Miguel Batista Applesauce: I Think You Can Guess Where This Is Going

Miguel Batista isn't a very good pitcher. I think by now just about everyone that's ever seen a game is well aware of that fact. Terry Collins still uses him in tight spots though, trotting him out for a quick cameo again yesterday. Two outs and two runs later the Nats would have enough of a cushion to ensure the Mets 9th inning rally came up just short. No worries though, as we'll get Batista out of the bullpen soon enough when he enters the starting rotation on Saturday. The box from last night's game can be found here, the recap here.

It looks like the Mets bullpen may continue to be an issue for the near future, as Frank Francisco doesn't look like he'll return this month. The Mets may add more help before he returns though, as Sandy Alderson is still insisting that the Mets are buyers. Howard Megdal points out that upgrades are readily available for the right price.

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At least misery loves company in the NL East. The Phillies lost in to the Dodgers on a Matt Kemp walk off. Want to revel in their misery? Here's the blast.

The Braves also lost in somewhat crushing fashion yesterday. FanGraphs took a look at the impending contract situation that's coming with Martin Prado.

Rounding out play within the division was the Marlins loss to the lowly Cubbies. I smell a fire sale on the horizon.

The surprising Pirates continued to put up wins, using the long ball over and over to beat the Rockies.

Finally for today, one of the new things in the CBA was seen in action for the first time yesterday. The competitive balance lottery was held, and the results can be found here. The Marlins are the only team in the NL East that was awarded a pick.