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2009 MLB National League East Notebook
Baseball pundits made Atlanta the chic pick to win the National League East this year. For one, they liked they mix of veterans and youth.
But what they didn’t anticipate was how poorly Atlanta’s offense was going to perform. Consider that the Braves do not have a .300 hitter and do not have anyone who has hit at least 10 home runs. They are 13 th in runs scored and their team batting average is a very poor .256. To illustrate how bad it was, there was a point in last weekend’s series against Boston where the offense was 1-for-27 with runners on base. That isn’t with runners in scoring position. It’s with runners on base. Any base.
If it wasn’t for their pitching, the Braves would be further below .500 than they already are. It’s no secret manager Bobby Cox has tried numerous combinations to try and shake things up. Nothing has really worked.
FLORIDA
Playing time appears to be the elixir that has kickstarted center fielder Cody Ross’ career. Ross floated between Detroit, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati from 2003-2006 before winding up with the Marlins during the 2006 season.
Well, he took advantage of his chance. He’s been in double figures in home runs in every season including this one with 13 and has been a steady performer in the field.
The odd thing about Ross is that he has never been known for his base stealing prowess. He has 12 for his career. Center fielders are not really known for not having that in their bag.
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WASHINGTON
With jobs open and a roster constantly in turnover, the Nationals acquired Pittsburgh outfielder Nyjer Morgan in a four-player deal.
Morgan doesn’t generate much power as he has only two home runs in his first 71 games. But he does offer promising yet unrefined speed.
Morgan is hitting .277 with 18 stolen bases. However, he has been caught 10 times. He will likely be a leadoff candidate for the Nationals. He has a decent on-base percentage at .351 but with his speed, he needs more opportunities to reach base.
NEW YORK
As banged up as the Mets are with their offense, they finally got some good news on center fielder Carlos Beltran.
The team said he will not need surgery on his right knee but will still be out through the All-Star break. A second opinion on June 29 confirmed the original diagnosis that there are severe bone bruises.
Only rest will be the best way to eliminate the pain in his knee. He is still expected to be re-evaluated later in the week by team doctors.
Beltran is hitting .336 with eight home runs and 37 RBIS.
PHILADELPHIA
Shortstop Jimmy Rollins returned to the Phillies starting lineup and went back to his customary leadoff position on June 30 after sitting out the last four games to clear his mind.
Rollins has endured a nightmare as his average has drifted to a career-worst .209 with an equally poor .252 on-base percentage. Rollins has been shifted throughout the lineup with nothing really paying off for him.
He’s not working counts as he has drawn just 16 walks. This has turned into a mental battle more than anything else. There’s just no telling where this will go.
By Kevin Lonnquist
MLBcenter.com Staff Writer
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