MLB 2008: NL East

We wrap up with my favorite division in baseball, simply because it's my division. The NL East is once again one of the more intriguing divisions in the majors. The rivalry between the Mets and the Phillies has once again heated up and is making for great theater. Flying under the radar are the Braves, who I think are going to surprise a lot of people.

The New York Mets made the biggest acquisition in years this past off season, trading for Twins superstar Johan Santana. The Mets now boast one of the best rotations in the league, although it is not without questions. Santana should win 20 games, will almost definitely win 15, and will make a strong run for the NL Cy-Young. Pedro Martinez, if healthy, will make for one of the best #2 pitchers in the majors. But Pedro has been anything but healthy in recent years and has a history of not getting along with fellow superstar pitchers. John Maine and Oliver Perez had great years last year, but it is still up in the air whether they can be consistent. In three of his first six seasons, Perez has posted an ERA above 5.00. All indications are that Maine is going to be a great pitcher for years to come, but this is only his second full season and all too many second year players fall into the sophomore slump. All four of them could very well be dominate and healthy all year, but the track record for that is just not there.

That being said, the offense is going to be good. Carlos Beltran, David Wright, Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran make up an impressive and dangerous foursome. Ryan Church adds a serious power compliment and Moises Alou, if healthy, will 15 home runs and 65 RBIs. Not a bad lineup at all.

Their rivals right down the New Jersey Turnpike, the Philadelphia Phillies, had the most prolific offense in the NL last year. Led by NL MVP Jimmy Rollins, former NL MVP Ryan Howard, and potential 2008 NL MVP Chase Utley, the Phillies present a fearsome offense. Pat Burrell is always good for 30 home runs and 100 RBIs and Shane Victorino is always dangerous on the basepaths. The Phillies can hit, no doubt about it. Unfortunately, their pitching is not as strong.

The two guys at the top of the rotation, Brett Myers and Cole Hamels, are two really solid pitchers who can be, at times, lights out. Myers has had the best Spring Training of his career and All-Star Cole Hamels continues to improve from season to season. After that are Kyle Kendrick and Jamie Moyer. Kendrick had a really good season last year completely out of nowhere, but he is having a rough spring and could fall into the trap of the sophomore slump. Jamie Moyer is a solid and serviceable middle rotation guy. But he is also getting old and has a tendency to fall off as the season progresses. Then there is Adam Eaton. He was terrible last year and is having an equally bad spring and could be out of the 5th spot by May. New closer Brad Lidge is starting the season on the DL, which will put aging set up man/closer Flash Gordon in the spot temporarily. Lidge has been very shaky the past couple years and is going to have to prove himself this season.

Last year the Phillies did not pitch great, but the offense made up the difference. It's going to be hard to do that two years in a row, but certainly not out of the question. The offense could be that good.

The Nationals are going to surprise a lot of people this year. They have a brand new ballpark that looks to be a hitter's park, which will benefit the likes of Ryan Zimmerman, Austin Kearns, Nick Johnson, Lastings Milledge and Dmitri Young. They also have a pretty good pitching staff. Look for Rutgers grad Jonathan Bergmann to emerge as the ace before the year is out. They also boast one of the strongest bullpens in the majors. They aren't going to win the division, but they aren't the Nationals of old.

The Marlins are a young team in the midst of a rebuilding, but don't let their youth and inexperience fool you. Scott Olsen is the real thing. So is Sergio Mitre. With Miguel Cabrera gone, the Marlins are looking for an offensive leader to fill the void. Hanley Ramirez is one of the top 3 shortstops in the game, batting .332 with 125 runs scored and 51 stolen bases last year. He also posted 81 RBIs. Not bad for your leadoff man. Second baseman Dan Uggla led the current batch of fish with 31 home runs last year. Josh Willingham and Mike Jacobs are poised for breakout seasons and Luis Gonzalez adds a bit of winning experience to the youngest team in the majors. Like the Nationals, Florida is not going to win the division, but they are an up and coming good team.

That brings us to the Atlanta Braves, my pick to win the NL East Division. Not the trendy pick New York Mets; not my beloved Philadelphia Phillies. No one is talking about the Braves this spring, and that's just fine with them. If healthy, the Braves boast the best rotation in the East. gasp! Tim Hudson, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Mike Hampton and Chuck James. Four top tier veteran pitchers. The problem with this group is injuries. Smoltz is starting the season on the DL but only for the first few games. He is 40 years old now and injury is a serious risk factor now. Mike Hampton hasn't had a full season in years, including not playing at all last year. Nevertheless, when healthy, the Braves boast the most solid rotation in the league. No pitching rotation is without its some questions or risks and the Braves are no different. They just have a lot more upside than the other teams.

The Braves also boast an offense that compete with any team in the majors, and is better than most. Mark Teixeira, Chipper Jones, Jeff Francoeur, Brian McCann, Kelly Johnson and Matt Diaz. Chipper is still one of the best hitting third baseman in the majors, arguably the best in the NL. Mark Teixeira was the most significant acquisition during the season last year and is one of the best hitters in the NL. Brian McCann is one of the best hitting catchers in the majors. This is the most complete team in the NL.

That being said, the Braves will not win the Pennant. I had mulled this around for a while, but I just have no confidence in the Braves making it all the way through the playoffs. I barely have faith that they would make it out of the first round. I think that the Mets will win the NL Wild Card. The Phillies' pitching is way way too shaky and I think it will ultimately be their downfall. I pick Arizona to make it to the World Series over the Mets.

In the end, the Tigers will win the World Series over Arizona. The Braves have the most complete team in the NL, but are professional choke artists when it comes to the playoffs. The Mets pitching is shaky outside of Santana and Maine. Arizona's mighty one two punch of Webb and Haren put them in the best position to make it to the World Series.

Should be a great season.