NL East Report

Atlanta Braves: (7-3; -6.5)

The Braves took three of four from the San Francisco Giants and will head to Milwaukee for a weekend series against the Brewers.

Florida Marlins: (5-5; -6.5)

The Marlins swept the San Diego Padres on the road, and will head to Los Angeles for a weekend series with the Dodgers. Wonder if anyone on the team went to Comic-Con on the off-day…

Philadelphia Phillies: (9-1; Leader)

The Phillies took two of three from the Chicago Cubs, and then took a makeup against the San Diego Padres. Sunday’s giveaway is a Victorino hulaT-shirt. I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing one. The Phillies play the St. Louis Cardinals in a possible playoff preview. JA Happ makes the start tonight, in what may or may not be his last start as a Phillie. Happ is undefeated this year, and will oppose Joel Piniero.

Washington Nationals: (3-7; -27)

Well, you know. Anyway, the Nats dropped a makeup game to the Cardinals and will entertain the (who else) San Diego Padres at home.  Saurday’s giveaway is an eco-friendly tote bag. Of interest, July 31 is also the deadline for American players to sign with a Japanese team. Meaning, that if Scott Boras is serious about sending Strasburg to Japan, he must do it next week. Minimal progress has been made in the negotiations, but that doesn’t really matter, because the negotiations are going down to August 17^th anyway.  The Nationals “lead” the Bryce Harper sweepstakes by 8.5 games.

Weekly Musing:

The Nationals may have to trade Nick Johnson for far less than they imagined two months ago. If you remember, Johnson had started the season hot, and the Nationals wanted a pitching prospect in return.  The Boston Red Sox were the biggest interested team, but talks never got off the ground. Now with Boston acquiring Adam LaRoche and Chris Duncan, they’ve filled their need for a left-handed bat. Washington isn’t going to get any compensation picks for Johnson. They overplayed their hand and lost. The Nationals are also listening to offers on Willingham.

Till Next Time