The National League is well arranged, as the West has a lot of old players headlining teams, while the Central is highlighted by several young players. The East are at the advantage, as they have the most players in their prime this season.
New York Mets: The Mets caught an unlucky break last year as their entire pitching staff imploded. Then they were unable to sign Barry Zito, who they long coveted. Their rotation stands to be an absolute disaster, but they have a strong closer and a fearsome lineup that will only get better this season. ESPN is going to love these guys, because their games will be laden with highlights and double digit games. The Mets should have enough punch to get by the rest of the East, but it will be closer than last year.
Philadelphia Phillies: I really like the Phillies this year. They benefited, ironically, from the subtraction of Bobby Abreu last year, and started getting production from across their lineup. There are a few glaring holes, such as the lack of a third outfielder if Jayson Werth doesn’t produce and a scary bullpen situation. No team is perfect, of course, and the Phillies strengths should guide them to a playoff berth.
Atlanta Braves: I feel a little dirty, picking the Braves to finish third. But they lost Marcus Giles in the offseason, and their pitching staff is getting old. They didn’t improve any part of their offense via free agency, signing only Craig Wilson. I really don’t see how they can compete in a tough East. There is certainly enough talent at all ages that they won’t be an easy victim, but they aren’t the Braves of years past.
Florida Marlins: Don’t expect the Marlins to repeat last years surprise performance. They foolishly let manager Joe Girardi go, despite the fact that he led a batch of young no-names to a very good season. With out him, expect some disillusionment, and especially ome regression. New manager Fredi Gonzales will take some time to get through to these guys to play his way. Like the Braves, the Marlins will be tough, but matching last years output will be tough.
Washington Nationals: The good news is, offense is killed by RFK Stadium. Good, because the Nats don’t have any offense to kill. The bad news is that RFK is a pitchers park. Bad because the Nats don’t have any pitchers.
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