NL East at a Glance

The Marlins' recent success is a little surprising, considering that gaping hole at the back of the bullpen, where injuries to Matt Lindstrom, Kiko Calero and Leo Nunez have left manager Fredi Gonzalez scrambling in save situations.

That led Greg Cote, of the Miami Herald, to observe on his blog: "This is the time for the cheap-o Marlins ownership to spend for some reinforcements. But will they? There is no good reason not to. Florida's is the lowest payroll in the bigs and revenue sharing and TV income means [owner] Jeffrey Loria is pocketing plenty of money that could bring in help. So, c'mon, Loria. Surprise us. Open the wallet."

Well, the Marlins reportedly are discussing closers they could acquire, some having excellent seasons. Coincidentally or otherwise, they're guys making relatively small salaries: Kansas City's Joakim Soria ($1 million), Baltimore's George Sherrill ($2.75 million) and San Diego's Heath Bell ($1.25 million).

The Marlins are said to be considering those pitchers even after coming to terms on a contract yesterday with Luis Ayala, who was released by the Twins.

A few weeks ago, manager Jerry Manuel said it wasn't his place to pressure general manager Omar Minaya to make a trade.

After Sunday's loss, which dropped the team's record to 37-37, he said that dropping below .500 would make it a "no-brainer" that outside help would be needed. And when they lost again the next night, he repeated the sentiment: "If we cannot maintain .500 play, yeah, we need help. That's fundamental to me."

After a fifth straight loss Tuesday night, he decided a new approach was needed and called a team meeting to tell the players not to feel sorry for themselves because of all their injuries.

"The whole key was to say we have enough," he declared. "We've got enough in here to do what we need to get it done. Let's get it done."

The legend of Tommy Hanson continues to grow. Manager Bobby Cox said Saturday the rookie righthander was so ill it would "take a miracle" for him to be able to start against the Red Sox the following day.

Well, Hanson not only started, he pitched six shutout innings, allowing only two hits, and stretched his scoreless streak to 20 innings.

Lefthander Scott Olsen, off the disabled list after recovering from shoulder tendinitis, knows he needs to get his fastball back to be effective.

"I'm not Jamie Moyer," he said. "I can't be highly successful throwing 82 to 83. I need to be up around 90."