New York Mets- The Mets went 83 and 79 last year. They did this with a horrible closer, no defense or offense at second base and virtually no power at first base. They have now replaced Braden Looper with Billy Wagner. They have Andy Hernandez at second for defensive purposes. And have added one of the best power bats at first base in Carlos Delgado. With David Wright and Jose Reyes on the rise the Mets are the most logical choice for this division.
Atlanta Braves- The Braves will be chosen by many to take the division based on the last 14 seasons. Well I for one will not do that. Larry Jones is starting to decline both offensively and defensively. Left field and 1st Base are huge questions, as is Catcher. Atlanta is going on the hopes that Ryan Langerhans or Matt Diaz pan out to play left, Adam LaRoche is taking on a huge role to play first and hit against lefties, and Brian McCann has never played a full big league season.
Philadelphia Phillies- The Phillies have a good squad. Their outfield is solid. 1st base, 2nd base, and SS are solid. David Bell will provide an adequate bat and glove at third, and Mike Lieberthal is a good defensive Catcher. Their biggest hole seems to be they’re starting pitching and in my view it will be their downfall.
Florida Marlins- Now I know that this may look odd but I truly feel that this team is not as bad is it is being made out to be. Sure they have a lot of young players but many of them are top prospects. Mike Jacobs, Jeremy Hermedia and Josh Willingham all have good power and surrounding Miguel Cabrera they are guaranteed to get many opportunities to show off that power. There pitching is mediocre and their defense around the base paths is pretty good. Washington Nationals- I probably will get a lot of criticism for projecting the Nats last in the NL East but in my opinion they are the worst team in the division. Alfonso Soriano is a head case. Vinny Castilla is gone and Ryan Zimmerman, as good as he can be, will have to step up. Royce Clayton is in no way, shape, or form a great player. Jose Vidro and Nick Johnson are questions as they are both coming off injury-plagued seasons. After Livan Hernandez the starting rotation is a question and they are starting the season with Ryan Drese, Brian Lawrence, and Luis Ayala on the DL. |
