Narron sees Nats as biggest surprise

By Gabe Whisnant
Published in Sports on July 14, 2005 1:47 PM

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Like most, Jerry Narron feels the Washington Nationals are the biggest surprise in the National League this season.

The former Montreal Expos have the second-best record in the NL and are currently 21/2 games up on an injury-riddled but resilient Atlanta ballclub for first place in the NL East.

Narron believes it will take more of the same pitching from the Nats and even more hitting for Washington to hold on to its lead.

"I'm surprised as much as everyone about the Nationals. They haven't scored many runs, but their pitching is winning so many games," he said. "Their (Washington) runs scored is out of whack with their record. They'll have to be better offensively. Also, it shows how important pitching is with the record they have."

That wasn't the only surprise he saw in the East.

"Maybe the biggest surprise is the Marlins (currently sitting at 44-42 and seven games out of first)," he added. "I thought they had the best team in the East. That's a club that could easily get hot and win a lot of games."

Narron believes San Diego is the class of the West Division and pitching will guide the Padres to the playoffs.

And about his own division?

"St. Louis is outstanding. They play the game right and do the fundamental things correctly," Narron said. "Houston's pitching will get them back in the wild card chase, but I don't know if they can catch St. Louis. But, having to face Clemens, Oswalt and Pettitte ... that's some of the best in the game."