N.L. east

ATLANTA BRAVES

RHP Kyle Davies' confidence has soared throughout his rookie season, and he is poised to become the next standout pitcher produced by the club's farm system. Davies, 22, is one of the toughest competitors in the organization. He has a top-notch changeup, and his velocity has increased from the mid-80s to the low 90s over the past two years. ... RHP Dan Kolb, who never regained his confidence after struggling early in the season, is in danger of being excluded from the postseason roster. Davies or RHP Jim Brawer, both recalled after September 1, could take Kolb's place. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: RHP John Smoltz's success as a starter has been partly the result of increased patience he developed while playing golf. After getting better results on the links by being less aggressive, Smoltz transferred that mind-set to the mound. He has been effective even though his strikeouts are down. Most important, he hasn't experienced elbow or shoulder problems.--Mark Bowman

FLORIDA MARLINS

Although SS Alex Gonzalez's elbow injury limits his ability to make long throws from the hole, he will be in the lineup whenever he's able to play. Veteran utilityman Damion Easley is Gonzalez's main backup, and the club also has rookies Robert Andino and Josh Wilson available to play shortstop. ... In an attempt to spark the offense, the team will have 2B Luis Castillo bat leadoff more down the stretch. Normally the No. 2 hitter, Castillo isn't as fast as CF Juan Pierre, who was dropped to the seventh spot, but Castillo draws more walks. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: One reason Castillo rarely gets knocked down while turning double plays is his positioning. On ground balls hit to the left side, Castillo turns two by planting his left foot on the middle to outer part of the bag and keeping his right foot away from runners. That positioning gives Castillo a better chance to avoid contact with runners who slide hard over the bag.--Joe Frisaro

NEW YORK METS

RHP Victor Zambrano's recent move from the rotation to the bullpen clouds his future with the club. The team has six other pitchers who can start--RHPs Pedro Martinez, Kris Benson, Jae Sen and Steve Trachsel and LHPs Tom Glavine and Kazuhisa Ishii--and Zambrano has been the most erratic of the group this season. He could be included in a trade to address one or more of the many needs the club will have in the offseason. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: The most noticeable sign of the team's improved outfield defense this season has been throwing ability. LF Cliff Flood is among the league leaders in assists, and CF Carlos Beltran appears to be throwing better now than he was earlier in the season. Both have worked with coach Jerry Manuel, who urged Floyd not to worry about throwing the ball with or across the seams. Now Floyd just takes the ball out of his glove and immediately throws it.--Marty Noble

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

RHP Jon Ueber, who went 5-0 with the Yankees last September, is finishing strong again. In a three-start stretch, he pitched at least seven innings and allowed no more than two runs in any start. Lieber is showing great location and a devastating slider. ... The addition of A.J. Hinch gives the team three catchers. That will allow Todd Pratt to be used more as a pinch hitter who provides righthanded pop. ... RHP Gavin Floyd returned to the majors with a better approach. He worked with former Phillies pitching coach Johnny Podres in the minors, and Podres encouraged Floyd to trust his fastball and sharp curve and not worry about being too fine. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: RF Bobby Abreu's swing has been out of whack in the second half. He has been lunging at pitches, and that has led to a power outage. Abreu, who has missed the protection usually provided by 1B Jim Thome, has moved closer to the plate so he can better cover the outside corner.--Ken Mandel

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

OF Marion Byrd has returned to the big leagues a changed man and is making a strong case to be an everyday player. Since being promoted from Class AAA New Orleans on August 26, Byrd has raised his batting average from .243 to .261. Byrd says his stint in the minors helped him because he was able to refine his swing while playing every day.... A trip to the doctor revealed tightness in RHP Tony Armas' right shoulder capsule. To alleviate the problem, Armas will alter his exercise program and change his medication. Offseason surgery is a possibility. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Manager Frank Robinson wants to pitch RHPs Livan Hernandez, John Patterson and Esteban Loaiza on short rest down the stretch. But pitching coach Randy St. Claire says Loaiza is the only pitcher who can go on short rest--Hernandez is playing through a right knee injury, and Patterson never has thrown 200 innings, though he is expected to reach that mark this season.--Bill Ladson

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