Content provided in partnership with

N.L. east

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

ATLANTA BRAVES

After trying to deal RHP Jorge Sosa at the trading deadline, the Braves could enter the postseason with him in their rotation. Coaches don't have enough confidence in RHP John Thomson, and LHP Horacio Ramirez is struggling on the road. LHP Mike Hampton was a possibility before opting for elbow surgery that will keep him out the entire 2006 season.... C Johnny Estrada will play twice a week down the stretch in hopes he can strengthen his back in time for the postseason. His discomfort has hindered him on defense and at the plate. He's not blocking as many bails as usual, which has caused Braves pitchers to feel more comfortable with Brian McCann. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: C Jarrod Saltalamacchla will try to maintain his impressive plate discipline against advanced pitching. On defense, he needs to improve his footwork. Although there is an abundance of catchers in the organization, the team wants Saltalamacchia to remain behind the plate.--Mark Bowman

Most Popular Articles in Sports: The first family: Archie, Peyton and Eli are incredibly famous, immensely ...; The growing gap: driving distances are skyrocketing on the PGA Tour. So why ...; Which pistol caliber for self defense? Four different people come to four ...; Drag racing - National Hot Rod Association; The world's most popular .22: the Marlin Model 60 just keeps on ticking; More »

FLORIDA MARLINS

3B Mike Lowell has been relegated to defensive replacement duty, but he has accepted his role and is playing at a Gold Glove level. He already is looking ahead to 2006. Lowell admits he has had trouble seeing the ball and plans to work harder in the offseason to regain his swing.... LF Jeff Conine, hitting in the No. 2 spot, has been getting better pitches to hit because LF Miguel Cabrera and 1B Carlos gelgado hit behind him. Conine is experienced, and he gives the team more pop at the top of the order. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: Robert Andino, a second-round pick in 2002, could contend for the starting shortstop job next season, depending on whether the team re-signs Alex Gonzalez. Andino has looked good defensively in his September call-up from Class AA Carolina, and he will benefit from more at-bats against good pitching in Arizona. Andino is sure to see more off-speed pitches, which will be a good test for him.--Joe Frisaro

NEW YORK METS

Manager Willie Randolph is eager to take a look at 2B Anderson Hernandez, so G.M. Omar Minaya is trying to find a way to add Hernandez, 22, to the 40-man roster. Hernandez, a switch hitter, produced at Class AA and Class AAA. The team likes his defense, and neither Kaz Matsui nor Miguel Cairo has been impressive at second, leaving the door open for a challenger.... C/1B Mike Jacobs, who slumped after a hot start, has started hitting again. He has carded himself with confidence, and his ability to drive the ball to all fields intrigues the team. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: Jacobs isn't the only catcher/first baseman on the team's radar. Andy Wilson was the talk of Class A St. Lucie after leading the Florida State League with 28 homers. Wilson is a late bloomer-he'll be 25 next season-and the team is sending him to Arizona to determine which position suits him best. Right now, it looks like he will spend more time catching.--Marty Noble

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

SS Jimmy Rollins has returned to his old ways at the plate--waiting for pitches he can drive, then connecting--and the change has helped him to arguably the hottest stretch of his career. His recent hitting streak and extra-base efficiency have made the team a run-scoring machine.... Because of a biting slider he can throw equally well to righthanded and lefthanded hitters, LHP Aaron Fultz has evolved from a situational pitcher to manager Charlie Manuel's most trusted middle-innings reliever.... LF Pat Burrell isn't worried about repeating last season's wrist injury, which kept him out of the lineup for more than a month. But he is wearing a brace again after jamming the same wrist sliding into second base. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: OF Michael Bourn heads to Arizona with outstanding defensive skills but must develop more patience at the plate and make better use of his speed. Bourn walked 63 times but had 123 strikeouts at Class AA Reading.--Ken Mandel

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

The background behind home plate at RFK Stadium, particularly the white cement overhang, has caused problems for CF Preston Wilson. Whenever a hitter bloops a ball into the outfield during the day or at twilight, Wilson has a tough time picking it up. He sometimes sees the ball at the last instant, runs hard and dives for it; some of those balls drop in for hits. Wilson says he would pick up the ball better if the overhang were a darker color.... The team is expected to piece together starts by the bullpen when it needs a fourth or fifth starter. RHPs Ryan Drese and Tony Armas are out for the season because of shoulder injuries, and the Nationals are not calling anyone up from the minors. ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: 18 Larry Broadway was considered one of the best prospects in the organization going into this season, but he took a few steps back when he got off to a slow start and hurt his knee. He ended up missing a lot of time. The club hopes Broadway will replace Nick Johnson in two years.--Bill Ladson

N.L. east

Sporting News, The, Sept 30, 2005

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Health

Most Popular Articles in Sports

Most Popular Publications in Sports