N.L. east

ATLANTA BRAVES

LF Brian Jordan is one of the few Braves who have hit well (.333 average) with runners in scoring position this season. Jordan's outfield partners, CF Andruw Jones (.179) and RF Raul Mondesi (.231), have been overaggressive in such situations. ... LHP John Foster has transformed himself from thrower to pitcher since his Braves debut in 2002. He missed all of 2004 recovering from shoulder surgery and learned that he could be just as effective with a well-located 88-mph fastball as with the 92-mph fastball he used to throw. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME. Opponents have trouble stealing against RHPs Tim Hudson and John Thomson because they hold the ball in the stretch longer than most pitchers. Holding the ball different amounts of time keeps runners from timing their moves to the plate. That helps C Johnny Estrada, whose quick release is a better asset than his arm strength.--Mark Bowman

FLORIDA MARLINS

RHP Todd Jones hasn't been a full-time closer since 2000, but he'll handle that role until RHP Guillermo Mota (elbow) returns. Taking on the increased workload will be a challenge; previously, Jones usually was in the mix with four other relievers to work the seventh and eighth innings. ... 38 Mike Lowell's early slump is baffling because he usually is a fast starter and was hitting fifth behind LF Miguel Cabrera and 1B Carlos Delgado before dropping to seventh. ... Damion Easley figures to frequently spell 2B Luis Castillo, who is battling a hip injury that affects his ability to run. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Keeping seven relievers sharp is difficult considering the rotation features three starters who often go deep into games. The relievers are on throwing schedules, and the team charts how often they warm up. The relievers who are least likely to pitch on a given day often face hitters in simulated action.--Joe Frisaro

NEW YORK METS

The return of RF Mike Cameron gives the team great depth in the outfield, to the point that Victor Diaz started a game last week over LF Cliff Floyd despite Floyd's 20-game hitting streak. Though Floyd and Cameron will get most of the corner-outfield starts, Diaz's presence will allow them to stay fresh throughout the season. Diaz, a rookie, is gaining valuable experience. ... C Mike Piazza has been dropped to fifth in the order, with Floyd moving into the cleanup spot. The change gives the lineup better balance because it breaks up Floyd and 1B Doug Mientkiewicz, who both bat lefthanded. A left-right-left stretch causes more problems for opposing managers. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Marlon Anderson has provided pop off the bench with eight hits in his first 16 pinch-hit at-bats, and part of his success can be attributed to his concentration on pitchers' habits. RHP Pedro Martinez says Anderson constantly asks questions about pitch sequence.--Marty Noble

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

Comparisons are being made between injured 1B Jim Thome and rookie 1B Ryan Howard, Thome's temporary replacement. Howard, like Thome, is a big lefthanded power hitter with a big swing who rarely gets cheated at the plate. Howard also strikes out a lot and walks a lot, like Thome. Defensively, Howard has soft hands and surprising quickness around the bag. The Phillies are cautiously optimistic that Thome (back) can return from the D.L. next week. ... RHP Ryan Madson is the setup man with RHP Tim Worrell (personal reasons) on the D.L. Madson excelled in the role as a rookie last season when LHP Billy Wagner was injured and Worrell took over for Wagner as the closer. It's uncertain when Worrell will return. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: One reason for RHP Cory Lidle's success has been excellent control; he allowed four walks in four recent starts and allowed seven in his first 35 innings this season. Lidle needs to be fine with his control because he isn't overpowering.--Ken Mandel

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

RHP Zach Day, after getting moved to the bullpen because of control issues, has hinted he wouldn't mind a change of scenery. Day, who has been mentioned in trade rumors, wants to be a starter. ... In an effort to improve bench production, OFs Jeffrey Hammonds and Endy Chavez were recalled. Hammonds was putting in quality at-bats at Class AAA, is a veteran and provides a good clubhouse presence. Chavez failed to make the club out of spring training because he was struggling to get on base consistently. That still is a concern, but G.M. Jim Bowden says Chavez can be an asset as a late-inning defensive replacement or pinch runner. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Adding veterans such as RF Jose Guillen and 3B Vinny Castilla has changed the team's mind-set. Manager Frank Robinson say there's an urgency to win now, and he no longer is patient with players, such as Day, who are not producing. Robinson will move such players to lesser roles or send them to the minors.--Bill Ladson

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