National League Predictions

Sorry Folks that it took me so long to get on here and give you my predictions, but here they are.


NL East

Phillies
Braves
Marlins
Nationals
Mets

The Phillies will win the National League East because their lineup is very dangerous 1-8 and their pitching rotation got a big boost over the off-season with acquistion of Roy Halladay. The Braves are my sleeper in this division as they could make a run with a solid starting rotation and offense that will score enough runs to keep them in games. I am not particularly fond of the Mets this season for several reasons, but the main reason is that there is no one behind Johan Santana to have faith in.


NL Central

Cardinals
Brewers
Cubs
Reds
Astros
Pirates

Cardinals are a well rounded team with pitching and defense to go along with the dynamic duo of Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. Look for the Cubs to possibly make a run in this division if everyone stays healthy and plays up to their potential. Lou Pinella is an outstanding manager who has led his club to the postseason plenty of times before.


NL West

Giants
Rockies
Dodgers
Diamondbacks
Padres

The Battle out west will be an interesting one for sure. I believe it is strongly up for grabs and that any of the top 4 teams could finish first. I have the Giants taking the division solely based on their pitching rotation, but it might come down to the final days of the season to see who will finish first. The Rockies did not do much in the off-season, but still have a strong club and will contend for first. It is hard to say where the Dodgers will end up because they do have good starting pitching (Billingsley & Kershaw), but not much depth. They will also put up plenty of runs for Skipper Joe Torre even if Manny doesn't return to his 2008 form. The West will be alot of fun to watch.


NL Wild Card

Braves

The Braves in their last season under Bobby Cox will find their way back to the postseason under great pitching from Hudson, Lowe, Juirjens and good offensive production from Jones, McCann, and Heyward. The Rockies will fall off late in the season and just barely miss the playoffs.


Please stay tuned for more updates.