The NL East Report is published every Friday and takes a look at the other teams in the division. The report covers the latest news and notes, injuries and transactions, divisional records versus the Mets, and updated NL East Standings. News And Notes Atlanta Braves: On Friday, May 11, the Braves signed Felix Pie to a minor league contract and sent him to the Triple-A Gwinnett Braves. Jason Heyward got his first career start in [...]

The MetsMerizedOnline Player of the Week for this week has shown he has a great impact on this team. This week includes the 3 game sweep of the Phillies, and the weekend series against the Marlins for a total of 6 games. Here is our MMO Player of the Week for 5/7-5/13: Through the use of the scorecard, let’s take a look at how David Wright did this week: G AB H R 2B 3B HR [...]

With the Nationals acquisition of Edwin Jackson yesterday, we need to start seriously considering them as legitimate contenders to not only have a good season, but to potentially win the NL East or at minimum steal a wild card berth. With their off season additions the Nationals will have a very well rounded and talented starting rotation.  A rotation of Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Edwin Jackson, Jordan Zimmermann and John Lannan spells trouble for NL East and the rest of the National [...]

November 2nd, 1972: Leading the league in victories (27), ERA (1.97), starts (41), complete games (30), and strike outs (310), Steve Carlton wins the NL’s CY Young Award. ‘Lefty’s’ 27 victories nearly accounts for nearly half (45.8%) of the last-place Phillies wins. Although it pains me to praise the work of a ballplayer that played for Philadelphia, what Steve Carlton did for the Phillies in 1972 was unbelievable. It’s remarkable when a pitcher can win [...]

In making the final out of the Phillies’ season for the second straight year, Ryan Howard suffered an apparent Achilles injury, falling to the ground and writhing in pain as the Cardinals celebrated their unlikely division series victory.  In a worst-case scenario (torn ACL), Howard would miss nine months or more while recovering from surgery to repair the tear.  In other words, Howard’s 2012 season would be kaput. Although Ryan Howard batted only .253 for [...]

I am one of the regulars on a weekly Kult of Mets Personalities podcast, and if you listened to it, you would know that I am the resident Mike “Big Pelf” Pelfrey homer. I root for him probably harder than any other Met. I don’t know why either, but I feel a personal connection to Big Pelf. It’s mostly because I saw him pitch in his major league debut in 2006. I always felt he [...]

I am going to start this article off by adding the disclaimer that we are still only five games into the season. However, the Mets have gotten off to a quick 3-2 start. The team has looked good with the exception of Mike Pelfrey. It is already obvious that this is a different Mets team than the one we saw last year.  Last year’s incarnation of the team would have just laid down and rolled [...]

THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT! When Brian Wilson (and his beard) struck out Ryan Howard looking to end the Phillies season, it set up a date in the World Series with the American League champion Texas Rangers starting this Wednesday in San Francisco. Texas Rangers The Rangers rotation is anchored by mid-season acquisition, and playoff ace, Cliff Lee. After Lee is CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis, and Tommy Hunter. Lewis has a 1.45 playoff ERA with [...]

Wins and losses mean very little these days for the Mets since being mathematically eliminated last week. That said, I was stunned by how the team responded after Chase Utley’s dirty take-out slide of Ruben Tejada last night. What ever happened to pride and respect? Once again, the Mets shrunk in the face of adversity and took it on the chin. Once again I watched as the Mets get knocked down, thrown at, spiked and [...]

Atlanta Braves: (78-56; Leader) Alright, you already know what the Bravos have been up to, but did you know that they’re going to play the Florida Marlins next? Riveting stuff. Also, Tim Hudson won NL Pitcher of the Month on the back of his 1.71 ERA in August. Philadelphia Phillies: (76-58; -2) Last week, when I wrote about the team from Philly, they were on a four-game losing streak. Now, they’ve won six of seven, [...]

Atlanta Braves: (73-54; Leader) The Braves were swept by the Colorado Rockies, and look to rebound this week against the Florida Marlins. Saturday’s matchup features two 14-game winners in Tim Hudson and Ricky Nolasco. Sunday’s game features two 11-game winners in Derek Lowe and Josh Johnson. Philadelphia Phillies: (70-57; -3) As bad as the Braves had it, the Phillies were worse. They were swept in four games, at home, to Roy Oswalt’s old buddies in [...]