N.L. East

ATLANTA BRAVES

RF Jeff Francoeur's free-swinging ways and strong arm have some comparing him to Angels RF Vladimir Guerrero. Francoeur didn't walk in his first 124 major league at-bats but has shown a knack for making contact anywhere around the zone. Though Francoeur strikes out frequently, he doesn't do so at an alarming rate. In the field, Francoeur had nine assists in his first 33 games, which was just one off the N.L. lead for outfielders entering the week. His arm is as accurate as it is strong.... RHP John Smoltz will benefit if the Braves gain a commanding division lead and can give him some rest. Smoltz, 38, hasn't had any arm problems, but he's on pace to throw 230-plus innings. KEY CALL-UP: When RHP Kyle Davies rejoins the club, he'll provide insurance for RHP John Thomson and LHP Mike Hampton, who both have come back from significant injuries. Davies might get some spot starts and could get a playoff roster spot if he fares well in the bullpen.--Mark Bowman

FLORIDA MARLINS

Rookie LHP Jason Vargas has supplanted RHP Ismael Valdez as the club's fifth starter. Vargas improved to 4-1 Sunday with a complete-game win over the Dodgers. Valdez will work in long relief and perhaps make a spot start if he matches up well with an opponent.... Backup C Matt Treanor filled in for Paul Lo Duca (hamstring) well enough to get extra playing time. Treanor is a solid catcher and handles pitchers well. Lo Duca is back in the lineup but still not running well, so Treanor can be a late-inning replacement if the Marlins pinch run for Lo Duca. Treanor also could start one or two games a week. KEY CALL-UP: The club isn't expected to add many players because the everyday starters will be on the field most of the time. One likely addition is C/OF Josh Willingham, who has been on the D.L. since July 6 because of a stress fracture in his left forearm. Willingham would give the team another pinch hitter.--Joe Frisaro

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

RHP Jon Lieber has found his slider again. He also seems to have a better rhythm throwing to backup C Todd Pratt. A quick worker, Lieber prefers to get the ball and immediately throw it; C Mike Lieberthal can be too deliberate at times.... RHP Vicente Padllla has been the team's best pitcher since July because his fastball has made it back to the high 90s. Padilla also has mixed in a few more changeups and curves.... OF Endy Chavez has become one of manager Charlie Manuel's best pinch hitters and often is the first player called on in a crucial spot. Because Chavez doesn't strike out often, he's especially valuable with a runner on third and fewer than two outs. KEY CALL-UP: The popular name is RHP Gavin Floyd, but there might not be a spot where he can make an impact. The team might decide to bolster its speed and depth by bringing in an outfielder such as Shane Victorino or Chris Roberson. Both are very fast and play strong defense.--Ken Mandel

NEW YORK METS

Teammates were impressed by CF Carlos Beltran's quick return-he missed only four games-after his collision with RF Mike Cameron. They also were impressed that Beltran returned with such a seemingly comfortable state of mind. 3B David Wright prospered batting third in Beltran's brief absence, and it's possible Beltran could be moved to the No. 2 spot in the order. Wright is going to bat third sooner or later, and his strong second half makes sooner a good bet. KEY CALL-UP: Although 1B/C Mike Jacobs likely will be sent down when RHP Steve Trachsel (back) returns, Jacobs might not stay in the minors for long. He got a taste of the major leagues last week, homering in his first big-league at-bat" The Mets love Jacobs' lefthanded bat, but they're net sure which position he can play in the majors. Jacobs began the season at first base and moved back to catcher, his natural position, after the All-Star break.--Marty Noble

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

The arrival of CF Preston Wilson has made Ryan Church the odd man out in the outfield rotation, even though Church was batting .300 entering the week. During the second half, Church has received only 67 at-bats. He is having to adjust to sitting for several hours and to not getting into a game until the late innings, if at all.... SS Cristian Guzman is having the worst season of his career. In a one-week stretch, Guzman made six errors, most of which were on routine plays. Manager Frank Robinson has not been happy with Guzman's arm. He has had problems recently with throws landing in the dirt. Robinson says there is no correlation between Guzman's hitting slump and his fielding problems. KEY CALL-UP: Interim G.M. Jim Bowden recently hinted 3B/SS Ryan Zimmerman might be called up soon. Bowden has compared Zimmerman to Scott Rolen, Brooks Robinson, Mike Schmidt and Cal Ripken. Zimmerman was hitting over .300 at Class AA entering the week.--Bill Ladson

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