The Atlanta Braves are alone atop the standings of the NL East. Why? Because they are hot and have won 5 in a row. Here is a look at the standings as of this morning:
Atlanta Braves - 42-38 0.0 GB
New York Mets - 39-30 2.5 GB
Phil. Phillies - 35-32 5.5 GB
Florida Marlins - 33-36 8.5 GB
Wash. Nationals- 31-39 11.0 GB
Atlanta Braves
The first place Braves have won 7 of 8 and are headed on the road to take on the Chicago White Sox in a 3 game series, starting tomorrow night. The Braves road trip is a short one, as they quickly return home for a 3 game set with the Detroit Tigers over the weekend.
New York Mets
The Mets finished up their 9 game road trip, going 7-2, a very respectible record. The Mets currently lead the wild card race, and trail the Braves by 2.5 in the division race. The Mets now head home for a 6 game homestand. The Mets welcome in the Detroit Tigers tomorrow night for a 3 game series, then host the Twins for a 3 game set over the weekend.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies seemed to have some momentum after leaving the Bronx winning 2 of 3 from the Yankees. However, after winning the Friday night opener with the Twins, they blew a 4 run lead on Saturday and lost the rubber game yesterday. The Phillies are home for a 3 game set with the Indians. The Phillies will have the back end of their rotation going in this series (Moyer, Kendrick, and Blanton). The Phils then to....well they stay home to play @ Toronto. Sounds crazy, but the Phillies will play the Blue Jays at Citizens Bank Park in a series that will have Toronto as the home team and the DH rule in effect. The series was moved to Philly because of the G20 summit in Toronto. It's a joke that this series was moved to the Phillies park. Frankly, it' just unfair to other teams in the NL. Why not play at a neutral site?
Florida Marlins
The Marlins were near the top of the standings, not so long ago. However, they have dropped 4 of their last 6. They look to regroup as they head to Baltimore to start a 3 game set with the Orioles tomorrow night. The Marlins then head home to take on the San Diego Padres for a 3 game set over the weekend.
Washington Nationals
Like the Marlins, the Nationals were also near the top of the standings a short while ago. They have been terrible of late, losing 8 of their last 9 ballgames. The Nats look to rebound as they open a 3 game home series against the Kansas City Royals tomorrow night. The Nats then take to the road for a 3 game set in Baltimore to take on the Orioles this weekend.
Out of the 3 top teams in the East, it looks like the Phillies have the easiest upcoming schedule, especially if you consider their extra home series. The Mets need to continue playing well at home and try to maintain a record of at least 10 games over .500. The Braves might be in for a tough week, hopefully the Mets can take advantage.
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It appears that the Nationals have come back to earth a bit. They may hover near .500 by the end of the season, but I think they're still destined for the NL East cellar.
ReplyDeleteThe other four teams look like contenders, though. It very well may be a dogfight to the end. We just gotta keep getting good starting pitching and play consistent baseball, and in the end we should be right there in the thick of things.
I think you are right. The Nats are quickly falling out of the race (if they haven't already). I think the Mets will go as far as their pitching will take them. If Dickey/Takahashi/Niese can give more good outings than bad, the Mets will be okay. I really believe Big Pelf has the goods and I believe in Santana, a historically great 2nd half pitcher.
ReplyDeleteLETS GO METS!