ATD: Pressure, MVPREV, Smoltz to Pen?
Marlins (15-11, First):
Due to their low expectations entering the season, the Marlins aren’t feeling any pressure being in first place, writes Greg Cote of the Miami Herald.
At his blog for the Sun-Sentinel, Mike Berardino wonders if the Marlins continue their hot start will they go out and add a piece to boost their playoff chances.
…easy fellas…it’s still april…albeit i’m surprised the Marlins are playing this well…it’s a nice story, but the fish are playing a bit over their heads…they are slugging their way to wins, however they have allowed more runs (124) than they have scored (120)…they can’t keep that up and continue to win…
Phillies (15-12, 1 LB):
According to David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News, OF Shane Victorino, who returned from the disabled list last night, may have lost his spot as the team’s starting center fielder.
Over at The Good Phight, jonk states, based on expectations OF Jayson Werth might just be the Phillies MVPREV, or Most Valuable Player Relative to Expected Value.
Braves (12-14, 3 LB):
David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution breaks news on the possibility of Braves RHP John Smoltz returning as the team’s closer once he is activated from the 15-day disabled list.
…smoltz heading to the bullpen puts the Braves in the same quandary the Yankees have with Joba Chamberlin only vice-versa…smoltz would certainly help the back end of a decimated Braves bullpen, but also open up a big hole in their starting rotation…
At her blog for the AJC, Chop Chick wonders if any of the Braves pitching prospects are ready to plug the hole vacated by Smoltz.
…can’t say i’m shedding any tears for the Braves and their injuries…good luck with all that…
Nationals (10-17, 6 LB):
Thomas Boswell of the Washington Post states the Nationals offensive woes have masked team’s real issue, the injuries to their two most important pitchers, Shawn Hill and Chad Cordero.
