NL East Report

An article by Sach C.    Comments Off

Atlanta Braves: (6-4; -5)

The Atlanta Braves took two of three from the Chicago Cubs before losing the opener in Colorado. They will finish their series with three more in Colorado before the All-Star Break. Pitcher Javier Vasquez will miss his next scheduled start because of a strained lower abdominal muscle. The Braves had two prospects in the Baseball America’s Top 25, including the number 1 overall, Jason Heyward.

Florida Marlins: (7-3; -2)

The Marlins lost two of three to the San Francisco Giants before winning the wild opener in Arizona 14-7. The Marlins finish their first half with three more in Arizona. Tonight’s pitching matchup features Ricky Nolasco and Dan Haren. Also, SS Hanley Ramirez may sit out the All-Star-Game.

Philadelphia Phillies: (6-4; Leader)

The Phillies took three of four from the Cincinnati Reds, including a 22-1 game, and will end their first half at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates. All three outfielders made it to the All-Star Team.

Washington Nationals: (2-8; -20.5)

Joel Hanrahan got his first win of the year last night for the Nationals, despite being traded a week earlier. The Nationals and Astros completed a May 5, 10-10 game that was suspended due to weather. Hanrahan was the pitcher in the game, and Elijah Dukes was on base at the time the game was called. Nyjer Morgan was pinch running for Dukes, because Dukes had been demoted to AAA in the interim. Josh Bard grounded into what should have been the inning-ending DP, but Miguel Tejada air-mailed the throw, and Morgan scored, making Hanrahan the pitcher of record. So he got his first, and possibly last win of the season, and he wasn’t even there to see it. They finish their half against the Astros.

Weekly Musing:

All three of the Phillie outfielders make to the All-Star Game, yet Adam Dunn, 5^th in NL in HR’s, and Mark Reynolds, 3^rd in NL, miss. The All-Star game is a joke anyway, but it is important because of the dumb home-field stipulation. The National League isn’t going to win it this year either. So what I’m hoping for is that it goes 19 innings, with position players being forced to pitch. At that would be something interesting to talk about. Well, at least the NHL releases their schedule next Wed.

Till Next Time