Here's the latest and
greatest from around the National League.
East
Division
Philadelphia Phillies (73-59) - In a key two-game series with
the Mets, the Phils took round one Tuesday night rallying from a 7-0 deficit to
win in 11 innings 8-7. It was their fifth straight win after sweeping four from
the Dodgers over the weekend. Starting pitcher Brett Myers has won four of his
last five decisions, including a complete game shutout against the Nationals on
Wednesday and a seven-inning shutout performance against the Dodgers on Monday.
New
York Mets (73-60) - John Maine landed on the 15-day
disabled list with a bone spur in his shoulder, which wasn't exactly comforting
news for Mets fans considering the club is operating under the assumption that
he's shut down for the year. Blowing that seven-run lead Tuesday night against
the Phils was even more disastrous. Luis Ayala, who blew the save
opportunity, might not be the bullpen answer the Mets had hoped
for.
Florida Marlins (67-65) - After picking up two saves
against the Diamondbacks over the weekend, Kevin Gregg had a letdown against
the Braves Tuesday night in his bid for save number 30. Gregg gave up four runs
for his eighth blown save and seventh loss on the year. Mike Jacobs did have a pair of RBI
in the game, moving him into the team lead with 73.
Atlanta Braves (58-74) - It looks like Braves fans will
have one thing to cheer for this September. It won't be a push for the playoffs,
but they do have Chipper Jones battling with Albert Pujols and a few others for the
NL batting title. Jones currently has a narrow lead with a .357 average, though
that is light years away from the .400 many thought he could flirt with back in
early July.
Washington Nationals (47-85) - Collin Balester (3-6) tossed five
strong innings giving up just one run Tuesday, and he and got support from his
bullpen holding the Dodgers at bay en route to a 2-1 victory for Washington. Add in a 13-5
win in Chicago
on Friday thanks to a grand slam and two-run homer from Willie Harris, and it wasn't a bad
week for the Nationals.
Central
Division
Chicago Cubs (82-50) - With games this past week
against Washington and Pittsburgh, the Cubs
continue to roll through August. Aramis Ramirez is in one of those
zones. In his past four games, he has three home runs and 11 RBI. Mark DeRosa is feeling it too. He
homered in four straight games this past week and has 10 RBI in his last 11
games. Geovanny Soto
also got in on the action Tuesday night with seven RBI courtesy of two
bases-loaded doubles and a solo home run.
Milwaukee Brewers (77-55) - Milwaukee continues their own roll, trying to
keep within striking distance of the Cubs and getting separation from the wild
card field. In a key series with the Cardinals, they took game one Tuesday night
convincingly 12-0. Ryan Braun is leading the charge. He has three home runs and eight
RBI in his last six games giving him 32 and 90, respectively, on the season.
St. Louis Cardinals (73-60) - When you think of production,
though, the NL still belongs to Albert Pujols. He had four
multi-hit games in a row this past week, cranking two long balls and driving in
10 runs. Meanwhile, Adam Wainwright made his long-awaited return Friday with a start
against the Braves. He pitched 6.0 strong innings and gave up just one run on
five hits.
Houston Astros (66-66) - The Astros are still hanging
around, but .500 isn't going to cut it this season. Miguel Tejada, who had a really hot
start to the year and was hitting in the .340s through most of May, has seen his
batting average fall to .285. Plus he's only hit two home runs since June
20th.
Cincinnati Reds (58-74) - When you're this far out of the
race, it's hard to find much to be positive about. But Bronson Arroyo has given fans some
excitement. He's thrown back-to-back gems, including a complete game Tuesday
against the Astros and a seven-inning, one-run performance against the Cubs over
the weekend.
Pittsburgh Pirates (57-75) - The Pirates have lost six
straight and are quickly becoming one of those teams clubs want to play down the
stretch.
West
Division
Arizona Diamondbacks
(68-64) - Despite
losing five of their last six games, Arizona still managed to maintain a three-game
lead in the division. Brandon Webb's bid for win number 20 was ugly Tuesday night. After
winning six straight starts and eight straight decisions, Webb got roughed up
for six runs and nine hits. He didn't make it out of the fifth inning and will
have to wait for his next start for another chance.
Los
Angeles Dodgers (65-67) - The Dodgers have lost five
straight and have scored just six runs during that time. Manny Ramirez, who burst onto the
scene a couple weeks ago, has accounted for just one run since August
17th.
Colorado Rockies (63-71) - They're eight games under
.500, but the Rockies are still only 6.5 games off the Diamondbacks pace thanks
to five consecutive wins at the same time Arizona and LA laid an egg. Could they
be positioning themselves for another run at the postseason? On Monday
Jeff Francis, the
staff ace, won his first game since June 18th improving to just 4-8, but it was
a noticeably improved, seven-inning, two-run performance.
San
Francisco Giants (58-74) - With two more saves this past
week, Brian Wilson
improved his total to 35 on the year. He also picked up back-to-back wins
against Florida last week; albeit one was following a
blown save.
San
Diego Padres (50-82) - 19 games back in this division
is tough to do. The Padres, unfortunately, might be eyeing a race with
Washington
towards 100 losses.
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comments? Sound off to pete@petekhazen.com.