National League team-by-team previews

Bryce Harper and the Nationals were 96-66 and won the NL East in 2014.AP

A team-by-team look at the National League in 2015. Listed in predicted order of finish.

EAST

1. Washington

Is this finally the Nats’ year? They’ll have to overcome early injuries to outfielders Jayson Werth (shoulder surgery) and Denard Span (abdominal tear) and third baseman Anthony Rendon (sprained MCL). The Nationals have an all-world starting staff led by Max Scherzer and Jordan Zimmermann, but their bullpen isn’t quite as potent, with Drew Storen the closer. The Nats need to replace relievers Tyler Clippard and Rafael Soriano, two stalwarts last season. Is this the year Bryce Harper breaks out?

Clubhouse leader: Werth and Ian Desmond take the leadership roles.

2014: 96-66, 1st. Manager: Matt Williams (2d year).

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
CF	*Denard Span	184	5	37	.302	.771
3B	*Anthony Rendon	176	21	83	.287	.824
RF	Bryce Harper	96	13	32	.273	.768
1B	Ryan Zimmerman	60	5	38	.280	.790
LF	Jayson Werth	156	16	82	.292	.849
SS	Ian Desmond	151	24	91	.255	.743
C	Wilson Ramos	91	11	47	.267	.698
2B	Yunel Escobar	123	7	39	.258	.664

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Max Scherzer	18-5	3.15	10.3	1.175
RH	Jordan Zimmermann	14-5	2.66	8.2	1.072
RH	Stephen Strasburg	14-11	3.14	10.1	1.121
RH	Doug Fister	16-6	2.41	5.4	1.079
LH	Gio Gonzalez	10-10	3.57	9.2	1.197
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Drew Storen	11	1.12	7.3	0.976

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2. Miami

The emerging Marlins still have some issues to resolve. One is catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia. They want him to be better defensively. New leadoff man Dee Gordon needs to get on base to be the elite base stealer he is. The Marlins are relying on Michael Morse to provide protection in the lineup for Giancarlo Stanton. Henderson Alvarez and Jarred Cosart need to be aces until Jose Fernandez returns from Tommy John surgery in July.

Clubhouse leader: This is Stanton’s team. He’s the leader, the superstar, the everything.

2014: 77-85, 4th. Manager: Mike Redmonds (2d year).

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
2B	Dee Gordon	176	2	34	.289	.704
LF	Christian Yelich	165	9	54	.284	.764
RF	Giancarlo Stanton	155	37	105	.288	.950
1B	Michael Morse	122	16	61	.279	.811
CF	Marcell Ozuna	152	23	95	.269	.772
3B	Martin Prado	151	12	58	.282	.733
C	Jarrod Saltalamacchia	82	11	44	.220	.681
SS	Adeiny Hechavarria	148	1	34	.276	.664

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Henderson Alvarez	12-7	2.65	5.3	1.235
RH	Mat Latos	5-5	3.25	6.5	1.153
RH	Tom Koehler	10-10	3.81	7.2	1.296
RH	Dan Haren	13-11	4.02	7.0	1.177
RH	Jarred Cosart	13-11	3.69	5.7	1.364
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Steve Cishek	39	3.17	11.6	1.209

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3. New York

It’s the Matt Harvey show, but more is needed. The Mets have a good rotation even with Zack Wheeler gone for the season (Tommy John surgery). They need David Wright to have a big year. They’re hoping Michael Cuddyer adds a professional hitter to the middle of the lineup.

Clubhouse leader: By his veteran status, Wright is one for sure, but the Mets got Cuddyer for this reason.

2014: 79-83, 2d. Manager: Terry Collins (5th year).

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
CF	Juan Lagares	117	4	47	.281	.703
2B	*Daniel Murphy	172	9	57	.289	.734
3B	David Wright	144	8	63	.269	.698
1B	Lucas Duda	130	30	92	.253	.830
LF	Michael Cuddyer	63	10	31	.332	.955
RF	Curtis Granderson	128	20	66	.227	.714
C	Travis d'Arnaud	93	13	41	.242	.718
SS	Wilmer Flores	65	6	29	.251	.664

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Matt Harvey	INJURED IN 2014
RH	Jacob deGrom	9-6	2.69	9.2	1.140
LH	Jon Niese	9-11	3.40	6.6	1.268
RH	Bartolo Colon	15-13	4.09	6.7	1.226
RH	Dillon Gee	7-8	4.00	6.2	1.245
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Jenrry Mejia	28	3.65	9.4	1.484

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4. Philadelphia

It’s a woe-is-us franchise for the time being. Anyone could get traded before the deadline as the Phillies attempt to reboot. They still have players to watch — Cole Hamels, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, Jonathan Papelbon, Ken Giles.

Clubhouse leader: With Jimmy Rollins gone, tough to pick. But Utley, though very quiet, will be the guy.

2014: 73-89, 5th. Manager: Ryne Sandberg (3d year).

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
LF	Ben Revere	184	2	28	.306	.686
CF	Jordan Danks	26	2	10	.222	.594
2B	Chase Utley	159	11	78	.270	.746
1B	Ryan Howard	127	23	95	.223	.690
RF	Grady Sizemore	81	5	27	.233	.654
3B	Cody Asche	100	10	46	.252	.699
C	Carlos Ruiz	96	6	31	.252	.717
SS	Freddy Galvis	21	4	12	.176	.546

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
LH	Cole Hamels	9-9	2.46	8.7	1.148
RH	Aaron Harang	12-12	3.57	7.1	1.400
RH	Jerome Williams	6-7	4.77	6.4	1.400
RH	David Buchanan	6-8	3.75	5.4	1.292
RH	Sean O'Sullivan	0-1	6.39	5.0	1.342
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Jonathan Papelbon	39	2.04	8.5	0.905

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5. Atlanta

Lots of offensive concerns for the Braves. Newly acquired Nick Markakis is a nice player on a rebuilding team. The team had internal debate on who should start in center — Melvin (formerly B.J.) Upton, who has been horrible the last two seasons, or Eric Young Jr., who could be the answer at leadoff. Who will protect Freddie Freeman in the lineup? With lefthander Mike Minor out until May, the Braves don’t have many strong candidates for fourth or fifth starter. Long year ahead.

Clubhouse leaders: Jonny Gomes has immediately become the team leader with his outgoing personality. Freeman also is influential.

2014: 79-83, 2d. Manager: Fredi Gonzalez (5th year).

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
CF	Eric Young Jr.	64	1	17	.229	.610
RF	Nick Markakis	177	14	50	.276	.729
1B	Freddie Freeman	175	18	78	.288	.847
3B	Chris Johnson	153	10	58	.263	.653
LF	Jonny Gomes	64	6	37	.234	.657
SS	Andrelton Simmons	132	7	46	.244	.617
C	Christian Bethancourt	28	0	9	.248	.548
2B	Jace Peterson	6	0	0	.113	.274

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Julio Teheran	14-13	2.89	7.6	1.081
LH	Alex Wood	11-11	2.78	8.9	1.142
RH	Shelby Miller	10-9	3.74	6.2	1.273
LH	Wandy Rodriguez	0-2	6.75	6.8	1.688
RH	Eric Stults	8-17	4.30	5.7	1.375
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Craig Kimbrel	47	1.61	13.9	0.908

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CENTRAL

1. Pittsburgh

The Pirates are a pretty solid team with good starting pitching and a good bullpen. Their lineup can be good, but infielder Pedro Alvarez has to play first base well after moving from third. Gregory Polanco needs to live up to his hype because the Pirates don’t have another viable candidate to step in as an everyday outfielder if he can’t.

Clubhouse leader: Andrew McCutchen is not the vocal type, but he sure does prove his leadership on the field. A.J. Burnett provides leadership on the pitching side.

2014: 88-74, 2d. Manager: Clint Hurdle (5th year).

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
3B	Josh Harrison	164	13	52	.315	.837
RF	Gregory Polanco	65	7	33	.235	.650
CF	Andrew McCutchen	172	25	83	.314	.952
2B	Neil Walker	139	23	76	.271	.809
LF	Starling Marte	144	13	56	.291	.808
1B	Pedro Alvarez	92	18	56	.231	.717
SS	Jordy Mercer	129	12	55	.255	.693
C	Francisco Cervelli	44	2	13	.301	.802

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
LH	Francisco Liriano	7-10	3.38	9.7	1.300
RH	Gerrit Cole	11-5	3.65	9.0	1.210
RH	A.J. Burnett	8-18	4.59	8.0	1.409
RH	Charlie Morton	6-12	3.72	7.2	1.271
LH	Jeff Locke	7-6	3.91	6.1	1.272
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Mark Melancon	33	1.90	9.0	0.873

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2. St. Louis

The Cardinals would love to find some power. They were 29th with 105 home runs last season. Newly acquired Jason Heyward needs to hit 25-plus homers for this lineup to be more effective. For the first time in a while, a lack of starting pitching depth is a serioius concern.

Clubhouse leader: Yadier Molina is the main leader, but Adam Wainwright and Matt Holliday have leadership roles.

2014: 90-72, 1st. Manager: Mike Matheny (4th year).

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
3B	Matt Carpenter	162	8	59	.272	.750
2B	Kolten Wong	100	12	42	.249	.680
LF	Matt Holliday	156	20	90	.272	.811
1B	Matt Adams	152	15	68	.288	.779
RF	Jason Heyward	155	11	58	.271	.735
SS	Jhonny Peralta	147	21	75	.263	.779
C	Yadier Molina	114	7	38	.282	.719
CF	Jon Jay	125	3	46	.303	.750

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Adam Wainwright	20-9	2.38	7.1	1.031
RH	Lance Lynn	15-10	2.74	8.0	1.262
RH	John Lackey	14-10	3.82	7.5	1.278
RH	Michael Wacha	5-6	3.20	7.9	1.196
RH	Carlos Martinez	2-4	4.03	8.5	1.410
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Trevor Rosenthal	45	3.20	11.1	1.408

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3. Milwaukee

The Brewers lack depth in the rotation. The other concern is whether Ryan Braun can overcome a thumb injury that has bothered him for two seasons. Third baseman Aramis Ramirez has declared this his final season, but does he have much left? First baseman Adam Lind needs to be a middle-of-the-lineup force.

Clubhouse leader: Catcher Jonathan Lucroy is taking the role as leader.

2014: 82-80, 3d. Manager: Ron Roenicke (5th year).

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
2B	Scooter Gennett	127	9	54	.289	.754
CF	Carlos Gomez	163	23	73	.284	.833
RF	Ryan Braun	141	19	81	.266	.777
C	Jonathan Lucroy	176	13	69	.301	.837
3B	Aramis Ramirez	141	15	66	.285	.757
1B	Adam Lind	93	6	40	.321	.860
LF	Khris Davis	122	22	69	.244	.756
SS	Jean Segura	126	5	31	.246	.614

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Kyle Lohse	13-9	3.54	6.4	1.150
RH	Matt Garza	8-8	3.64	6.9	1.182
RH	Wily Peralta	17-11	3.53	7.0	1.304
RH	Mike Fiers	6-5	2.13	9.5	0.879
RH	Jimmy Nelson	2-9	4.93	7.4	1.457
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Francisco Rodriguez	44	3.04	9.7	0.985

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4. Chicago

The Cubs have some future hitting stars (see Kris Bryant), but there could be lots of whiffs this season. The Cubs have improved but they are not quite a playoff team. Chicago displayed poor defense in the spring, and manager Joe Maddon’s penchant for versatility could expose its defense even more. Jon Lester should lead a decent pitching staff.

Clubhouse leader: First baseman Anthony Rizzo embraces the role.

2014: 73-89, 5th. Manager: Joe Maddon (1st year).

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
CF	Dexter Fowler	120	8	35	.276	.774
LF	Chris Coghlan	109	9	41	.283	.804
RF	Jorge Soler	26	5	20	.292	.903
1B	Anthony Rizzo	150	32	78	.286	.913
SS	Starlin Castro	154	14	65	.292	.777
C	Miguel Montero	119	13	72	.243	.699
3B	Mike Olt	36	12	33	.160	.604
2B	Arismendy Alcantara	57	10	29	.205	.621

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
LH	Jon Lester	16-11	2.46	9.0	1.102
RH	Jake Arrieta	10-5	2.53	9.6	0.989
RH	Jason Hammel	10-11	3.47	8.1	1.123
RH	Kyle Hendricks	7-2	2.46	5.3	1.083
LH	Travis Wood	8-13	5.03	7.6	1.532
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Hector Rondon	29	2.42	9.0	1.058

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5. Cincinnati

They’ll miss pitchers Mat Latos and Alfredo Simon. The Reds’ staff is not what it used to be. Who knows if they can re-sign Johnny Cueto? The Reds still have the best lefty reliever in the business in Aroldis Chapman, but they have shaky setup men leading up to him. The Reds hope to see speedster Billy Hamilton take his game to the next level, and they potentially have five guys who could hit 20 or more homers.

Clubhouse leader: Todd Frazier is emerging.

2014: 76-86, 4th. Manager: Bryan Price (2d year).

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
CF	Billy Hamilton	141	6	48	.250	.648
2B	Brandon Phillips	123	8	51	.266	.678
1B	Joey Votto	56	6	23	.255	.799
3B	Todd Frazier	163	29	80	.273	.795
RF	Jay Bruce	107	18	66	.217	.654
C	Devin Mesoraco	105	25	80	.273	.893
LF	Marlon Byrd	156	25	85	.264	.757
SS	Kristopher Negron	39	6	17	.271	.810

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Johnny Cueto	20-9	2.25	8.9	0.960
RH	*Homer Bailey	9-5	3.71	7.7	1.229
RH	Mike Leake	11-13	3.70	6.9	1.246
RH	Anthony DeSclafani	2-2	6.27	7.1	1.364
RH	Michael Lorenzen	MINORS IN 2014
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
LH	Aroldis Chapman	36	2.00	17.7	0.833

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WEST

1. Los Angeles

The health of the pitching staff is the key. Closer Kenley Jansen will start the season on the DL and may be available by May. The Dodgers are keeping their fingers crossed on two offseason pickups, pitchers Brandon McCarthy and Brett Anderson, both of whom have long injury histories. Hyun-Jin Ryu threw 40 fewer innings than 2013 and will start the year on the disabled list. Zack Greinke already has had an injection in his elbow. Offensively, how will it work with Andre Ethier off the bench? Is Joc Pederson ready for the big leagues? The average age of the infield is 34. And can Yasiel Puig stay out of trouble?

Clubhouse leader: Looks like Jimmy Rollins already has taken the lead.

2014: 94-68, 1st. Manager: Don Mattingly (5th year)

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
SS	Jimmy Rollins	131	17	55	.243	.717
LF	Carl Crawford	103	8	46	.300	.767
RF	Yasiel Puig	165	16	69	.296	.863
1B	Adrian Gonzalez	163	27	116	.276	,817
C	Yasmani Grandal	85	15	49	.225	.728
2B	Howie Kendrick	181	7	75	.293	.744
Cf	Joc Pederson	MINORS IN 2014
3B	Juan Uribe	120	9	54	.311	.777

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
LH	Clayton Kershaw	21-3	1.77	10.8	0.857
RH	Zack Greinke	17-8	2.71	9.2	1.152
LH	*Hyun-Jin Ryu	14-7	3.38	8.2	1.191
RH	Brandon McCarthy	10-15	4.05	8.2	1.151
LH	Brett Anderson	1-3	2.91	6.0	1.315
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	*Kenley Jansen	44	2.76	13.9	1.133

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2. San Francisco

You never judge the Giants until you’ve seen what Brian Sabean and Bobby Evans can do to improve the team at the trading deadline. Nevertheless, it was a tough winter. They couldn’t secure Jon Lester, James Shields or Pablo Sandoval. They lost Hunter Pence to a broken forearm. Will Matt Cain return to his ace form? How will World Series MVP Madison Bumgarner handle the effects of last year’s workload? Can they get back-end-of-the-rotation performances from Jake Peavy and Tim Lincecum? Can Casey McGehee replace Sandoval?

Clubhouse leader: Buster Posey is it, but Pence gets a lot of credit for creating energy and a spirit on the team.

2014: 88-74, 2d. Manager: Bruce Bochy (21st year)

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
CF	Angel Pagan	115	3	27	.300	.731
2B	Joe Panik	82	1	18	.305	.711
1B	Brandon Belt	52	12	27	.243	.755
C	Buster Posey	170	22	89	.311	.854
3B	Casey McGehee	177	4	76	.287	.712
LF	Gregor Blanco	102	5	38	.260	.707
RF	Nori Aoki	140	1	43	.285	.710
SS	Brandon Crawford	121	10	69	.246	.713

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
LH	Madison Bumgarner	18-10	2.98	9.1	1.090
RH	Tim Hudson	9-13	3.57	5.7	1.231
RH	Matt Cain	2-7	4.18	7.0	1.251
RH	Jake Peavy	7-13	3.73	7.0	1.278
LH	Tim Lincecum	12-9	4.74	7.7	1.394
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Santiago Casilla	19	1.70	6.9	0.857

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3. San Diego

Who did more to revamp their team than the Padres? The Padres, who were the worst-hitting team in 2014, should be far better with the additions of Matt Kemp and Justin Upton. The rotation got a big boost when the Padres signed James Shields, and now it’s formidable. They need two younger vets to produce — center fielder Wil Myers and third baseman Will Middlebrooks.

Clubhouse leader: Manager Bud Black has asked Kemp and Shields to take over.

2014: 77-85, 3d. Manager: Bud Black (9th year)

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
CF	Wil Myers	72	6	35	.222	.614
1B	Yonder Alonso	64	7	27	.240	.682
RF	Matt Kemp	155	25	89	.287	.852
LF	Justin Upton	153	29	102	.270	.833
3B	Will Middlebrooks	41	2	19	.191	.522
2B	Jedd Gyorko	84	10	51	.210	.612
C	Derek Norris	104	10	55	.270	.763
SS	Alexi Amarista	101	5	40	.239	.600

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	James Shields	14-8	3.21	7.1	1.181
RH	Tyson Ross	13-14	2.81	9.0	1.211
RH	Andrew Cashner	5-7	2.55	6.8	1.127
RH	Ian Kennedy	13-13	3.63	9.3	1.289
RH	Brandon Morrow	1-3	5.67	8.1	1.650
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Joaquin Benoit	11	1.49	10.6	0.773

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4. Arizona

The new Tony La Russa/Dave Stewart/Chip Hale regime likely will face a challenging season. They simply don’t match up from a pitching standpoint. The Diamondbacks will go with a starting five led by Josh Collmenter, followed by Chase Anderson, Trevor Cahill, Rubby De La Rosa (who was acquired in the Wade Miley deal with the Red Sox) and former Rays righthander Jeremy Hellickson. Allen Webster, also acquired in the Miley deal, did not make the team.

Clubhouse Leader: Paul Goldschmidt is an emerging leader, but more by example.

2014: 64-98, 5th. Manager: Chip Hale (1st year)

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
CF	A.J. Pollock	80	7	24	.302	.851
2B	Aaron Hill	122	10	60	.244	.654
1B	Paul Goldschmidt	122	19	69	.300	.938
RF	Mark Trumbo	77	14	61	.235	.707
3B	Jake Lamb	29	4	11	.230	.636
LF	Yasmany Tomas	CUBA IN 2014
SS	Chris Owings	81	6	26	.261	.706
C	Tuffy Gosewisch	29	1	7	.225	.553

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Josh Collmenter	11-9	3.46	5.8	1.126
RH	Rubby De La Rosa	4-8	4.43	6.6	1.485
RH	Jeremy Hellickson	1-5	4.52	7.6	1.445
RH	Chase Anderson	9-7	4.01	8.3	1.372
RH	Trevor Cahill	3-12	5.61	8.5	1.608
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	Addison Reed	32	4.25	10.5	1.213

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5. Colorado

At some point, the Rockies need to expunge themselves of Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez and truly rebuild. These are two outstanding players (though they have trouble staying healthy), who are tough outs. The Rockies’ pitching will again be suspect, which likely puts them in a tough spot in this division, especially with the advances made by the Padres.

Clubhouse leader: Tulowitzki for sure. He’s the heart and soul of the team.

2014: 66-96, 4th. Manager: Walt Weiss (3d year)

	LINEUP	H	HR	RBI	AVG.	OPS
CF	Charlie Blackmon	171	19	72	.288	.775
LF	Corey Dickerson	136	24	76	.312	.931
SS	Troy Tulowitzki	107	21	52	.340	1.035
RF	Carlos Gonzalez	62	11	38	.238	.723
1B	Justin Morneau	160	17	82	.319	.860
3B	Nolan Arenado	124	18	61	.287	.828
C	Nick Hundley	53	6	22	.243	.631
2B	DJ LeMahieu	132	5	42	.267	.663

	ROTATION	W-L	ERA	K/9	WHIP
LH	*Jorge De La Rosa	14-11	4.10	6.8	1.237
RH	Kyle Kendrick	10-13	4.61	5.5	1.362
RH	Jordan Lyles	7-4	4.33	6.4	1.366
LH	Tyler Matzek	6-11	4.05	7.0	1.394
RH	Christian Bergman	3-5	5.93	5.1	1.555
	CLOSER	SV.	ERA	K/9	WHIP
RH	LaTroy Hawkins	23	3.31	5.3	1.196

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Follow Nick Cafardo on Twitter at @nickcafardo.