Mid-season Review: NL East
The NL East is a wide open race. The Mets and Phillies are neck and neck, while Florida is right there. I’d have to say this is one of the weaker division in baseball, since there are really only 2 possible contenders.
Atlanta Braves
Record: 45-50
Pythagorean Record: 52-43
Farm System: 5th
What Went Right?
The pitching has carried this team; they’ve given up the 5th fewest runs in baseball.
What Went Wrong?
They have been very unlucky. They have outscored their opponents, but still have a losing record. Injuries have also hurt the team; ace John Smoltz is done for the year. Their hitting also is very streaky.
What Needs To Be Done?
Time to sell; while they can’t be this unlucky all season, they would be best off building for next year. The young pitching is getting in place, but they have some holes in the field. Mark Teixeira is the best (and only) piece they have.
Grade: C-
Florida Marlins
Record: 50-45
Pythagorean Record: 45-50
Farm System: 12th
What Went Right?
The Marlins are the anti-Braves; they can score runs, but can’t stop them. They also have been incredibly lucky – 5 games over .500 and have scored less than they’ve given up.
What Went Wrong?
The pitching has been horrible. They’ve given up the 4th most runs in the league.
What Needs To Be Done?
They are bound to come back to earth, but they don’t need to do much. Most of the pieces are in place for a few years; a couple of guys could be dealt due to raises, but they’ll probably hold off until the off season for that.
Grade: C
New York Mets
Record: 51-44
Pythagorean Record: 52-43
Farm System: 28th
What Went Right?
Johan Santana’s been pretty good. That’s about it until recently.
What Went Wrong?
The beginning of the season. The Mets started slow, but have been pretty good since Willie Randolph was fired. The thin outfield is showing since Moises Alou has gone down, again. Carlos Delgado has been horrible; I’m surprised that he is still playing.
What Needs To Be Done?
They are in a good position to take over the division. Ryan Church is just about cleared to played and they want to bring in another outfielder. If they can find a solution for first base, they will be pretty well set.
Grade: C+
Philadelphia Phillies
Record: 51-44
Pythagorean Record: 56-39
Farm System: 17th
What Went Right?
The team can hit and the pitching has been adequite. Chase Utley has been a monster this season.
What Went Wrong?
What has Brett Myers changed in the last 2 seasons? The one time ace is now pitching in Triple A trying to figure out that question. Ryan Howard has had a slow start, but he’s coming around.
What Needs To Be Done?
They need a pitcher to counter-act Santana. Their pitching won’t help them if they make it to the post-season.
Grade: B
Washington Nationals
Record: 36-60
Pythagorean Record: 35-61
Farm System: 21st
What Went Right?
Good performances from Odalis Perez and Tim Redding could help this team at the deadline. Other than that, nothing.
What Went Wrong?
Losing Ryan Zimmerman was a huge blow. Most of their young players haven’t lived up to their potential.
What Needs To Be Done?
Over-haul. The team doesn’t have a direction. With current GM Jim Bowden in hot water, there could be a change on the horizon. Nows the time to sell off every player that doesn’t have a future, including Nick Johnson and Christian Guzman.
Grade: F
