NL East

I have heard some grumblings while riding on the Atlanta Braves' bandwagon about Derek Lowe and his rather tepid performance as a starter since signing his 4 year, $60 million contract. 

However, I tend to disagree.  Although his ERA has been over 4 both of the years he has worn a Braves uniform, he has been an innings eater, has tended to strike batters out well (5.1 K/9 in 2009, and 6.2 K/9 this year), and has usually had a good strikeouts to walks ratio (1.76 in 2009 and 2.09 this year). 

Much can be said about a team that makes things happen amidst a pennant race, and a lot can be said about those who don’t. What can we say about the difference between the Philadelphia Phillies and their competition? Well, there are still 15 games left to be played out.

To say that Atlanta Braves fans have been disappointed in him over his first two years would be somewhat of an understatement.

As far as I can remember, the only time we had been completely satisfied with his performance was after his first start with the Braves, when he shut out the Philadelphia Phillies for eight innings on Opening Night last season.

I really hate to do this. The story has died, and thankfully so. By now, everyone involved is moving forward, which makes us all better off.

Derek Lowe hasn’t lived up to the lofty four-year, $60 million contract the Atlanta Braves gave him two winters ago.

Lowe has produced a combined 5.0 WAR (wins above replacement) over the last two years, which makes him an average starter.

As the season winds down, Mets fans eagerly await the anticipated moves the team will make to try and right the ship. Some players have started lobbying for a Dan Warthen sequel but there has been no such outcry for Jerry Manuel or Howard Johnson. Debates regarding whether or not to keep the youth or trade pieces away rage on, too.

Six days left until the biggest series of the year in the National League.

The Phillies official website reports that the Phillies pitching coach, Rich Dubee, may be looking to deliver a knock out blow next week when facing the Atlanta Braves. Given the recent awakening of the Phillies' bats, that doesn't sound like too bad an idea.

Just a few short weeks ago, Atlanta Braves' starting pitcher, Derek Lowe, was struggling. On Monday night, Lowe pitched eight shutout innings, struck out a career high 12 batters, reached a career milestone of 1,500 strikeouts, and earned his 13th victory of the season. What's changed?

The Florida Marlins started the season with two potential aces on their pitching staff—Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson.

Unfortunately, they will end the season with no aces on their roster.

As your fantasy baseball marathons come down to the wire look to these players to help your team or keep them from hindering your team.  Rookies’ Starlin Castro and Ike Davis should have stellar weeks for your team.

Start ‘Em

Starlin Castro | Chicago Cubs | 81 percent