N.L. East

ATLANTA BRAVES

If RHP Dan Kelb continues to struggle, RHP Chris Reitsma could start getting save chances. He has some experience closing games and is pitching with confidence. Reitsma's fastball and changeup are above average, and he has a new curveball that gives him another dimension. ... SS Rafael Furcal has had a sore right shoulder since the start of spring training. It hasn't affected his throwing, but he feels it batting lefthanded, which might explain why he's hitting .214 from that side. ... LHP Horacio Ramirez, who missed the final four months of last season, has had trouble controlling the pace of the game and sometimes needs to be more calm. HOT PROSPECT: If Brian Jordan or Raul Mondesi falters or gets hurt, Kelly Johnson would be a viable replacement in the outfield. A converted shortstop, Johnson, 23, bats lefthanded and has plenty of gap power. He ranked second in the Southern League with 54 extra-base hits in 2004, including 35 doubles. He will be in the majors by '06.--Mark Bowman

FLORIDA MARLINS

RHP Nate Bump's role changed when RHP Antonio Alfonseca (elbow) landed on the D.L. for at least two months. Bump, who showed promise out of the bullpen in 2003 but was inconsistent a year ago, is now in the mix of short relievers. He is in line to work the seventh or eighth inning; he primarily had been a long reliever before Alfonseca's injury. ... LHP Matt Perisho has worked on changing speeds with his curveball. His main breaking pitch is a slider, but now Perisho offers a change of pace with the slower breaking ball, giving hitters something else to think about. HOT PROSPECT: RHP Yorman Bazardo was impressive in the Venezuelan Winter League and is showing tremendous promise at Class AA. He has a fastball in the 93-mph range and an effective slider. Retaining weight has been a concern in the past, but the Marlins are hopeful he'll fill out as his body matures, enabling him to hold up for an entire season. Bazardo likely will stick in the majors sometime in 2006.--Joe Frisaro

NEW YORK METS

The dilemma in right field caused by the return of Mike Cameron (wrist) from the disabled list is a tricky one. Cameron has two Gold Gloves and enough power to hit 30 home runs. But rookie Victor Diaz, who subbed during Cameron's absence, needs no more Class AAA schooling. The Mets want him to play regularly. ... Manager Willie Randolph doesn't mind SS Jose Reyes' lack of walks, even though Reyes leads off. He considers Reyes an "attack" hitter and wants him to retain his aggressiveness. HOT PROSPECT: The team is looking to LHP Royce Ring to provide help for a bullpen that has improved a bit but still needs work. Ring was called up from Class AAA on April 26. RHP Heath Bell already was called up, so the club has no other prospects on the verge of promotion. Ring is using a revised release-he's now throwing with a three-quarters arm slot. He has a sharper slider and twoseam fastball that complement his changeup.--Marty Noble

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Utilityman Placido Polanco's recent hot streak at the plate has forced manager Charlie Manuel to find ways to keep him in the lineup. Polanco, who had been splitting time at second base with Chase Utley, played left field for the first time in his career last week and also started a game at third base. ... CF Kenny Lofton says his hamstrings are feeling much better now that he has resumed wearing customized cleats. Lofton had been using a generic pair since spring training and says that contributed to his problems. HOT PROSPECT: 1B Ryan Howard, 25, is pounding the ball at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and he's the first option to replace 1B Jim home if Theme needs to go on the D.L. with back problems. Howard (6-4, 260) also could log time as a designated hitter in American League parks during interleague play later this season. At the very least, he has enhanced his trade value-if the Phillies even are thinking about trading him at this point.--Ken Mandel

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

RHP Tomo Ohka says there's nothing wrong with him physically, but his velocity is down 6 to 8 mph. He has struggled mightily with his command, walking 16 in his first 26 innings. Ohka says he is working on mechanical problems. ... The bench has been a tremendous liability. The four RBIs produced by pinch hitters all have come from LF Terrmel Sledge, who now is playing every day. 1B Wil Cordero (knee surgery) and IF Henry Mateo (shoulder surgery) have been missed, particularly Mateo, a switch hitter with badly needed speed. ... RHP Tony Armas (groin) won't be back in the majors until he shows he can handle tong outings and shut down Class AAA hitters. Armas did throw six scoreless innings last weekend. HOT PROSPECT: The club initially projected OF Tyrell Godwin to be a late-inning pinch runner and defensive replacement, but at Class AAA he's showing he could hit at the top of the order. Godwin hit .386 in April and leads New Orleans in hits and runs.--Bill Ladson

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