While the Phillies tread water their competition in the NL East hasn’t improved much either. The difference is the Phils appear to be done altering their lineup save a minor tweak here and there while some of their divisional rivals are likely to remain very active in the market.
Atlanta may undergo its most drastic transformation in more than a decade. The Braves have already lost Jaret Wright and may very well lose Paul Byrd, Russ Ortiz and/or J.D. Drew. Look for them to sign one if not two of this trio if for no other reason than they will have to or face a devastating transformation. Still, it would be hard to bet against John Schuerholz, one of the shrewdest GM’s in the game.
The Mets haven’t improved their starting pitching pending their wooing of a few prime free agents including Pedro Martinez and Carl Pavano. The addition of Richie Sexson would solve a number of their problems including the Mike Piazza experiment at first base. The trouble is there are eight teams vying for Pavano’s services, and at least two, heck, the two, who are serious contenders for Pedro’s services. Several clubs would like to land Sexson despite the fact that the Diamondbacks offered him arbitration. The Mets could come up empty-handed, which wouldn’t bode well.
The Nationals haven’t improved much if at all. No surprise there. A team that cannot even come up with an original name for itself is hardly likely to mount much of a threat on the field.
The Marlins remain a formidable foe. Their starting pitching is already very good with Beckett, Burnett and Willis and the addition of wily veteran Al Leiter won’t hurt. They are also attempting to re-sign Carl Pavano; if they do, they will have a potent rotation. The trouble will start once they get into the late innings. The departure of Armando Benitez was a serious blow. The Marlins could also use a few position players, but they have a great nucleus in Lowell, Cabrera, Pierre and Castillo.
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