The National League East has been a three-team race since the season started:
Mets, Braves, Phillies.
But while just 3 1/2 games separate the Big Three, Jim Salisbury talks about how the Braves announced to the world that they're serious about winning the division title after picking up Mark Teixeira and Octavio Dotel before yesterday's non-waiver trade deadline.
The Braves also got lefthanders Ron Mahay and Royce Ring for their bullpen. The Mets got Luis Castillo, although Pedro Martinez should be pitching again in the near future ... and he's not a bad pick up. The Phillies got Kyle Lohse, Tadahito Iguchi and Julio Mateo.
Have the Braves' moves made them the clear-cut favorite? Or are the Mets still the team to beat? They are in first place. Can the Phillies compete?
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I'm not sure what kind of reaction there is about the Phillies acquiring Mateo, who was arrested and charged for assault in May for allegedly punching, choking and biting his wife in a Manhattan hotel, but it seems risky for the Phillies. They certainly remember the fallout from Brett Myers' arrest.
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Adam Eaton struggled again in last night's 7-3 loss to the New York Mets. Eaton's 5.87 ERA is the worst in the National League, and if he continues to struggle like this I just can't see how the Phillies can hang with the Mets and Braves down the stretch.
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The Phillies are going to try to survive without Chase Utley, Shane Victorino and Michael Bourn in their lineup for the next couple weeks. Victorino and Bourn are on the DL.
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Talked last night with Harry Mayes and Jamie Yannacone (aka The 700 Level Sports Fanatics) on Sports Radio 950. Listen to the podcast here.
Comments (6)
ugh- i didn't like that line-up last night. i hope that is the last we see of dobbs leading off. i say put jimmy back there and dobbs hits 3rd against righties and rowand hits 3rd vs. lefties.
braves did very well, i don't know if the phils can hang. but they've found a way all year. roberson had more hits last night than all of last year i think, maybe they can do it until the reinforcements are back.....
Posted by mike | August 1, 2007 12:02 PM
Posted on August 1, 2007 12:02
There were a couple doubters of Roberson yesterday. If he keeps playing like he did last night, I think he'll win over some people.
Posted by V | August 1, 2007 3:03 PM
Posted on August 1, 2007 15:03
V - That was one game. With that said, I'm hopeful that he fills in effectively while Vic is gone.
As for Todd's point about Eaton. I say let Kendrick and Durbin stay in the rotation and move Eaton out. He's proven that he is only a 4-5 inning pitcher. Maybe he could be a long reliever.
Posted by GE | August 1, 2007 3:08 PM
Posted on August 1, 2007 15:08
I agree about Eaton.
I feel better with Durbin and especially Kendrick on the mound.
Here's hoping the Phils can tread water (like they have all season) while the injury bug works through the roster.
Everyone on this team is playing hard. It's a great team to watch each night, even with the roster like Swiss cheese.
Posted by Joe in Haddonfield | August 1, 2007 6:47 PM
Posted on August 1, 2007 18:47
Two things.
1. Jimmy Rollins needs to lead off, and Pat Burrell needs to hit 3rd or 4th. His high OBP is going to waste -- as in last night when he got on base 4 times and didn't score. Not surprising with him in the 6-hole, right in front of Ruiz/Nunez/Pitcher.
2. Adam Eaton is awful. It amazes me that someone who is so terrible at his job can make so much money. And for two more seasons after this one! It's going to be tough watching this team every 5th game for a long time.
Posted by AJ | August 2, 2007 12:40 PM
Posted on August 2, 2007 12:40
Manuel's makeshift BA ain't working. Went to all four games in Wrigley and last night in Brewtown. How many runners can you leave on base???
Rollins leadoff, Rowand third, Burrell fifth, Dobbs sixth, Helms seventh, Coste eighth.
C'mon, Charley, think!
Max Winters (55-year Phils fan
DeKalb, IL
Posted by Max Winters | August 4, 2007 9:04 AM
Posted on August 4, 2007 09:04