NL East spring training update
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If the 2014 playoffs started today, the Miami Marlins would be the division winner with the Washington Nationals earning a wild-card spot. Unfortunately for those teams, records in March mean nothing and everybody will be 0-0 in a few weeks to kick off the regular season. With spring training about halfway through, here is an update on the happenings for the teams in the NL East.
Atlanta Braves
With Kris Medlen getting injured last week and on the verge of having his second Tommy John surgery, the Braves’ starting rotation is looking pretty thin. Along with Medlen, Mike Minor and Brandon Beachy are also dealing with injuries that could keep them off the mound to start the season. Atlanta addressed this by signing free agent Ervin Santana, but his lack of playing time may prevent him from being as dominant as he could be. With that said, Santana could become the Opening Day starter if he gets into game form over the next few weeks.
Some good news for the Braves is that second baseman Dan Uggla has been having a productive spring training thus far. After struggling through 2013, Uggla is hitting .304 with two home runs in 23 AB. If he continues this upward trend, he would be a big boost to an Atlanta offense that could use all the help it can get with the injuries to the roation.
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Miami Marlins
Jose Fernandez continues to impress just as he did in his rookie season. He has not allowed a run in 5.1 innings of work thus far and looks to be a solid ace for the Marlins this season. Giancarlo Stanton is also on a tear with a .375 batting average and five home runs. Those won’t count for his regular season stats, but it is a good sign for Miami as it appears to be in a rebuilding phase.
Rebuilding doesn’t usually include counting on an aging veteran to fill a void in the offense. The Marlins may have signed Rafael Furcal more for his ability to draw fans because of his Hispanic background, as his best days are far behind him. The shortstop turned second baseman is hitting a mere .125 and may be designated to a reserve role if Miami decides to go with a younger starting lineup built for the future.
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New York Mets
One of the problems the Mets face is that starting shortstop Ruben Tejada is not panning out. He has a .083 batting average and only 12 AB so far, and New York has been rumored to be working out a trade for the Mariners’ Nick Franklin. Franklin would seem to be an upgrade despite having to switch positions in the infield, but it is anyone’s guess as to how he would perform in the Big Apple. Some players thrive in a big market and others fold under the immense pressure, especially coming from a small market such as Seattle.
David Wright also has had no success since spring training started, but he has proven himself year after year to produce once the games count. The big signing for the Mets, Curtis Granderson, is coming off an injury plagued season and has a .263 batting average with two home runs in 19 AB. A potential comeback player of the year, Granderson would be a warm welcome for a Mets team that is limited in power with the lack of production from Ike Davis, who may not even make the team with his injury from 2013 still looming.
Zack Wheeler has been a pleasant surprise not allowing a run in 6.0 innings pitched so far. New York needs to find an ace to replace injured Matt Harvey. Free agent signee Bartolo Colon does not appear to be the answer so far, despite his all-star season just a year ago in Oakland.
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Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are getting older and are no longer the World Series threat they were at the end of the 00’s. Ryan Howard is hitting .185, Chase Utley is hitting .182, and Jimmy Rollins has a batting average of .133. Those are the big three that have been the backbone of Philadelphia’s offense. If that lack of production continues into April and onward, it could be a long season for the Phillies. They all no longer all-star locks and the bad numbers now could very well carry over into the regular season.
Pitching seems to be Philadelphia’s strength, but there are some worrisome ERAs thus far. Cliff Lee sits at 4.15, Kyle Kendrick’s is 7.20, A.J. Burnett has a perfect floor routine of 10.00, and Mike Gonzalez has a staggering 16.87. Cole Hamels has yet to pitch and likely will not throw until at least after April. Those are the projected starters for Philadelphia, and it’s not good news. If the Phillies don’t have any offense or pitching, how are they going to win any ball games this year?
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Washington Nationals
After Miami, the Nationals have been the second-best team record wise in the NL East during spring training. That is due to their well-balanced attack of hitting and pitching.
Center fielder Denard Span has been leading the way with a .429 batting average. Ryan Zimmerman is in mid-season form hitting .389. Ian Desmond and Adam LaRoche each have two home runs. Things are looking promising for the Nationals’ offense as they look to rebound from 2013 and return to the playoffs once again.
One of the strengths of Washington is by far their pitching. Jordan Zimmerman has yet to allow a run in 9.0 innings of work. Stephen Strasburg has a 1.80 ERA in five innings, and Gio Gonzalez is only giving up a .250 batting average to opponents. Drew Storen and Ross Detwiler have not been as impressive as they are known to be, but with the starting pitching and offense on a roll, they have time to find their groove before the season starts.
The Nationals have some young star outfielder named Bryce Harper on the roster as well.