N.L. East

ATLANTA BRAVES

FIRST HALF SURPRISE: LF Kelly Johnson came to camp as a long shot to win a roster spot but became arguably the most important addition to the lineup. Johnson has a veteran-like grasp of the strike zone, which allows him to get on base with regularity. Once be started rolling, so did 2B Marcus Giles and CF Andruw Jones, who follow Johnson in the lineup. SECOND HALF SLEEPER: RHP Dan Kelb was so bad during portions of the first half that there was a chance he would be released. But be started showing signs of his 2004 All-Star form in late June. He struggled earlier because he lost his command and confidence. After throwing almost every day for three weeks, he began getting better results. The extra throwing caused him to lose some velocity and reminded him that he was most effective when throwing his fastball in the low 90s, instead of at 95 as he was early this season.--Mark Bowman

FLORIDA MARLINS

FIRST HALF SURPRISE: RF Juan Encarnacion has been the club's most productive hitter after LF Miguel Cabrera and 18 Carlos Delgado. Before the season, many questioned if Encarnacion--who was coming off shoulder surgery--would even start ahead of Jeff Conine. Encarnacion, who is hitting for average and power, can become a free agent after the season and has been included in trade rumors, but he likely will stay in Rorida as long as the team remains in contention. SECOND HALF SLEEPER: Rookie RHP Chris Resop might provide the relief help the club has been seeking. A converted outfielder, be throws in the mid-90s and also has a slider and breaking ball. He was closing at Class AA Carolina before being called up to the majors to serve in a setup role. Resop is a confident power pitcher who won't get rattled if he struggles. He eventually could become the Madins' closer.--Joe Frisaro

NEW YORK METS

FIRST HALF SURPRISE: RHP Reberto Hernandez, 40, has helped turn what was expected to be a weak bullpen into a strength. Hernandez, a closer from 1992 to 2002, has been the bridge from the rotation to closer RHP Braden Looper. Hernandez has a 1.73 ERA and has allowed only one home run and just five of 22 inherited runners to score. It seems the only obstacles to his continued success are possible fatigue and the fickle nature of relief pitching. SECOND HALF SLEEPER: Manager Willie Randolph plans to rest C Mike Piazza and start backup Ramon Castro more frequently in the second half. Such a change could benefit the Mets, as it would allow Piazza more time to rest his aging body. Castro is the better defensive catcher and would help contain opponents' running games. If the rest helps Piazza boost his average and power and focus more on hitting the ball the other way, the Mets will increase their run production.--Marty Noble

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

FIRST HALF SURPRISE: RHP Brett Myers finally has reached his potential as a dominant pitcher. With the help of pitching coach Rich Dubee, Myers has rediscovered the windup he used in the minors and has remained more aggressive with his pitch selection. He also has developed a cut fastball, which has produced a lot of lazy fly balls and gives hitters something else to think about. The second half looks to be more of the same for Myers, who might be even more dangerous as be continues to learn how to pitch. SECOND HALF SLEEPER: RHP Vicante Padilla threw six shutout innings against the Pirates in his final start before the break, and the threat of losing his rotation spot might motivate him for a strong finish. Padilla has an electric fastball, but his inconsistency frustrates the Phillies. Improved focus and the ability to shake off botched plays are the keys to him rebounding, but Padilla has struggled with those things throughout his career.--Ken Mandel

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

FIRST HALF SURPRISE: Journeyman RHP Hector Carrasco, 35, has become a big-game pitcher for the Nationals, his sixth big-league team. For example, when closer RHP Chad Cordero needed a rest on July 1, manager Frank Robinson put Carrasco in the game, and Carrasco blew the Cubs away for his second save of the season. With the team monitoring RHP Luis Ayala's sore shoulder during the second half, look for Carrasco to get more action in the seventh and eighth innings. SECOND HALF SLEEPER: OF Ryan Church was in a platoon role in the first half of the season before a ribcage injury sidelined him for the last two weeks of the first half. When he played, Church hit over .300 and drove in his share of runs. Look for him to play often in the outfield, hit a lot of home runs and be a Rookie of the Year candidate when he returns from the D.L. Interim G.M. Jim Bowden believes Church will become a player similar to Cardinals CF Jim Edmonds.--Bill Ladson

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