National League East News

A couple of conversations that lasted roughly a half-hour appear to have changed Josh Johnson's long-term future with the Marlins.

Coming off their second straight World Series appearance and third straight National League East title, the Phillies have raised some ticket prices for 2010.

Charlie Manuel finds himself in special company in Phillies history. Manuel and Dallas Green are the only two managers to guide the Phillies to World Series championships: Manuel in 2008 and Green in 1980.

The Mets intend to be among the serious bidders for righthander John Lackey when baseball's free agents finally hit the open market next Friday at 12:01 a.m. General manager Omar Minaya received a favorable first impression from the pitcher's agent when the two spoke this week, and Lackey figures to be near the top of the club's wish list in the ...

Topping the to-do list: With about $15 million to spend, and a lot of holes -- but if we're being specific, they need help hitting and pitching.

Ken Rosenthal ofA Fox Sports believes the Braves are among eight teams interested in Billy Wagner .

Players from the National League East division swept the top three spots in voting for the NL rookie of the year, as Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan won the award in a narrow race over Philadelphia Phillies left-hander J.A. Happ, with Atlanta Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson finishing third.

In the American League, Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey won the award, with Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus finishing second and Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello third.

Coghlan, 24, became the third Marlins rookie honored with the award this decade, joining Dontrelle Willis (2003) and Hanley Ramirez (2006). Called up from Class AAA in early May, Coghlan led all NL rookies this year in batting average (.321), runs (84), hits (162) and on-base percentage (.390). After batting just .240 before the all-star break, he led all NL players in batting average (.372), runs (54) and hits (113) in the second half.

The Washington Nationals today named Jim Riggleman field manager. Nationals President Stan Kasten and Nationals Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the joint announcement.

Once the Phillies had clinched the National League East title and secured a playoff berth, Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge told each other it was their time for redemption after dismal individual performances in the regular season.

The Atlanta Braves finished the 2009 Regular Season at 8676, seven games behind the division leading Philadelphia Phillies.

According to Dave O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution , the Braves will soon announce that Tim Hudson has signed a three-year contract extension with an option for 2013, which overrides the $12 million mutual option for 2010.

The focus around these parts is, quite naturally, on the moves the Phillies may or may not be making in free agency and the trade market in their attempt to reload for yet another run to the World Series.

The Washington Nationals have appointed Jim Riggleman as manager on a permanent basis, the MLB team said on Thursday.

Mark Bowman, in a post to his blog for MLB.com , feels that the Braves will end up trading eitherA Javier Vazquez or Derek Lowe .

Jason Beck, in a post to his blog for MLB.com , says that free-agent J.J. Putz could be interested in joining the Tigers.

David Oa Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution says that the Braves are trying to workout an extension with Javier Vazquez .

Charlie Manuel was heading to the interview room when he spotted a reporter walking alongside.

Brett Myers will not be back with the Phillies in 2010. Myers said Friday afternoon that Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Raul Ibanez, closer Brad Lidge and reliever Scott Eyre are due to have surgery this upcoming week, the team announced Saturday.

What does the future hold for the Yankees and Phillies? Story Highlights Both of these teams will return the core of their pennant-winning teams The Yankees have to decide what to do with Joba Chamberlain and Philip Hughes Phillies not only cannot go another four months letting Lidge blow games What will the Yankees do with Johnny Damon and Joba ...