Around NL East Spring Training, 3/15:

Mets: Mike Pelfrey is working on a new split-finger fastball...Hisanori Takahashi has been impressive so far in March, and is turning himself into a sleeper candidate for the rotation's fifth slot...Francisco Rodriguez and Kiko Calero both made their Grapefruit League debuts...the Mets cut 17 players from big league camp on Monday, including Josh Thole, Josh Fogg, and R.A. Dickey.

Braves: Tim Hudson believes he has improved his splitter and his changeup...the Braves made their first round of cuts on Monday, with the list including Cody Johnson, Mike Minor, and Jose Ortegano...Edward Salcedo worked out with the team for the first time on Saturday...Jason Heyward is 8-18 so far and, statistically and observationally, justifying all of the hype...both Jair Jurrjens and Derek Lowe appear to fine after dealing with shoulder and toe problems, respectively.

Nationals: Jesus Flores' rehab from shoulder surgery appears to be going quite well...Stephen Strasburg threw three shutout innings on Sunday, effortlessly reaching the high 90s with his fastball...the Nats have played 11 games so far this spring, and have won zero of them...Ross Detwiler's recovery from hip surgery is currently on schedule...Chien-Ming Wang threw his first bullpen on Monday, without incident...veteran lefty Ron Villone was released...along with Villone, the Nationals cut another five players from big league camp, including Collin Balester and Ryan Mattheus.

Phillies: According to Jerry Manuel, Ryan Madson is first in line to close if Brad Lidge's knee isn't feeling 100% to open the season...Kyle Kendrick has yet to allow a run this spring, and stands as the clear favorite to take the fifth rotation slot, as Jamie Moyer isn't looking his best...after giving a good scare to everyone by injuring his knee in Monday's game, Placido Polanco says he should be fine in a few days, as it's only a strain...Roy Halladay pitched, is awesome.

Marlins: Derrick Turnbow made his spring debut on Saturday and walked three of his five batters...the Marlins optioned Sean West to AAA New Orleans and Jose Ceda to AA Jacksonville. West's departure means that Anibal Sanchez, Rick VandenHurk, Chris Volstad, Hayden Penn, Andrew Miller, and Clay Hensley are fighting for the final three rotation slots. Miller, however, has walked six and fanned only one...Hanley Ramirez was scratched on Monday with a tight groin, but it's believed to be minor...Cody Ross returned to the field on Monday, and both Cameron Maybin (groin) and John Baker (forearm) are looking to come back next weekend...Marlin scouts were present for Mike Lowell's spring debut.