The NL East is shaping up to be a three-team race, with the Atlanta Braves jumping back into the foray with a recent hot streak. The Mets, Phillies and Braves are all relatively close to each other, and the tension in the division surrounds the possibility that the Braves incredible string of postseason appearances ending in 2006.
New York Mets
Currently:
The Mets are a star-studded roster filled with household names, but the BA leader is young and unheralded 3B David Wright. He and Paul Lo Duca are the gnats that are constantly on base, and Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran are consistently bringing them home with power. However, the true strength of this team is pitching, led by Pedro Martinez and the ageless Tom Glavine. The Mets lead the NL in BAA.
Outlook:
The timeless baseball proverb states that good pitching beats good hitting, so if the Mets staff can keep up with its current pace, they appear to be the favorites in the division.
Philadelphia Phillies
Currently:
The Phillies have been knocking on the postseason door in recent seasons, and theyre once again in strong contention. The Phillies are doing it with the offensive spark being supplied by CF Aaron Rowand and 2B Chase Utley, as each of them are batting over .300. Ryan Howard and Pat Burrell are handling the power end of things. The teams pitching, other than reliever Tom Gordon, has been spotty. The staff is allowing the second highest BAA in the NL.
Outlook:
If the Phillies are going to finally get into the playoffs, their pitching will need to improve, and stars like Bobby Abreu and Jimmy Rollins will need to round into form. Whats good is that they are staying within reach while struggling in many ways.
Atlanta Braves
Currently:
It seems strange to see the Braves in the middle of the division standings, but they appear to be hitting their stride. The teams offense has been consistent as usual, with mainstays like Chipper and Andruw Jones having solid seasons, and Edgar Renteria and young C Brian McCann having great years. Overall, their pitching has been mediocre, and they rank in the middle of the NL in most relevant categories.
Outlook:
If their offense can keep pace and their pitching comes around as it has lately, the Braves will not go away quietly. One thing is sure - this team knows how to win divisions, so itd be foolish to count them out this early.
Washington Nationals
Currently:
The Nationals are off to a disappointing start after surprising the baseball world with a strong 2005 season. Other than Jose Vidro and Alfonso Soriano, this team has the same problem it did last season - not enough firepower. The pitching has fallen off a bit from last year, which is why the teams record is worse than at this point in 2005. The Nationals have already used eight different starting pitchers in 46 games.
Outlook:
This team needs a spark, and they need one quickly before they lose touch with the teams ahead of them in the standings.
Florida Marlins
Currently:
The season so far has been a disaster. Theres no other way to put it. The Marlins have the worst record in the NL, and thats no accident. They are getting good seasons from Hanley Ramirez, Miguel Cabrera and Josh Willingham, but thats about it on the offensive side. Their pitching has been abysmal, and even the great Dontrelle Willis is struggling with an ERA over 5.0.
Outlook:
The Marlins will not be catching the Mets and Phillies this season, so its best to take their lumps and continue to develop their young players. |
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