NL East Report

Atlanta Braves: (4-6; -5.5)

The Braves were involved in the lone National League series this week, losing two of three to the Cincinnati Reds. They will move on to a very interesting series with the Red Sox. Friday’s matchup pits Japanese pitchers Kenshin Kawakami of the Braves against Daisuke Matsuzaka of the Red Sox. Saturday’s matchup tops that, as Braves ace Derek Lowe returns to Boston for the first time since 2004 against Red Sox ace Josh Beckett. In 2004 Lowe became the 1^st and only pitcher in MLB history to have three series clinching victories, Game 3 against the Angels, Game 7 against the Yankees, and Game 4 against the Cardinals.

Florida Marlins: (6-4; -5)

The Marlins lost two of three in Boston and return home to open a three game series with the New York Yankees. This is the Yankees first visit to Miami since the 2003 World Series, and the Marlins are opening up the upper deck. Saturday’s matchup is the most interesting, as former Marlin AJ Burnett faces current ace Josh Johnson. On Sunday, CC Sabathia takes the hill against Chris Volstad.

Philadelphia Phillies: (4-6; Leader)

The Phillies were swept by the Toronto Blue Jays, with Ryan Madson blowing two saves. Left-fielder Raul Ibanez was placed on the DL, with prospect John Mayberry Jr. getting the playing time. The Phillies return home to face the Baltimore Orioles.

Washington Nationals: (3-7; -18)

The Nationals pulled off the upset this week, as they took two of three from the New York Yankees, including a game which was delayed by rain for 5 hrs. Thursday’s game was the first in which no HR was hit at New Yankees Stadium.

Weekly Musing:

The other side of the Ibanez injury is Mayberry Jr. getting playing time. It seems to me that the Phillies could use this to show Mayberry to the league as their prime trade piece. When Ibanez comes back, they could trade Mayberry for a starter or reliever.

Till Next Time