N.L. East.(BASEBALL)

ATLANTA BRAVES

28 Marcus Giles has struggled so far this season. Not only is his uppercut swing leading to too many strikeouts, but it isn't yielding the power he usually produces.... RHP Jorge Sosa's improved pitch selection and location could lead to a lasting spot in the rotation.... Though he has been inconsistent at the plate, LF Ryan Langerhans' defensive ability keeps him in the lineup. His problems on offense during May were partly caused by a sore right hand. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: RHP John Smoltz struggled early this season in part because he couldn't get a feel for the baseball on chilly days. Smoltz often asks the plate umpire for new balls because he wants to find the fight seams to get optimum control with his split-finger fastball and changeup. Since the weather has warmed, it has been easier for Smoitz to get a good grip on balls and his strikeouts have increased.--Mark Bowman

FLORIDA MARLINS

Manager Joe Girardi plans to make liberal use of his top four outfielders--RF Jeremy Hermida, LF Josh Willingham, CF Boggle Abercrombie and OF Joe Borchard--especially in the Florida heal Girardi doesn't want any outfielder playing as many as 16 games in a row.... RHP Brian Moehler credits much of his recent improvement to becoming comfortable with starting C Miguel Olivo. Earlier, Olive and Willingham split time at catcher. SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Studying videotape helped 1B Mike Jacobs end his funk. He watched at-bats from last season, when he played 30 games for the Mets, and noticed that when he was going well, he tapped his front foot on the ground before a pitch a lot less than he had been doing this season. Jacobs realized he might have become too anxious at the plate. Once he slowed the tapping, he got better results.--Charlie Nobles

NEW YORK METS

G.M. Omar Minaya believes RHP Orlando Hernandez will be more than a stopgap and that he will solidify the rotation. Last week's trade for Hernandez made it less likely the club will promote highly regarded RHP Mike Pelfrey from the minors.... For now, there's a three-man rotation at second base. Jose Valentin and Chris Woodward will share time with Kazuo Matsui, who was dependable in the field but didn't hit well enough ...