N.L. reports

Sporting News, The, June 14, 2004

FEARLESS FORECAST

The Mets are in the N.L. East race but won't be for long unless they acquire another frontline starter and a hitter to protect Mike Piazza.

PHILADELPHIA PHILMES LF Pat Burrell continues to soar in his turnaround season. In addition to his high batting average and power output, he has become one of the league's better clutch hitters. He can still pull a fastball, but he also is staying on the ball longer and driving it to right field. Consider that part of Burrell's maturation process.... C Mike Lieberthal, on the other hand, is pulling off the ball far too much, a common mistake by slumping hitters. He says he hasn't felt right since opening day. Continued troubles might mean more starts for backup Todd Pratt.... Rookie RHP Elizardo Ramirez has impressed management with his poise and control. Ramirez began the season in Class A. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The swirling winds at Citizens Bank Park have made center field a tricky place--so tricky that manager Larry Bowa trusts only Marion Byrd and Doug Glanville to play there. Glanville jokingly said Candlestick Park in San Francisco had nothing on the Phillies' new home. When the Braves' Andruw Jones misplayed two balls in center in a recent game, Glanville said that proved his point.--Ken Mandel

FEARLESS FORECAST

If the leadoff spot doesn't produce consistently, it'll just be a matter of time before pitchers further avoid the middle of the order.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES RHP Kip Wells has had problems gripping his breaking pitches and with the command of his fastball because of occasional numbness in his right middle finger. The club has downplayed the seriousness of the problem and hopes he won't be forced to miss any starts.... The team believes RHP Ryan Vogelsong's first-inning struggles have been more mental than physical. He lets his adrenaline get the best of him early in starts and is in jeopardy of losing his spot in the rotation if he doesn't rebound soon.... LHP prospect Sean Burnett showed good stuff and surprising composure in his major league debut, a spot start against the Cubs. Expect to see him this summer whenever manager Lloyd McClendon needs an extra starter. SCOUTING REPORT: Few expected 2B Jose Castillo, the organization's top position prospect last season, to make the jump from Class AA to the big leagues. He has a plus arm, good range and soft hands and is exceptional at turning the double play. Castillo has above-average power for a middle infielder but lacks patience and is susceptible to pitches out of the strike zone.--Ed Eagle

FEARLESS FORECAST

3B Chris Stynes will be released once Freddy Sanchez comes off the D.L Options at third include Rob Mackowiak and Bobby Hill.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS RHP Jason Isringhausen has ironed out some kinks in his mechanics. For much of the season, he has struggled with command of his fastball. Isringhausen entered the week with 12 walks; he walked just 18 in each of the past two seasons. When right, he mixes a four-seam fastball, a cutter and a curveball at a variety of speeds.... Expect 2B Tony Womack to get more days off. He's a key sparkplug at the top of the lineup, but manager Tony La Russa is concerned about wearing him down. Marion Anderson and, to a lesser degree, Hector Luna will get more turns at second.... RF Reggie Sanders spent a pair of days off correcting a mechanical flaw in his swing. After hitting .321 in April, Sanders plummeted to. 182 in May. The team is encouraging him to go the other way more. SCOUTING REPORT: Rookie C Yadier Molina has an extremely strong arm, good agility and impressive poise for a 21-year-old. He still is learning the intricacies of calling a game but shows promise in that department. Offensively, Molina, whose brothers Bengie and Jose play for the Angels, puts the ball in play but has little power and no speed. His patience at the plate continues to improve.--Matthew Leach