Last year’s most competitive division has seen some seperation among the teams, and it will be a little bit easier to project. Like the AL East, however, this is a talent rich division, so I would expect some major deals coming out of the East at some point this year. Even though the hierarchy is already set, this should be a fun division to keep an eye on.
Atlanta Braves – This is the most boring pick I have ever made in my entire life. That’s saying something, since I picked a science major in college. But with Bobby Cox managing, you could throw out Andy Van Slyke, a used shoe box and my grandmother and you would still win 81 games. The fact that Cox has some talent to work with makes another Braves pennant a sure thing.
New York Mets – Despite their history, I can’t help but pick the Mets to finish second, and in the Wild Card. They have too much stockpiled talent not to win a few games. The best part is, there is so much to work with there, they can even plug a few holes in the event of an injury, which is less likely, now that Mike Piazza is in San Diego. The Mets will be the team whose postseason coverage will annoy me the most, and I’m calling that right now.
Philadelphia Phillies – The Phitin’ Phils are going to have to be the Hittin’ Phils, as don’t happen to have any real pitching depth. Only so many spots can be filled with prospects, and the Phillies have one too many. Not to mention one filled with Cory Lidle. Philadelphia does, however, have ample offense which should propel them past Washington for third place this year.
Washington Nationals – The Nats addressed their most pressing need this offseason, acquiring a homerun hitter in Alfonso Soriano. The tough part is, Soriano doesn’t like his situation in D.C. and things won’t end well there. The pitching appears to remain solid, but the offense is just as abysmal as it has always been.
Florida Marlins – The Marlinshave been reduced to a couple great players (Dontrelle Willis and Miguel Cabrera) and a few promising prospects and half a million fans waiting for football season to begin.
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