National League East News

All this is premature; we all get that. We get that Stephen Strasburg has thrown 24 Major League innings in 18 months, that Bryce Harper is 19 years old and has played in 37 games above the South Atlantic League and that Chien-Ming Wang has won five big league games in three years.

This week Matt Gelb of The Inquirer posted a warning to all Phillies fans: A Don't forget about the Braves.

With pitchers and catchers set to report Saturday, we here are Philthy Stuff are grading the Phillies by position as they prepare to work towards a sixth-straight National League East title and try to return to the World Series in 2012.

Jayson Werth was 13 for 57 with three doubles, a home run, three walks and 17 K's in 15 games and 62 plate appearances against the Philadelphia Phillies in 2011.

The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing to go after their sixth straight National League East title with the question of Cole Hamels' future with the team looming large.

ESPN's Baseball Tonight will broadcast live from Roger Dean Stadium when pitchers and catchers take the field Feb.

As we take a look back at some of the key prospect lists, top 10s, and other minor league analysis from the week, here's this week's minor league links.

A team-by-team look at the National League entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad: Going campin': Five straight NL East titles have set the bar very high in Philadelphia.

What will the fallout be over Howard's Achilles injury? Can he come back and hit for power? When will he come back? Can the guys who take his place help keep the offense afloat? Will the Phils sign Hamels to an extension before April? What will the three aces do this year? Can Victorino and Worley repeat their 2011 seasons? What if Mayberry Jr.

With pitchers and catchers set to report Feb. 18, we here are Philthy Stuff are grading the Phillies by position as they prepare to work towards a sixth-straight National League East title and try to return to the World Series in 2012.

Purely for curiosity considerations, one could be forgiven for wanting to see Bryce Harper, the No.

Sometime in the first half of March, when spring training begins to feel a bit like Groundhog Day, expect Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel to make an announcement that will hold less suspense than an intentional walk.

Teddy Roosevelt and 'Screech' are thrilled to have Washington Nationals fans 'Take Back the Park' at the first Phillies game.

With pitchers and catchers set to report Feb. 18, we here are Philthy Stuff are grading the Phillies by position as they prepare to work towards a sixth-straight National League East title and try to return to the World Series in 2012.

That's some kind, unmockable work by Hanley, whose offseason has been slightly mired by rumors of his irritation toward moving out of the way to third base so Jose Reyes can play shortstop.

Baseball is getting close...with pitchers and catchers approaching single digits until they report to St.

Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo traded four top prospects to the Oakland Athletics for right-hander Gio Gonzalez, who was introduced at Nationals Park on Wednesday.

Left-handed pitcher John Lannan , aka "The Pride of Long Beach," is apparently on the trading block, according to reports.

John Stolnis decided to dig up memories of the 2000 Phillies this week, which is really mean when you consider how many hours of therapy it's taken us to get over the disbandment of the Padilla Flotilla.

According to General Managers outside the NL East, the Mets have two of the five best starting pitching prospects in their division .