NL East Report

Atlanta Braves: (5-5; -8)

The Atlanta Braves lost two of three in Philadelphia, and will open a weekday series with the Florida Marlins. Matt Diaz has continued his hot streak for the Braves, and Tim Hudson is likely to return soon. The Braves are 3.5 back in the Wild Card.

Florida Marlins: (4-6; -8)

The Florida Marlins lost two of three to the San Diego Padres and will head home to face the Atlanta Braves. With one game left to play in August, both Chris Coghlan and Hanley Ramirez have a chance to finish with the Marlins club record for hits in one month. The record was held by Luis Castillo with 45 in 2002. Ramirez has 45 and Coghlan has already passed the record with 46. Coghlan is having an excellent rookie year, and is hot right now, in case any of you are fantasy owners.

Philadelphia Phillies: (6-4; Leader)

The Philadelphia Phillies took two of three from the Atlanta Braves, and will head home for a huge series with the San Francisco Giants, in what could be a 1^st round preview. Jonathan Sanchez faces Cole Hamels on Tuesday, Tim Lincecum faces JA Happ on Wednesday.

Washington Nationals: (3-7; -30.5)

The Washington Nationals were swept out of St. Louis by the Cardinals and will head to San Diego for a series that could have big Bryce Harper ramifications. Also, the Nationals traded Ronnie Belliard to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a warm body or two, and Stephen Stasburg doesn’t like the extra attention that his workouts get. That’s what happens when you sign the largest amateur contract. The Nationals lead the Bryce Harper sweepstakes by 4.5 games over the Kansas City Royals. The Mets are 13 games back and a mere 5 games back of the 3^rd spot.

Weekly Useless Trivia:

The Florida Marlins became the fastest team to reach 1000 hit batsmen, reaching the mark in only 17 years, blowing away the previous mark. Chris Coghlan has the honor of being the 1000^th batter hit.

The Mets reached their 1000^th HBP on May 1, 1994. Which hitter took one for the team?

Hint: He’s well known.

Till Next Time