2008 NL East Preview

NL East


Philadelphia Phillies (89-73)
Strengths: The Phillies strength lies in their offense. They have one of the best lineups in baseball with former MVP Ryan Howard, reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins, and future MVP Chase Utley to anchor their lineup. Shane Victorino and Pat Burrell have to produce this year like they did towards the end of the season last year in order to make up for the loss of Aaron Rowand.

Weaknesses: The bullpen, like usual, the Phillies biggest question mark is the bullpen. Last year it was decimated by injuries to Ryan Madson, Tom Gordon and Brett Myers. This year hasn't started much better now that new closer Brad Lidge is beginning the season on the disabled list.

The jury is out on: The starting rotation could be good this year if it avoids the injury bug. Brett Myers has moved back into the rotation and the Phillies should be good with Myers, Cole Hamels, Jamie Moyer, Kyle Kendrick and Adam Eaton. Well, 4 out of 5 aren't bad, and if (read: when) Eaton starts to falter, the Phillies can plug Kris Benson into the rotation.

Outlook: The Phillies normally get off to horrendous Aprils, but they have a favorable schedule this year, with 12 games against teams that didn't reach the playoffs last year, 6 against the Mets (who they have owned over the past few seasons), and 9 against teams that made the playoffs or were in the hunt until the last week of the season. If the Phillies can come out of April at or near .500, they have a great shot at repeating as division champs. At the very least, they will win the wild card.


New York Mets (88-74)
Strengths: The Mets starting rotation suddenly became one of the best in the National League with the addition of Johan Santana. They now have Santana, Pedro Martinez and El Duque (though he is tweaking his windup this year) which is a scary trio for any team to face.

Weaknesses: The Mets depth is one of the biggest knocks against this star studded team. The inevitable injuries to Moises Alou, Carlos Delgado and Luis Castillo will hurt the team again this year because they don't have anyone they can plug in that will adequately fill the gaping holes these players will leave in the lineup.

The jury is out on: Mets SS Jose Reyes. Last season Reyes put up MVP numbers in the first half of the season, but then was just mediocre after the All-Star break. For the Mets to be successful this year, Reyes has to produce all year.

Outlook: The Mets should challenge the Phillies for NL East superiority, but will fall just short again. However, they should lock up the NL wild card spot.


Atlanta Braves (84-78)
Strengths: Management. Bobby Cox has team with the potential to be a great team. He is the best manager in baseball and will be able to get the most out of his team.
Weaknesses, The jury is out on, Outlook: The starting rotation is old and fragile. Tim Hudson was a rock last year for the Braves, but Mike Hampton has battled injuries since he joined the Braves, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz are a combined 82 years old and first started together in 1988. Glavine's last start with the Mets was abysmal as he gave up 7 runs in just 1/3 of an inning to complete the Mets collapse. If he and Smoltz can't come through for the Braves this year then it will be the third straight season where the Braves miss the playoffs after 14 consecutive division titles.


Washington Nationals (73-89)
Strengths: The Nationals are opening a new ball park this year.
Weaknesses: Pretty much everything else. The Nationals picked up Paul Lo Duca who is no longer juicing. They picked up Elijah Dukes who has had his share of attitude problems, and he should fit nicely with Lastings Milledge. Now they should add Barry Bonds and they could have about the most potent outfield in the league. It would make for some great entertainment.

The jury is out on: Whether the Nationals or the Marlins will be the more inept team this year.

Outlook: A fourth place finish again should surprise no one.


Florida Marlins (71-91)
Strengths: The Marlins are a young team, and have the smallest payroll in baseball. Again. Oh and they still have Dan Uggla.
Weaknesses: They no longer have one of the best third basemen in baseball and a pitcher who has shown he can be dominant. On the plus side, they have a new bucket of baseballs.
The jury is out on: Whether the Marlins will break the 70 win mark.
Outlook: The Marlins should finish the year last in the NL.

Other playoff picks:
NL Central Division Winner:
Chicago Cubs
NL West Division Winner:
San Diego Padres
NL Division Series:
Phillies vs. Cubs
Padres vs. Mets
NL Championship Series:
Phillies vs. Mets
AL Champion:
Boston Red Sox
World Series:
Phillies vs. Red Sox
World Series Champion:
Boston Red Sox

Other Awards:
MVP:
Chase Utley
Cy Young Award:
Johan Santana