In this installment of NL East Lifers we take a look at the 2nd tier of guys who perpetually enjoy the luxurious lifestyle that the NL East provides.

Gold Standard Lifers

(Current players, 6+ years of service, multiple teams)

-Brian Schneider (Nats, Mets, Phillies)– A light-hitting backstop with a smokin hot wife.  Google “Brian Schneider Wife” you won’t be disappointed.  Brian is somehow currently hitting bombs for the Phils against the Mets on Carlos Ruiz’s days off.  When Ruiz plays or pinch-hits he also hits bombs against the Mets.  Catch-22.  Pun intended.

-Pete Orr (Braves, Nats, Phillies)- Who? Yeah, that guy.  Pete Orr was recently mistaken for Chase Utley by Gary Cohen on a Mets/Phillies broadcast, that’s all we have to say about that.

-Dan Uggla (Marlins, Braves)- Power hitting second baseman that can’t field.  Dan holds the record for most errors in an All-Star Game with three.  Boo this man, BOOOO!  But don’t boo too hard because he could change the game with one swing.  #homerunorstirkeout

-Manny Acosta (Braves, Mets)- Ho hum reliever, ERA currently sitting at 10.97.  If you’re gonna bring him in it’s gonna A’CostYA, basically the worst joke ever…but seriously he’s gonna give up a homer if you bring him in.  So he got DFA, designated for assignment.

We’ve always been fascinated by players that seem to only play on teams in the NL East. That got us thinking– What current players can actually be considered NL East Lifers? You know what we mean…the guys that always pop up against your favorite NLE team, guys you feel like you are always facing, and before you know it they end up logging a stint with your team. In doing a little research we came up with a list of recent guys that are either mainstays of one NLE squad or perpetually resurface within the division. Enjoy this first post in a series of three…

Platinum Grade Lifers
(Current players, 6+ years of service, same team)

You may recognize some of these guys…

-David Wright (Mets)- May not be on this list for much longer, but he better be! The Wilpons might need to find another lucrative ponzi scheme or Flushing could be without their unofficial captain after 2013.

-Mike Pelfrey (Mets)- Now 7 years deep, the Wichita State boy had the best mouthpiece in the bigs, now he’s relegated to the DL with Tommy John. Lick that elbow Mike, it couldn’t hurt.

-Larry “Chipper” Jones (Braves)- ATL legend. 48 career dongs against the Mets, so he named his son Shea. Sigh. We’re sure “LAAAARRRRRY” chants will abound as his video tribute is reluctantly played at Citi Field this year. Hopefully it’s followed by a cordial, but subdued, applause for one of the NL East’s best players. Stay classy Queens…

-Brian McCann (Braves)- He can’t see too well, but doesn’t seem to have a problem hitting. This homegrown talent can’t be denied recognition.

-Martin Prado (Braves)- Super-utility man has logged 8 years for the Bravos. Searching for a position stunted his growth as an everyday player but when he’s in there, he’s dangerous.

-Ricky Nolasco (Marlins)- The all time wins leader in Marlins history. Wait, WHAT!?!? Not a typo, nuff said…

-Josh Johnson (Marlins)- Ace-like stuff, body like Tinman. No one wants to face this gunslinger when he’s 100%

-Annibal Sanchez (Marlins)- The Floridian version of “The Sanchize” has more no-hitters to his credit than anyone in a Mets jersey…ONE! (can you tell what team we root for yet?)

-Jimmy Rollins (Phillies)- JRoll, originator of the skull cap and perpetual Met nemesis has etched his legacy as the NL East’s most consistent SS in the past decade.

-Ryan Howard (Phillies)- The Pedro Cerrano of Philly. An improbable achilles injury during his last AB of 2011 has shelved this power threat for the beginning of 2012. If he comes back healthy, watch out NLE leaderboard.

-Chase Utley (Phillies)- If he gets two artificial knees, he might just be able to play again. Once a 2b fantasy god, because of his power, Chase is looking to resurrect his career in the second half of 2012.

-Cole Hamels (Phillies)- “Fake” tough dude. Plunking phenom Bryce Harper didn’t garner many popularity votes for the Philadelphia lefty, but he’s on pace for a stellar season.

-Kyle Kendrick (Phillies)- Seemingly traded to Japan, but somehow manages to make the list…in our opinion, he won’t make the next one.

-Ryan Zimmerman (Nats)- David Wright’s former AAU teammate has superstar potential and numbers, when he’s healthy. Caveat being when he’s healthy, which is rare. If he stays on the field he could live up to his contract in ways that current NL-Easters Jayson Werth and Jason Bay can’t.

This is just one installment of the NL East for Life series, we dig deeper and get dirtier in the next two…stay tuned.

Feel free to respond with your suggestions.

In the meantime, enjoy the the most competitive division in the majors.

-Brothers verDorn

On Twitter: @peteverdorn and @jbiz2033

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, it’s time to take a look at the standings and see how your team is faring.  With a  third of the season in the books, it’s not too early to get excited about a team’s hot start – or too worried about a team’s struggles.  As of June 4, here are the NL East standings:



The NL East is shaping up to be a 3 team race between the Phillies, Marlins, and Braves.  Meanwhile, the Mets and Nationals continue to struggle as most had predicted coming into the season.

What will happen between now and the trade deadline?   Will the Phillies add a bat?  Will the Marlins stay in the race? Will Dan Uggla get off of the interstate?  Will the Mets trade Jose Reyes (or go bankrupt)?  Will the Nationals ask Jayson Werth for their money back?

Braves vs. Phillies

Despite a late rally, the Braves were able to hold on to win 8-7 against the Phillies, and with a San Diego loss, became the 2010 NL Wild Card winner. Philadelphia got things started in the 3rd with a two-run blast off the bat of John Mayberry. In the bottom of the 3rd, Jason Heyward tripled to drive home Rick Ankiel to cut the lead to 2-1. RBI singles by Brooks Conrad and Tim Hudson, followed by a two-run triple by Omar Infante equaled a four-run 4th inning for Atlanta. Derrek Lee homered in the 5th to make it 6-2 Atlanta. Conrad singled home the 7th run of the game for Altanta. The Braves would tag on one more run in the 6th. Jayson Werth hit a two-run shot for the Phillies in the 7th to cut the lead to 8-4, and added three more runs in the 8th.

Tim Hudson got the win for Atlanta, going 7 innings and allowing four runs on two hits while striking out three. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel allowed for three of his starters to get a few innings in today’s game. Cole Hamels began the game though, going 2 innings and giving up no hits while striking out two. Roy Oswalt and Joe Blanton also pitched an inning, giving up one run and four runs respectively. Danys Baez took the loss for Philadelphia. Billy Wagner recorded his 37th save of the season for Atlanta.

Mets vs. Nationals

It took 14 innings, but Washington beat the Mets 2-1 in the final game of the season for both teams. The first runs of the game for either team came in the 5th inning. In the top of the 5th, Roger Bernadina scored on a single by Alberto Gonzalez. In the bottom of the inning, Josh Thole grounded into a double play allowing Angel Pagan to score. It remained tied until the top of the 14th when Oliver Perez entered the game for the Mets. After striking out Ian Desmond, Perez then hit Adam Kennedy and walked the next two batters to load the bases. Perez then walked Justin Maxwell forcing home the winning run for Washington.

Both starters got a no decision in game. Mike Pelfrey went 7 innings and allowed one run on four hits while striking out four. Livan Hernandez went 6.2 innings and gave up one run on six hits while striking out one. Joel Peralta got the win for Washington. Oliver Perez took the loss for New York. Miguel Batista recorded his 2nd save for Washington.

Marlins vs. Pirates

The Marlins beat Pittsburgh 5-2 Sunday and grabbed third place in the NL East. A two-run home run by Dan Uggla in the 1st inning gave Florida a quick 2-0 lead. Pittsburgh cut the lead to 2-1 in the 2nd inning on a solo shot off the bat of Ronny Cedeno. A single by Andrew McCutchen in the 5th tied up the game. In the bottom of the 6th, a potential home run off the bat of Wes Helms turned into a ground-rule double after the umpires reviewed the play. Uggla scored on the play. Florida went on to score two more runs in the 7th inning.

Anibal Sanchez got the win for Florida, going 6 innings and giving up two runs on four hits while striking out seven. Brian Burres took the loss, going 5.2 innings and allowing three runs on five hits while striking out four. Clay Hensley recorded his 7th save for Florida.

Today marks the end of the regular season. The games include:

Marlins vs. Pirates

The Marlins send Anibal Sanchez (12-12, 3.62 ERA) to the mound against Brian Burres (4-4, 5.01 ERA) and the Pirates. First pitch is 1:10 p.m. in Florida.

Mets vs. Nationals

Mike Pelfrey (15-9, 3.75 ERA) starts for New York. Livan Hernandez (10-12, 3.73 ERA) starts for Washington. Game time is 1:10 p.m. in New York.

Braves vs. Phillies

Tim Hudson (16-9, 2.76 ERA) takes the hill for Atlanta. Cole Hamels (12-11, 3.09 ERA) gets the start for Philadelphia. First pitch is 1:35 p.m. in Atlanta.

Mets vs. Nationals

The Mets beat the Nationals Saturday afternoon 7-2. Ruben Tejada scored on a sacrifice fly in the 3rd inning to give the Mets a 1-0 lead. The next inning, Lucas Duda homered to make it 2-0. In the 6th, Michael Morse hit a solo shot for Washington, cutting the lead to 2-1. In the 7th, the Nationals tied it up on an infield single by Wilson Ramos. In the bottom of the 7th, David Wright hit a big three-run blast to center field to give the Mets a 5-2 lead. The following inning, Chris Carter hit a two-run shot.

Both starters got a no decision after today’s outting. Raul Valdes went 5.1 innings and gave up one run on three hits while striking out five. Yunesky Maya went 5 innings and allowed two runs on six hits while striking out four. Ryota Igarashi got the win for the Mets. Tyler Clippard took the loss.

Braves vs. Phillies

It was a tight game through 7 innings, but Philadelphia went on to beat the Braves 7-0. The Phillies scored four runs in the 7th. Three of those runs were on singles and one came on a wild pitch. Philadelphia went on to score one run in the 8th, and two more runs in the 9th. Atlanta hitters were held to just three hits all night. With the loss, Atlanta is not tied for the Wild Card.

Both starters got a no decision. Vance Worley went 5 innings for Philadelphia, and gave up just one hit while striking out three. Tommy Hanson went 5 innings for Atlanta and allowed six hits while striking out six. Antonio Bastardo got the win for the Phillies. Jonny Venters took the loss for Atlanta.

Marlins vs. Pirates

Florida took game two against the Pirates by a score of 2-0. Florida’s runs came in the bottom of the 4th inning when Mike Stanton started things with an RBI single. Chad Tracy would later hit a sacrifice fly in the inning to make it 2-0.

Jorge Sosa got the start for Florida in place of Alexa Sanabia who sat out with a stiff elbow. Sosa got a no decision after going 4 innings and giving up five hits while striking out one. Reliever Brian Sanches got the win for Florida. Charlie Morton took the loss for Pittsburgh. Morton went 6 innings and allowed two runs on four hits while striking out nine. Clay Hensley recorded his 6th save for the Marlins.

Saturday’s games:

Mets vs. Nationals

The Mets and Nationals continue their series this afternoon. Raul Valdes (3-3, 5.23 ERA) gets the start for New York. Yunesky Maya (0-3, 6.43 ERA)starts for Washington. Game time is 1:10 p.m. in New York.

Braves vs. Phillies

The Braves and Phillies go head-to-head in game two of their series this afternoon. Tommy Hanson (10-11, 3.41 ERA) gets the start for Atlanta. Vance Worley (1-1, 2.25 ERA) starts for Philadelphia. First pitch is 4:10 p.m. in Atlanta.

Marlins vs. Pirates

The Marlins send Alex Sanabia (5-3, 3.73 ERA) to the mound for game three against the Pirates. Charlie Morton (2-11, 7.94 ERA) starts for Pittsburgh. Game time is 7:10 p.m. in Florida.

Friday’s games:

Marlins vs. Pirates

The Marlins continue their series with the Pirates tonight in Florida. Adalberto Mendez (1-2, 4.19 ERA) takes the hill for Florida. Daniel McCutchen (2-5, 6.36 ERA) gets the start for Pittsburgh. First pitch is 7:10 p.m.

Mets vs. Nationals

The Mets and Nationals begin their final series of the season tonight in New York. Pat Misch (0-4, 4.66 ERA) gets the start for New York. Jordan Zimmermann (1-2, 5.76 ERA) starts for Washington. Game time is 7:10 p.m.

Braves vs. Phillies

The Braves send rookie Brandon Beachy (0-1, 2.89 ERA) to the mound against the Phillies tonight in Atlanta. Kyle Kendrick (10-10-, 4.76 ERA) starts for Philadelphia. First pitch is 7:35 p.m.

Braves vs. Marlins

Atlanta beat the Marlins 5-1 Wednesday afternoon, completing the sweep of Florida. A four-run 3rd inning put the Braves in the lead and they never looked back. After David Ross doubled home the Braves’ first run, Brooks Conrad followed with a three-run home run to center field. The Braves fifth run of the game came in the 8th when Florida’s reliever Will Ohman walked Eric Hinske to force home Freddie Freeman. The only run for Florida came in the 6th on an RBI single by Mike Stanton.

Derek Lowe got the win for Atlanta, going 5.2 innings and allowing one run on seven hits while striking out nine. Andrew Miller took the loss, lasting only 3 innings and giving up four runs on four hits while striking out two.

Mets vs. Brewers

Game One

The Mets dropped the first game of a doubleheader this afternoon by a score of 8-7. Milwaukee had a big six-run 3rd inning, but the Mets forged an impressive comeback. Chris Carter drove in two runs in the bottom of the 3rd with a single to left field. The following inning, Jose Reyes tripled to drive in two more runs. Lucas Duda hit a solo shot to cut the lead to 6-5. David Wright capped off the inning with a two-run home run to give the Mets the lead. The Mets’ bullpen wasn’t able to hold the lead, however, giving up two runs in the 8th inning to Milwaukee.

Neither starting pitcher was able to make it to the 5th inning for a win. Jon Niese only lasted 2.2 innings and gave up six runs on ten hits while striking out three. Yovani Gallardo went 3.1 innings and allowed seven runs on ten hits while striking out four. Carlos Villenueva got the win for Milwaukee. Manny Acosta took the loss for New York.

Game Two

Milwaukee took game two by a score of 3-1 to sweep the doubleheader. Milwaukee starter Dave Bush singled home the Brewers’ first run in the 3rd inning. It would remain 1-0 until the top of the 8th when the Brewers added on two more runs thanks to a two-RBI double off the bat of Ryan Braun. The Mets lone run of the game came in the bottom of the 8th on a sacrifice fly by Ike Davis.

R.A. Dickey took the loss for the Mets, going 7 innings and giving up one run on six hits while striking out four. Dave Bush got the win for Milwaukee, going 6 innings and allowing no runs on three hits while striking out one.

Nationals vs. Phillies

The home run happy Phils beat Washington 7-1. All of the Phillies seven runs came on home runs. Mike Sweeney and Ben Francisco each hit solo shots in the 2nd inning to give Philadelphia a 2-0 lead. John Mayberry then hit a three-run shot to make it 5-0. Francisco would later hit his second home run of the game in the 5th, a two-run shot to left field. Washington’s only run of the game came in the 4th inning when Nyjer Morgan scored on a ground out by Ian Desmond.

Joe Blanton got the win for Philadelphia, going 7 innings and giving up one run on three hits while striking out six. Ross Detwiler took the loss, going 4.2 innings and allowing seven runs on seven hits while striking out two.

Monday’s games:

Nationals vs. Phillies

Washington plays host to the Phillies tonight. John Lannan (8-7, 4.58 ERA) gets the start for the Nationals. Roy Halladay (20-10, 2.53 ERA) starts for Philadelphia. Game time is 7:05 p.m.

Braves vs. Marlins

As Atlanta looks to take the NL Wild Card, Florida hope to be spoilers as these two teams open up a three-game set in Atlanta tonight. Tommy Hanson (10-11, 3.51 ERA) takes the hill for Atlanta. Alex Sanabia (5-3, 3.99 ERA) starts for Florida. First pitch is 7:10 p.m.

Mets vs. Brewers

The Mets begin their final homestand of the season with a four-game series with Milwaukee. Mike Pelfrey (15-9, 3.75 ERA) starts for New York. Dave Bush (7-13, 4.70 ERA) starts for the Brewers. Game time is 7:10 p.m.