National League East Outlook
Once Again, Mets And Phillies Will Vie For Top Spot
There are five teams in the National League East, but much like the past two seasons, only two will be in the hunt for the division title.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2008. They have strengthened their starting rotation with the additions of Derek Lowe and Javier Vazquez. They along with Tom Glavine are all aging, however, and it remains to be seen whether they can stay healthy for a full season. Their lineup is solid and the addition of Garret Anderson should certainly help them. Their biggest problem is that their best player, Chipper Jones, just can't seem to stay healthy for a full season. If he spends any time on the disabled list, this team just doesn't have enough to compete in this division.
Prediction: Fourth Place
Florida Marlins
The Florida Marlins have a solid ball club. They have a very good offense led by shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who is developing into one of the best players in the game. Their rotation is solid, led by hard-throwing Ricky Nolasco. They have a very good closer in fireballer Matt Lindstrom. However, this team does not have enough depth to stay in the race with the top two teams.
Prediction: Third Place
New York Mets
The New York Mets are looking to bounce back from two straight September collapses that saw them choke away the division to the Philadelphia Phillies. Their biggest problem the last two years has been the bullpen and they have addressed that issue in a big way. They added Francisco Rodriguez, who set the all-time single season saves record last year, to be their closer, and former closer J.J. Putz to be their set-up man. They boast one of the best starting rotations in baseball led by Johan Santana, arguably the best pitcher in baseball. Each starter's win total should go up by at least two to three games with the improved bullpen. Their lineup is very good led by young superstars Carlos Beltran, David Wright, and Jose Reyes. If everyone stays healthy, the Mets have a chance to go all the way.
Prediction: First Place
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are the defending World Series Champions. They have an excellent lineup led by superstars Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Ryan Howard. They have a solid rotation led by World Series MVP Cole Hammels. They have a good bullpen led by closer Brad Lidge who was perfect in save situations last year. They will stay in the race for the division title but, ultimately, their starting rotation is not as good as the Mets, and their bullpen is unlikely to be as dominant for a second year in a row. So, the feeling here is that if they are going to make another big playoff run, it will happen via the wild card.
Prediction: Second Place
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are looking to improve on a 100 loss season last year. They have a decent lineup and some promising arms on the pitching staff but they don't have enough offense and they're pitching is too young and inexperienced to be able to compete. They won't lose 100 games again, but they'll still be a cellar dwellar.
Prediction: Fifth Place
Up Next: American League Cenral
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