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N.L. East

Sporting News, The, July 21, 2006

ATLANTA BRAVES

RHP Jorge Sosa's move to closer has provided stability to a bullpen that significantly improved in the two weeks before the All-Star break. If Sosa can keep the job, it will allow manager Bobby Cox to use RHPs Ken Ray and Chad Paronto in setup situations that best suit their strengths.... With Brian Jordan (clavicle) out, 1B Adam LaRoche is getting regular opportunities--and is showing improvement--against lefthanders. Against lefties, LaRoche has stopped opening his front shoulder--a habit he developed while attempting to pull pitches against righthanders. FIRST HALF GRADES: Offense: B 28 Marcus Giles' struggles leading off have hindered the lineup. Pitching: C- RHP Tim Hudson has been inconsistent as the staff ace. Defense: B+ The outfield may be the game's best, and the double-play duo of SS Edgar Renteria and Giles is a strength.--Mark Bowman

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FLORIDA MARLINS

The organization remains high on struggling CF Reggie Abercrombie and will give him every chance to succeed. It believes the rookie's upside might not surface for another year or so. Abercrombie still lacks command of the strike zone and has trouble reading breaking pitches.... C Miguel Olive's hitting has been a pleasant surprise. Like Abercrombie, Olive is a free swinger who likes to go alter the first pitch. The team has stressed making contact and hitting outside pitches to the opposite field. The righthanded-hitting Olive has outstanding power to left and left-center. FIRST HALF GRADES. Offense: C 3B Miguel Cabrera and 2B Dan Uggla have delivered, but the club is near the bottom in runs. Pitching: B The young starters have worked deep into games and the bullpen has improved as roles have been more clearly defined. Defense: C- The kids often have tried to do too much.--Joe Frisaro

NEW YORK METS

The team has been patient with LF Cliff Floyd through his early slump, ankle sprain and mild concussion. But Floyd's struggles, his age (33) and the presence of OF lastings Milledge likely mean the club won't re-sign Floyd after this season.... Manager Willie Randolph has to fight the urge to give impressive OF Endy Chavez more starts. That's because his greatest value is as a pinch runner, pinch hitter and defensive replacement. FIRST HALF GRADES: Offense: B+ The speed of SS Jose Reyes, the power of CF Carlos Beltran and the run production of 3B David Wright make the offense productive. Pitching: B-Aside from LHP Tom Glavine, no one has been consistent. RHP Pedro Martinez's physical problems are a concern. Defense: C The team has no legitimate Gold Glove candidates. The outfield defense is its greatest strength.--Marry Noble

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

C Carlos Ruiz returned to the Phillies from Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with renewed confidence. He was 4-for-9 in his first three games back, and coaches have noticed his improved patience at the plate and shorter stroke.... Veterans such as LHP Rheal Cormier and RHPs Cory Lidle and Ryan Franklin could be traded if the team doesn't work its way into postseason contention the first two weeks after the All-Star break. All three are in the final year of their contracts and could help a team with postseason aspirations. FIRST HALF GRADES: Offense: C+ The club doesn't score without home runs, and that has led to disappointing production. Pitching: D The rotation has been atrocious, and the bullpen is starting to suffer from overuse. Defense: C- The team doesn't make a lot of errors, but a former strength has become a problem.--Ken Mandel

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

Rookie 3B Ryan Zimmerman takes it upon himself to make adjustments in the field and at the plate, and he appreciates manager Frank Robinson's decision to refrain from offering advice. Robinson is mindful that today's players don't want the manager and coaches making lots of suggestions.... Last week's signing of 16-year-old Dominican SS Esmailyn Gonzalez is significant because it's an indication the franchise will compete with large-market clubs for top Latin American talent. The switch-hitting Gonzalez received a $1.4 million signing bonus. FIRST HALF GRADES: Offense: D Zimmerman and LF Alfonso Soriano have been pluses, but the rest of the team has had a tough time driving in runs. Pitching: D An abundance of walks have haunted the staff, which simply must throw more strikes in the second half. Defense: C The Nationals can catch the ball, though opponents steal too many bases.--Bill Ladson

N.L. East

Sporting News, The, July 21, 2006

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