National League Preview - NL East

The major league baseball season is just a week away and to get you prepared here is the shallowest preview and predictions you will find. The third and final (thankfully) installment on the National League.

NL East

Philadelphia Phillies – The prohibitive favourite from the National League and now the SI pick for World Series champs, the Phillies have what it takes to get back to the show. Led by the newly acquired Roy Halladay who is set to dominate the NL, and backed-up by a formidable pitching staff that includes Cole Hamels (who will no doubt benefit from learning from Halladay), Joe Blanton, JA Happ and the ageless Jamie Moyer. Although, they got rid of Cliff Lee those five can compete with any teams rotation. The bullpen is just as solid with the anchor being closer Brad Lidge, especially if he can get back to 2008 form. The batting order will be a “murder’s row” for the opposition. Whether you want to hit around Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins or Chase Utley, someone will always be behind them to pick up the slack. The one player that has made a splash this spring is Jayson Werth who showed up to training camp with a caveman beard. Fun times for fans in Philly who normally just like to whine and throw batteries at Santa Claus.

NY Mets – Mets fans want to win so badly and this team will take them to brink, but can they break through. A lot will depend if star players can stay healthy and happy. The Mets signed the highest profile free agent of the winter in Jason Bay. He makes his return to the NL, where he had more success than in Boston (although he wasn’t a slouch by any means). He was under intense media pressure in Boston and that won’t change in NY with the tabloids. Backing up Bay will be other superstars that need to produce so the Mets can have a chance at October. Jose Reyes, David Wright and Carlos Beltran all need big seasons for CitiBank Place to stay afloat.

Atlanta Braves – OH MY GAWD its Jason Heyward! If you need to know one name in the National League this season it is Jason Heyward. After quickly progressing through the Braves minor league system the young slugger has done enough in spring training that manager Bobby Cox said he would be stupid if he left Heyward out of the opening day line-up. The Braves look good on paper behind Heyward, but they are getting long in the tooth with Chipper Jones and Troy Glaus minding the corners. Other young stars that need to continue to produce are catcher Brian McCann and CF Nate McClouth. The pitching staff is led by second year man Tommy Hanson, if he can avoid the sophomore slump, he should finish close to 20 wins. Closing games for the Braves will be Billy Wagner, at least until his arm falls off mid-June. The Braves are a trendy pick to challenge for the wild card, but they need some more depth to challenge the top of the division.

Florida Marlins – Only if the owners could keep the team together for more than a season they could challenge for a World Series trophy year after year with the talent that has gone through Miami. This year they are led by NL MVP runner-up Hanley Ramirez. With power, speed and ability to get on base not normally demonstrated by shortstops, Ramirez will be the key to the Marlins. Another player to watch for is centrefielder Cameron Maybin. Coming off surgery, he will have a chance to prove he can play and produce. The pitching staff needs to be consistent this season for the club to avoid a 90 loss season. Jason Johnson and Ricky Nolasco will spearhead the staff and Leo Nunez will reprise his role as the closer for the teal and black. Don’t expect big things from the Marlins this season, but three years from now when their youngsters develop…look out.

Washington Nationals – Remember in the NL Central preview we talked about how the Pirates are the team that nobody recognizes. Say hello to the team that finished second in the ESPN poll – the Washington Nationals. The Nationals have tried to sign free agents the last couple of winters, but unfortunately they haven’t had many takers. The offense is led by first baseman Adam Dunn and aging catcher Ivan Rodriguez. The pitching staff has Jason Marquis as the ace and youngster John Lannan as the number two. Lannan in particular has turned heads and will look to stay on the right side of .500 this season. Meantime, the best pitcher/player, Stephen Strasburg, has been sent down to Double A. Strasburg, the top pick last year had a great spring, but no one is surprised that he is starting his career in the minors, the big question is when he gets the call up. No matter when Strasburg shows up, the odds for the Nationals to win the division (+10000) say all you need to know about their chances this season.