NL East Preview

A division that had been the Braves' division for so long now belongs to another team, the Phillies. Winning the World Series in 2008 and making the World Series in 2009, the Phils have shown why they are the most feared team in the NL. Still, the NL East has some fire power and has a few teams that can give the Phillies a run for their money, and also compete for the NL Wild Card.

5.) Washington Nationals
Obviously, the Nats are the fifth team. Sure they went out and tried spending money, and the squad is improved. They are now a respectable team, but are still miles away from being a competitive squad in the NL East. With a back end of the rotation featuring Stammen, Mock, and Livan Hernandez (even the Mets didn't want him back), the Nats will give up a lot of runs. Sure Zimmerman and Dunn will score runs, but not nearly enough to make this team win.

4.) Florida Marlins
I hesitate to put the Marlins this low as they always seem to play above their ability. Obviously, the Marlins feature one of the game's top players, Hanley Ramirez. The rotation is pretty solid, with ace Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco coming of a great season. The bullpen could be the issue that cripples this team, as Leo Nunez enters the season as the closer. It will also be interesting to watch Cameron Maybin in centerfield and see if he can progress into the star he was expected to be.

3.) New York Mets
After a terrible 2009 season, and a rocky off season, the Mets still have one of the better lineups in the National League... that is when they are healthy. Jason Bay, Jose Reyes, David Wright, and Carlos Beltran are all big time bats, but the rest of the lineup is filled with questions. However, despite a star-filled lineup, the pitching rotation is a mess. Sure Johan Santana is a great guy to have at the top of the rotation, but Pelfrey, Maine, Niese, and Perez have given no indication that they can step-up and be a #2 starter. The season rests on those 4 guys, and if no one can, expect a worse than third place finish.

2.) Atlanta Braves

One of baseball's most well known managers is retiring after this season, and I know the Braves will not let Bobby Cox go home without a good run this season. The league will get to see Tommy Hanson for a full season and Jason Heyward, the highly regarded prospect starts the season in right field. Besides Hanson in the rotation, the Braves have Jair Jurrjens, Derek Lowe, and Tim Hudson. This staff along with perennial all start Chipper Jones and former all stars Troy Glaus and Nate McLouth in the lineup will have the Braves fighting with the Phillies and for a NL wild card birth. Biggest question: Can the Braves get Billy Wagner to return to his old form, or will the Wagner signing be a fail?

1.) Philadelphia Phillies
What is there really to say, but this team is the clear favorite in the division and the National League. The most feared lineup in the NL, with Howard, Utley, Rollins, and an all star outfield, the Phillies dont even need good pitching. Oh wait, they traded for Roy Halladay in the offseason too. If the Phils can get Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge to return to form, we will likely see this team back in the World Series for the third straight year.