The Phillies came back to win 4-3 against the Astros tonight. They scored four runs in the 9th against closer Jose Valverde. Pat Burrell and Chris Snelling both had HRs and Pedro Feliz had an RBI double.

Ugh

The Braves were shutout by the Braves 4-0. Marlins SP Scott Olsen threw seven scoreless innings. The scoring included an RBI double by Ex-Met Mike Jacobs.

For CBSsportsline, fantasy analyst Eric Mack breaks down potential pitchers that will be in their 3rd year in the Majors, which according to him is when pitchers hit their stride.  Number 4 on his list is John Maine.

He concludes his piece on Maine by writing:

The offensively capable Mets should make him a big-time winner, and he should be able to stretch out better through the second half this time around. Last year was really his first full year in the majors after a couple of half seasons before 2007.

He also wrote an article where he discusses that players also hit their stride when they are 27, which Maine will be.

Also of note, he pegs Phillies’ SP Cole Hamels and Marlins’ SP Scott Olsen for breakout years.

Worth reading, especially if you’re into fantasy baseball.  This could really be a great year for Maine, because–to me at least–his issues seem to be mental, like losing focus and control.  Hopefully maturation will change that.