing to move Fuentes since they are only six games out in the National League West race.

 -- More than one scout is scratching his had at Dusty Baker's insistence on playing center fielder Corey Patterson every day. The Reds center fielder is batting .197, the lowest average in the Major Leagues for players with at least 275 plate appearances.
 "I know they're not deep (in the outfield) and he wants to evaluate guys, but he's got to know Patterson by now," said a veteran National League scout. "They've got other young guys they should be getting a good look at now."

 -- The Red Sox and White Sox had scouts at Minute Maid Park Wednesday night watching Houston's Roy Oswalt beat Cincinnati, though it may have been a coincidence. The Astros aren't interested in trading Oswalt, and the right-hander has a full no-trade clause anyway.

 -- The Phillies have acquired Matt Stairs from the Blue Jays, according to foxsports.com, though neither side was confirming any deal Friday morning. Stairs was designated for assignment following Thursday night's game, and a trade to a contender was expected to be finalized by Saturday. Philadelphia as a destination makes sense, as the Phillies have been looking for a lefty bat and have also been considering Mike Lamb, recently DFA'd by Minnesota. The Blue Jays will use Stairs' roster spot to give top prospect Travis Snider an audition.

 -- The Angels' search for shortstop help has the team considering several outside options, including Toronto's Marco Scutaro, John McDonald or David Eckstein. Maicer Izturis went on the disabled list Aug. 13 with a thumb injury, leaving the Angels with only Erick Aybar at the position.

 -- Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano, who gave up three runs on seven hits in five innings last Saturday in his first start since April 9, 2007, is available. Pavano is in the final year of a four-year, $40 million contract.