NL East Rundown

BY MICHAEL GANCI
UPDATE! Writer

As of 8 a.m. on August 9, 2008, the Mets are currently sitting in second place in the NL East with a 61-54 record. The Marlins are breathing right down the Mets’ necks with a 61-55 record, which places them only a half of game back of the Mets for second. The Phillies, on the other hand, are trying to stay atop the division, but they only lead the Mets by one game, with a record of 62-53. In this post, I will show a breakdown of the remaining schedules for each of those teams, and I will explain how it all rests in the Mets’ favor.

Teams the Mets Face

1. Marlins (2) 61-55

2. Pirates (1) 53-62

3. Nationals (3) 44-72

4. Pirates (4) 53-62

5. Braves (3) 54-62

6. Astros (4) 56-59

7. Phillies (2) 62-53

8. Marlins (3) 61-55

9. Brewers (3)65-51

10. Phillies (3) 62-53

11. Nationals (2) 44-72

12. Braves (3) 54-62

13. Nationals (4) 44-72

14. Braves (3) 54-62

15. Cubs (4) 70-46

16. Florida (3) 61-55

47 Games Left

27 Games Against Teams Under .500

13 Games Against Teams Less than 10 Games over .500

7 Games Against Teams More than 10 games over .500

Teams the Phillies Face

1. Pirates (2) 53-62

2. Dodgers (4) 58-57

3. Padres (3) 44-72

4. Nationals (3) 44-72

5. Dodgers (4) 58-57

6. Mets (2) 61-54

7. Cubs (4) 70-46

8. Nationals (3) 44-72

9. Mets (3) 61-54

10. Marlins (3) 61-55

11. Brewers (4) 65-51

12. Braves (3)54-62

13. Marlins (3)61-55

14. Braves (3) 54-62

15. Nationals (3) 44-72

47 Games Left

20 Games Against Teams under .500

19 Games Against Teams Less Than 10 Games Over .500

8 Games Against Teams More than 10 Games Over .500

Teams the Marlins Face

1. Mets (2) 61-54

2. Cardinals (4) 64-54

3. Cubs (3) 70-46

4. Giants (3) 48-66

5. Diamondbacks (3) 59-57

6. Braves (3) 54-62

7. Mets (3) 61-54

8. Braves (3) 54-62

9. Cardinals (3) 64-54

10. Phillies (3) 62-53

11. Nationals (3) 44-72

12. Astros (3) 56-59

13. Phillies (3) 62-53

14. Reds (1) 52-65

15. Nationals (3) 44-72

16. Mets (3) 61-54

46 Games Remaining

19 Games Against Teams Under .500

17 Games Against Teams Less than 10 Games over .500

10 Games Against Teams More than 10 Games over .500

ADVANTAGE: METS

As you can see, the Mets have the easiest remaining schedule of all three teams. They get to face off with teams that have less than a .500 record 27 times in their last 47 games, and those are the kind of games that need to be won if they want to win the division. The Marlins play 10 games against teams that are ten games or more over .500, and the Mets only play seven. Those three games can really make a major difference. The bottom line is this. There is no need to worry. Billy Wagner will be back soon . Ryan Church may be back sooner than we think. John Maine should be back next week, and Daniel Murphy is a beast. The Daily Stache says that the Mets are still the favorites in the NL East. This is the Daily Stache, reminding you that until next time, let the truth be told!

For more of Michael’s posts, check out www.dailystache.com.

MARLINS: Acquire Arthur Rhodes

Former Seattle Martiners reliever Arthur Rhodes has been traded to the Florida Marlins for prospect Gaby Hernandez, according to ESPN.

BOTTOM LINE: This is a good pickup for the Marlins. Rhodes has been outstanding against left handed hitters this season, holding them under a .200 average. The arrival of Rhodes will lessen the load that is on Renyel Pinto’s shoulders. If you need holds, he could be a good pickup.

Trade Deadline Looming

The MLB trade deadline is only eight days away, and there are several guys who may be wearing new uniforms once that time comes. In this blog, I will pick the five most likely guys to get traded, and where I think they will end up.

1. Xavier Nady, Pirates
Destination: Rays

The Rays are in need of a good hitting right-handed hitter, and Nady would seem to be the guy who would fit the bill best. The Rays have a plethora of young pitching in which they could trade, so it seems like these two teams could be a match. Nady has said that he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, but the decision is out of his hands.

2. Brian Fuentes, Rockies
Destination: Marlins

Florida management is known to be fans of Fuentes, and he would come in and threaten Kevin Gregg to take over as closer. They have been pursuing him very aggressively. The Marlins have plenty of young talent to get the deal done. It’s just a matter of whether or not they want to go for it this year. This seems like a match for all parties involved.

3. Casey Blake, Indians
Destination: Mets

This trade makes too much sense for it not to happen. Omar Minaya is known to be a huge fan of Blake, and Blake fits the big hole that the Mets have. They need a right handed hitting outfielder who can also occasionally spell Delgado against a lefty at first base. Blake fits the bill. I think it would only cost the Mets a mid-level prospect if they are willing to eat Blake’s contract.

4. Jarrod Washburn, Mariners
Destination: Yankees

The Yankees are in need of a starting pitcher. Mussina and Pettite are the only two guys that they can consistently count on right now, although Wang should be entering the picture pretty soon. Washburn, although caught up in the horror of Seattle, is still a quality pitcher. The Yankees and Mariners are known to be in discussions, and the Yankees want Seattle to take Kei Igawa, but the best course of action would be for the Yankees to trade a mid-level minor leaguer and eat Washburn’s contract.

5. Huston Street, Athletics
Destination: Brewers

The Brewers have proven to everyone that they are ready to go for it now. The acquisition of CC Sabathia was a huge splash for them and they don’t seem to be done. Eric Gagne could be a headache, so the Brewers entered the market for a late inning reliever, and Street would feet the bill. The Athletics are looking to reload their minor league system, and the Brewers have a nice group of prospects. This one is an easy match.

 

–MICHAEL GANCI

Marlins: An Ugly Uggla Performance

Florida Marlins second basemen Dan Uggla set a record Tuesday he would probably have done without, becoming the first player to commit three errors in an All-Star Game.

BOTTOM LINE: The first two were on back to back plays. The night as a whole was a nightmare for Uggla, who had several opportunities to give the NL all star team the lead. He will have to put this behind him.

MARLINS: Johnson Finally Returns

Florida Marlins starter Josh Johnson came off the 60-day DL on Thursday and allowed three runs on six hits and zero walks in five innings against the Dodgers.

BOTTOM LINE: It’s nice to finally see him return to the field after missing so much time because of injury. Johnson will definitely provide the Marlins with depth down the stretch if he can stay healthy.

MARLINS: Hendrickson Back Down to Earth

Florida Marlins starter Mark Henrickson has hit a huge rough patch, which was capped off by allowing six runs on 10 hits in a Tuesday loss.

BOTTOM LINE: In his last eight starts, Henrickson has a whopping 9.63 ERA and should be dropped in all fantasy leagues.